Should Arc Raiders add a PvE mode?

Arc Raiders is a PvP-first extraction shooter. The Arc machines are simple, well-designed hazards meant to encourage PvP clashes or large-scale team-ups for loot, and the unique player interactions are one of the game's highlights. Without PvP tension, Arc Raiders grows thin quickly; running the map to collect random junk and gear that you'll then use to run the map again feels hollow.

Embark pivoted away from a fully PvE incarnation because the original version was "quite fun" only coming together once it was overhauled towards PvP. Adding a PvE-only matchmaking option creates problems for the loot economy: if players can earn the same items without risk, there's little incentive to choose the more dangerous mode.

Aggression-based matchmaking already gives less confrontational players a safer route, but not complete safety, and removing a class of players—prey—would weaken the push-and-pull that fuels tense matches. A fully fledged PvE raid is an appealing alternative.

arc raiders, pvp, pve, extraction shooter, arc machines, loot economy, matchmaking, embark, player interactions, pve raid