The PvE matchmaking test for ARC Raiders recorded more than 30 million matches between October 13 and 20, according to a report released by Embark Studios on Tuesday (20). Despite the significant participation, the developer has not yet decided whether the mode will be permanently incorporated into the game.
The experience allowed players to choose between the traditional PvPvE format, which combines combat against game-controlled enemies and other participants, and exclusively PvE servers, in which damage between players was disabled.
The change also brought balance adjustments, including lower-value rewards and access restrictions to certain map conditions. The goal was to assess how the alternative would affect both its participants and traditional matches.
Although the volume of matches provided a significant amount of data, the reception was considered polarized by Embark itself. Part of the community approved of the possibility of exploring and facing ARC machines without attacks from other players. Other participants criticized the loss of tension caused by the absence of PvP confrontations.
In an official statement, the studio acknowledged that it still needs to analyze the results before deciding the next steps. The team said it will prioritize the quality of the experience and the overall balance of the game, also considering the possible effects on traditional matchmaking.
The 30 million represent matches played, not unique players or positive reviews. Therefore, the number does not allow determining how many people approved of the mode.
Embark will begin sending a survey to a representative sample of players starting October 22, in addition to receiving comments through Discord. The studio hopes to release new information in November, but it has not set a date for the definitive decision on the return of PvE.
