Can you play ARC Raiders PvE-only after the October test?

Your group wants an evening against the machines. Someone sends an ARC Raiders clip, another friend notices co-op, and the buying decision appears settled. One question still needs an answer: does everyone want other players to be part of the danger?

As checked on October 23, 2026, ARC Raiders’ limited PvE matchmaking test has ended. Embark has not announced its final decision about that test. Its October 20 statement says the team expects to share more information in November. That is an expected update, not a confirmed launch date for a permanent PvE mode. Embark’s test conclusion

What was available during the test?

The test ran from October 13 to October 20, ending at 11:00 CEST. It offered a matchmaking toggle between the standard PvPvE experience and experimental PvE servers. The latter removed player-to-player damage, reduced overall loot value and excluded certain major map conditions. Original test details

That matters when you find an older video demonstrating the toggle. The video may accurately show what was available during those dates, while no longer describing what you can select today. Check the recording date and the latest official announcement before using it as a purchase guide.

Co-op does not settle the PvP question

The current official description includes both hostile machines and the threat of other Raiders. Cross-platform social play lets friends form a team; it does not turn the standard experience into a private outing for that team. Official game overview

Here is the conversation we would have before buying:

What your group wants	Our decision advice
Unpredictable encounters, including other people	Evaluate the current game on that basis. Ask whether everyone accepts the possibility of a disrupted extraction.
A dependable evening without hostile players	Wait for a confirmed mode that meets that requirement, rather than buying on the strength of the expired test.
A decision about the future PvE mode	Keep the decision open. November information may clarify the direction; it is not a promise of the outcome you want.

This is a fit question for the group. One person enjoying the uncertainty does not tell you how the other two will feel about spending their evening with it.

How many friends can join, and on which platforms?

ARC Raiders supports solo play or parties of up to three. A regular four-person group therefore needs a different plan before purchasing. Publisher’s Steam description

The official site lists PC through Steam and Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, plus GeForce NOW access. It advertises cross-platform social play across PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Platform selector

For friends using different platforms, Embark’s documented invitation route starts in the Social menu: add the other person’s Embark ID, wait for acceptance, then invite them to your party. Agree which account names to exchange before your planned start time. Friends and parties help

If crossplay matchmaking is unexpectedly restricted, check the party’s settings. Embark says the most restrictive player’s crossplay choice applies to the party. Matchmaking guidance

Check the full game before comparing editions

Steam separates the base game, Deluxe Edition and a Deluxe upgrade. Start by checking whether the product you are considering includes the game. An upgrade listing is a different starting point from a full-game purchase. Steam edition listings

Our recommendation is to settle the mode and squad-size questions first. An attractive discount cannot resolve a mismatch between the evening your friends want and the experience currently offered. Once the group agrees, compare the correct platform and region, then decide whether any edition extras matter to you.

What would change this answer?

A new official announcement confirming access to PvE matchmaking would require this guide to be updated. Until then, the useful distinction is simple: the October test happened, it ended, and its longer-term outcome is still pending.

For your group chat: “ARC Raiders supports a three-person squad. Are we all comfortable with the standard PvPvE experience, or should we wait for a confirmed PvE option?” Answer that before sending a checkout link.