Embark Studios has kicked off an experimental PvE beta for ARC Raiders. MP1st reports that Patch 2.1 introduces the PvE toggle beta with Update 1.000.064, and GamingBolt confirms this experimental mode is now live.
The timing is crucial. ARC Raiders currently boasts 105,950 players on Steam, roughly a year after its launch on October 30, 2025. This number exceeds the 103K peak mentioned in coverage of the 2.0 update earlier this month. So, the game is entering this experiment from a solid position.
Embark is calling this mode experimental, indicating it’s a test rather than a permanent feature. The studio is challenging a fundamental aspect of the extraction genre: the inherent risk of encountering other players during raids. With a toggle in place, players might soon have the option to choose their level of risk.
The reports provide the key details. They confirm the patch number, update number, and beta status. However, they don’t explain how the toggle functions, whether PvE progression will carry over to the main game, or what rewards the mode includes. Those specifics will determine the feature’s success.
This update comes on the heels of several content drops. Recent news covered the Frozen Trail event, which introduced Pendola Pass and offered a free-play window until October 12. The 2.0 update received praise as the “best update ever.” Now, Patch 2.1 shifts the focus from seasonal content to a more fundamental question about gameplay.
By The Numbers
| Update build | 1.000.064 (Patch 2.1) |
| Current Steam players | 105,950 |
| Steam reviews | 81% positive (255,886 reviews) |
| Current price | $19.99 on Steam |
| Release date | October 30, 2025 |
Community Pulse
Community sentiment around the PvE mode leans negative. Analysis of 10 tracked signals shows the overall sentiment is “mostly negative.” One negative Steam review states, “Adding a PvE mode would kill the game for good; why would I go out farming in PvP when I can farm safely in PvE?” This reviewer also mentions that a PvE mode would require a separate character with its own progression. That’s a concern to keep an eye on: players worry that a secure path to the same rewards will deplete the PvP population.
What To Watch
- Progression rules: Whether PvE uses a separate character and inventory or shares progression with PvP. This is a key point of contention in the feedback.
- Player count: Whether the number of concurrent players stays above the 103K level seen during the 2.0 update, or if the beta affects engagement positively or negatively.
- Review trend: Whether the 81% positive Steam score from 255,886 reviews changes as players share their thoughts on the toggle.
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is the Reviews and Guides Editor at Explosion.com. With a background in game design studies and 6 years of gaming journalism, Sarah brings technical insight to her reviews and creates comprehensive guides that help players get the most out of their games. She has reviewed over 200 titles across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms. Her current obsessions include FromSoftware titles and indie roguelikes.
