ARC Raiders is designed as a high-tension extraction shooter where players and AI machines share the same battlefield. The constant risk of running into other raiders is part of its identity. But not everyone wants nonstop PvP. Many players prefer to explore, fight machines, gather loot, and complete missions without being ambushed by human opponents.
If you’re trying to experience ARC Raiders in a more PvE-friendly way, this guide will show you what’s currently possible, what isn’t, and how to dramatically reduce the number of player encounters in your matches.
Is There a PvE-Only Mode in ARC Raiders?
Right now, ARC Raiders does not offer a true PvE mode. There are no private lobbies, offline raids, or PvE-only matchmaking options. Every raid includes both AI enemies and real players.
Embark Studios has acknowledged that many players are interested in PvE-focused gameplay, but as of now, the game is balanced around shared-world tension — the uncertainty of who might be nearby is part of the design.
That said, not all raids feel the same. Some matches are quiet and machine-heavy, while others are packed with player conflict. The key is learning how the matchmaking system works and using it to your advantage.
Why Some ARC Raiders Matches Feel Like PvE
Even though all lobbies are technically mixed, ARC Raiders uses dynamic matchmaking based on:
- Server region
- Time of day
- Active player count
- Skill brackets
- Group size
When fewer players are online, the game fills raids with fewer human raiders, which makes the experience feel much more like PvE.
This means that you can influence the kind of lobby you get, even without an official PvE option.
Play During Off-Peak Hours for Quieter Raids
One of the most reliable ways to get PvE-heavy lobbies is to play when fewer people are online.
The best times are:
- Late night
- Early morning
- Weekdays outside prime hours
During these periods, the game often has fewer players to match together, resulting in raids where machines are the primary threat.
Many players report that these sessions feel almost like PvE survival games, with only the occasional distant gunshot or passing raider.
Choose Low-Population Regions When Possible
If ARC Raiders allows region selection or automatically assigns based on location, you can use this to your advantage.
Regions with:
- Smaller player bases
- Fewer peak-time users
tend to produce calmer raids. Even small changes in region can reduce player density significantly.
Lower population means fewer squads, fewer ambushes, and more time to deal with machines and objectives.
Avoid PvP Hotspots on the Map
Not all areas of the map are equal. Some locations are magnets for players because they contain:
- Rare loot
- High-value machines
- Story objectives
- Guaranteed extraction routes
If you go there early, you are almost guaranteed to run into other players.
To keep things PvE-focused, avoid:
- Central hubs
- High-tier loot zones
- Early extraction points
- Mission-heavy areas
Instead, explore machine-dense but low-traffic zones, where AI enemies are plentiful but players rarely visit.
Why Playing Solo Is Better for PvE Runs
Squads attract attention. They move fast, make noise, and leave trails of destroyed machines. If you want PvE-style gameplay, solo play is often better.
Solo players:
- Are harder to detect
- Can move quietly
- Don’t trigger as much combat noise
- Can disengage more easily
You don’t have to win fights — you just have to survive.
By playing carefully and avoiding confrontation, solo players can clear machine zones, loot, and extract without ever seeing another raider.
Stealth Is the Most Powerful PvE Tool
In ARC Raiders, machines follow predictable patterns. Players do not.
Sound and visibility are the two things that attract other raiders. If you control those, you can turn the game into a near-PvE experience.
Stealth Tips
- Avoid sprinting unless necessary
- Use cover instead of open ground
- Fire single, controlled shots
- Let machines wander away before engaging
- Break line of sight after fights
You don’t need to be invisible — you just need to be uninteresting.
Loadouts That Support PvE-Focused Play
Your equipment determines how loud, noticeable, and aggressive your playstyle is.
If you want to avoid PvP, use gear that supports:
- Machine killing
- Mobility
- Survival
- Silence
PvE-Friendly Gear Choices
- Lower-noise weapons
- Tools for disabling machines
- Healing items
- Stamina boosters
- Lightweight armor
Avoid:
- High-explosive weapons
- Flashy gadgets
- Gear designed purely for PvP duels
The quieter you are, the fewer players you attract.
Learn Where Machines Spawn
Machine-heavy zones are your best friends.
These areas:
- Provide good loot
- Are risky for players to push
- Create natural noise cover
When machines are constantly active, players avoid staying too long because it’s dangerous and inefficient for PvP hunting.
By farming machine clusters, you get:
- PvE combat
- Resources
- Natural protection from player ambushes
Use Extraction Timing to Avoid Other Players
Extraction points are the most dangerous places on the map. Everyone eventually has to go there.
To reduce PvP:
- Do not rush to extract early
- Let other players leave first
- Wait until late in the match
Late extractions often have fewer players remaining, making them much safer for PvE-style runs.
Why PvE Players Love ARC Raiders
Even without a dedicated PvE mode, ARC Raiders offers something rare:
A living world where machines are the real enemy, and human players are just another unpredictable threat.
For PvE-focused players, the game becomes:
- A stealth survival experience
- A tactical machine-hunting game
- A high-risk, high-reward exploration adventure
With the right approach, ARC Raiders can feel more like a PvE survival game than a PvP shooter.
Will ARC Raiders Ever Get a PvE Mode?
Embark Studios has publicly acknowledged the demand for PvE-only experiences. While nothing has been confirmed, the strong interest suggests that:
- PvE playlists
- Private raids
- Or co-op-only modes
could arrive in the future.
Until then, the methods above are the best way to enjoy ARC Raiders without constant player conflict.
Final Thoughts
ARC Raiders does not currently support pure PvE lobbies — but that doesn’t mean you have to play like it’s a nonstop PvP warzone.
By choosing the right times, regions, routes, and loadouts, you can create a PvE-heavy experience that focuses on machines, exploration, and survival rather than player duels.
The game rewards patience, awareness, and smart planning — and with those skills, you can turn ARC Raiders into the PvE adventure many players are looking for.