I know I'm not alone in saying this – especially given the constant discourse about it in the Arc Raiders — but I've never really been a fan of PvP games. I've tried to enjoy it, I really do, but try as I might, I can't quite get to the point where I think it's a worthwhile way to spend my time. I also have no problem admitting I'm not good at it, and spending dozens of hours losing just to increase my skill by a minimal amount doesn't appeal to me in the slightest. But I'll also come right out and say that PvP belongs Arc Raidersdespite the frequent cries from fans for a PvE mode to be added to the game.
Here's the thing: when you remove PvP Arc Raidersit is no longer Arc Raiders. A PvE mode sounds like a good idea on paper, and would probably even be fun for a while — but it would be missing one of the game's most important components. Keep in mind this is coming from someone who usually can't stand PvP and still sees the need for it Arc Raiders.
Why Arc Raiders need PvP
Shortly after launch, I started seeing headlines and comments in forums revolving around the idea that Arc Raiders only needs a PvE mode — like this Reddit post by user Disastrous_Mud_8040. As someone who loves some good PvE games (and Arc Raiders really have), I see. But there's more than one reason why implementing a PvE-only mode wouldn't work in the game, and it starts with Arc Raiders' design.
First of all, if Embark really wanted to implement a PvE only mode in Arc Raidersit wouldn't be as simple as removing all enemy players from the mix. Because Arc Raiders is an online game, it would need to ensure that any progress made in a PvE-only mode would not carry over to PvP to keep things fair. It would be something of a completely separate game within a game, and there would need to be a clear dividing line between the two experiences. In other words, this wouldn't just be a matter of pressing a button – the entire game and progression loop would have to be reworked to accommodate PvE players.
Again, I won't deny that a PvE-only mode too Arc Raiders sounds fun, and I understand why there is such a demand for it. Even if it had a PvE only mode I can almost guarantee it would lose its spark very quickly. Arc Raiders thrives on tension, as all extraction shooters do, and leaving that tension in the hands of its semi-predictable AI would make it fleeting at best. After spending a decent amount of time in a PvE only mode, that part of the community would probably complain about how boring Arc Raiders is, which brings me to my point.
The reason PvP is so challenging for those who prefer PvE is that players are much less predictable than the enemy AI, but that's exactly what makes it an important part of Arc Raiders experience. Yes, enemy AI in Arc Raiders is superbly designed, and it can throw even the most experienced players for a loop — because it actually behaves intelligently, unlike bots in most games. However, it is still much easier to deal with than an enemy player with no definite patrol route or predictable movement. I would argue that when PvP is removed from the game, most of its excitement goes with it. And what those pining for that PvE-only mode might not consider is just how much Arc Raiders depends on that voltage.
What Arc Raiders PvP adds that its PvE cannot:
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Unpredictable encounters that shape every raid.
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Higher stakes that drive careful decision making.
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Dynamic pacing that AI alone cannot maintain.
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Memorable moments created by real gamer behavior.
Arc Raiders has gotten great scores (with one of those scores being an unabashed 10/10 from myself for Game Rant), but there's a reason it's doing so well. Each of its elements has contributed to these scores, and PvP is a much more significant contributor than some might think. If you are one of those who want to play Arc Raiders without PvP, I tell you for sure you wouldn't enjoy it very long. If it is Arc Raiders is too difficult with PvP, take advantage of its risk-free Free Loadout system. Do what it takes to appreciate the PvP aspect of this game, because it is truly a valuable and necessary part of it.
- Released
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30 October 2025
- ESRB
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Teen/violence, blood
