Five Blueprints Per Run? ARC Raiders Cold Snap Blueprints Farming Route Explained

ARC Raiders has sold more than 17 million copies worldwide, Nexon confirmed in its third-quarter 2026 financial results on November 10. The milestone comes just over a year after Embark Studios launched the extraction shooter on October 30, 2025. But there is another part of the announcement worth watching: after October's Frozen Trail update brought back former players and attracted new buyers, sales and in-game activity have started to normalize.

That is not the same as saying the game is in trouble. Nexon still sees room to grow the community, but the launch-period rush is over. Now Embark has to give players reasons to keep coming back between major updates.

Two issues stand out heading into the rest of November: the studio's next gameplay update and its decision on whether PvE matchmaking deserves a permanent place in ARC Raiders.

Nexon Confirms 17 Million Sales as Growth Normalizes

The latest sales figure came directly from Nexon's Q3 results. The publisher said ARC Raiders had passed 17 million units sold and highlighted Frozen Trail as a major contributor to the game's first-year performance.

During the November 10 earnings call, Executive Chairman Patrick Söderlund addressed the change in momentum. He said the October update had received a strong response, but both in-game activity and unit sales had gradually normalized afterward. Nexon remains committed to supporting the game with content, community events, and promotions.

That is a more useful description than calling the slowdown a collapse. A major update can bring back players who have been away, attract new buyers, and temporarily lift activity. Once players have explored the new content, the game has to keep earning their time.

Nexon's Q4 guidance also deserves attention. For ARC Raiders specifically, the company expects revenue to decline year over year compared with the game's launch quarter in 2025, while remaining broadly flat sequentially from Q3 2026.

Nexon attributed the expected sequential change partly to lower revenue per unit from promotional discounts, less revenue being recognized from earlier deferrals, and more revenue being deferred into future periods. Additional unit sales, the Premium Reward Pass, and the Collector Set DLC package are expected to contribute during Q4.

So the financial picture is not simply that fewer people are buying the game. Revenue timing, discounts, and additional in-game purchases all affect the comparison. Nexon has not released a current active-player count for ARC Raiders in this announcement, so the sales figure alone cannot tell us how many people are playing regularly.

Frozen Trail Was More Than a Cosmetic Update

Released on October 8, Frozen Trail was described by Embark as its biggest update since launch. It gave returning players a substantial amount of new content to explore rather than just another round of store items.

The update introduced Pendola Pass, new map conditions, three ARC enemies, two weapons, amplified weapons, a revamped skill tree, and the Outpost with its Research Bench. It also added new items, 22 quests, and the Reward Pass system.

The Outpost and Research Bench are particularly relevant to players working through progression. They give collected resources a more direct purpose, while the revamped skill tree offers more meaningful choices for different playstyles.

Nexon specifically credited Frozen Trail with bringing back lapsed players and attracting new buyers. That is an encouraging result for a premium extraction shooter, where new players must purchase the game before they can experience its raids and progression systems.

But a large update only creates an opportunity. Once players have explored Pendola Pass, completed available quests, and worked through the new progression systems, Embark needs to keep the experience worthwhile. Balance changes, bug fixes, matchmaking, and new reasons to use collected materials will matter between major releases.

ARC Raiders PvE Test: Almost Half of the Rounds Used PvE Servers

The PvE question has become more interesting following a November 3 interview with Söderlund and executive producer Aleksander Grøndal published by The Game Business.

Embark's limited PvE matchmaking test ran from October 13 to October 20. Players could choose between the traditional PvPvE experience and a separate mode focused on fighting ARC enemies alongside other Raiders, without player-to-player damage.

When the test ended, Embark confirmed that more than 30 million PvE rounds had been played. The studio described the initial response as polarizing and said it needed time to review the data and player feedback before deciding what to do next. It promised further information in November.

The later interview provided another important detail. Grøndal said almost 50% of the rounds played during the test took place on PvE servers. That figure came from the developer's interview comments, not from the October 20 test-summary announcement.

It is a significant result because it shows that players did more than simply express interest in PvE. A substantial share of the test's actual rounds took place in that mode.

However, the feedback was not unanimous. Grøndal explained that some players who had originally requested PvE changed their minds after trying it, while others loved the experience. The challenge is finding a way to support both groups without weakening what makes the original PvPvE mode distinctive.

Söderlund also acknowledged that Embark could technically add PvE, but the studio had previously been cautious about changing the game's central experience. He said the team now has a large enough audience that it cannot simply ignore players who prefer a different version of ARC Raiders.

That is a notable shift in tone, but it is not a permanent-mode announcement.

Embark still has to consider matchmaking populations, queue times, loot balance, and the effect of separate modes on the wider game economy. During the original test, PvE sessions had lower overall loot value to account for the safer experience.

As of November 11, 2026, a permanent ARC Raiders PvE mode has not been confirmed. The near-50% figure makes the test harder to dismiss, but it does not guarantee that the same toggle will return unchanged.

For players searching for an ARC Raiders PvE release date, there is still no confirmed date to report.

When Is the Next ARC Raiders Update?

Embark has returned to a more predictable schedule after the busy period surrounding Frozen Trail.

In its October 27 Live Update 2.3.0 announcement, the studio said it would return to gameplay fixes every three weeks, while store updates would continue weekly.

The November 3 Store Update 2.4.0 and November 10 Store Update 2.5.0 followed that weekly store schedule. The latest store update added two Vanguard Set color variants: Orange and Black/White. Embark confirmed that no restart was required.

Based on the three-week interval after October 27, November 17 is a reasonable date to watch for the next gameplay update. However, Embark has not officially confirmed that date. Players should treat it as an estimate, not an announced release.

There is also an important difference between a store refresh and a gameplay patch. Update 2.5.0 adds cosmetic options, but it does not introduce a new map, weapon, mission, or progression system.

For players waiting on actual gameplay changes, the next full update matters more than the latest outfit rotation.

Embark Plans at Least Two Major Updates Per Year

Nexon has also clarified how Embark intends to support ARC Raiders over the longer term.

During the Q3 earnings call, Söderlund said the studio believes two high-quality major updates per year are a suitable pace for maintaining its core audience and attracting new buyers. He confirmed that Embark is committed to delivering at least two major updates annually.

That does not mean the game will receive only two updates a year. Smaller gameplay fixes, store refreshes, events, and promotions will continue between major releases.

If the studio maintains roughly six months between major expansions, April 2027 could be a period to watch after Frozen Trail's October release. That is an estimate based on the announced cadence, not an official release window. Embark has not announced the name, content, or date of its next major expansion.

For players, the important part is what happens in between. Regular fixes need to keep raids enjoyable, progression worthwhile, and different playstyles supported. The PvE decision could become one of the biggest tests of that approach.

What 17 Million Sales Means for ARC Raiders Players

The 17-million milestone confirms that ARC Raiders has built a substantial audience in its first year. The normalization Nexon described is not, by itself, evidence that the game is being abandoned or that its player base is collapsing.

But it does put more weight on Embark's next decisions.

Players need reasons to return after completing Frozen Trail's content. That means meaningful updates, a reliable maintenance schedule, and a clear answer about how the studio plans to handle the PvE audience without losing the tension of PvPvE raids.

For active Raiders, the everyday priorities have not changed. Outpost research, Reward Pass progress, crafting materials, and loadout choices still shape each expedition. Weapons, ammunition, healing supplies, and other ARC Raiders Items are worth considering in terms of what a player actually needs for the next run, rather than simply filling the stash with equipment that may never be used.

The November store update offers more cosmetic choices, but it does not change those core gameplay priorities.

Seventeen million copies sold is a strong first-year result. The next challenge is keeping the people who bought the game interested after the excitement of a major update fades.

The next gameplay patch is worth watching. But the announcement many Raiders are waiting for is Embark's promised PvE follow-up. With almost half of the test rounds reportedly taking place on PvE servers, the studio now has a clearer reason to explain what comes next.

Differential Microphone is one of the rarer crafting materials introduced in ARC Raiders Frozen Trail update, and an essential item for any player looking to maximize their research station's potential.

Unlike regular recyclables, this rare component doesn't drop from defeated ARC enemies and cannot be crafted at a crafting table. You must carefully search high-value areas on specific maps to find them.

This guide details the spawn locations of Differential Microphone in ARC Raiders, the most efficient search routes, and how to properly store your item before evacuating.

Map and Zone Restrictions

The most crucial information is that Differential Microphone only appears on Pendola Pass map. You cannot find it on other older maps in the game.

Furthermore, it belongs to Technological and Electrical category, meaning you should prioritize searching industrial, commercial, and research buildings over residential or military camps. Also, note that it's a rare item, so even in the correct areas, its spawn rate is low, requiring patience from players.

Because Pendola Pass uses dynamic loot zones, the density of high-value items changes with each raid. Before you set off, open your map and look for yellow (medium) or red (high) loot value markers. Carefully search these marked areas when planning your route; this will significantly increase your chances of finding a Differential Microphone.

Best Loot Spawn Points

While loot in ARC Raiders spawns randomly, community testing and data mining suggest that Differential Microphone spawn rate is highest in the following specific locations:

Cielo Sereno Observatory

If you want the highest microphone spawn rate in a single raid, head to the kitchen and dining area in the upper left corner of Observatory. Testing has shown that up to three microphones can spawn there, and you'll find at least one in most cases.

This room is filled with searchable containers, including kitchen countertops, drawers, lockers, and a sofa. Don't assume the room is empty just because there are open containers; previous visitors may have rushed through and missed the surface loot.

If you have a Grappling Hook or Snap Hook, you can bypass the main staircase and ARC patrol on the first floor to quickly reach this room.

Almatera Station: Shelf Room and Train Cars

The second floor of Almatera Station is also an excellent target for looting Differential Microphones. Enter through the main entrance, take the escalator up, and find the room on the top floor filled with metal storage shelves. Carefully examine each shelf, including the bottom shelf, as microphones usually appear as scattered loot rather than in containers.

Additionally, microphones can sometimes be found on the tables or seats in the passenger cars parked on the tracks below the station. These cars account for about 10% of all known Differential Microphone spawn points on the map, so it's worth checking them out if the shelf room has already been looted.

Commissary Supermarket

This place has a lot of loot. Since the supermarket is in the commercial area, its item drop types match the target items, and the searchable surface density within the supermarket is extremely high, making it a reliable alternative location if the observatory has been looted by other players.

Remember to focus your search on store shelves, checkout counters, and the areas behind them.

Other Viable Areas

• Freight Terminal: Check the consoles, tables, and control panels.
• Railyard: This is a relatively compact area with dozens of containers and lockers. While the quality of items spawning may be lower, there's a chance of finding a Microphone.
• Storm Huts: If a Flash Freeze event occurs, the nearest Storm Huts sometimes contain high-tier loot, including Differential Microphone.

Preparation and Loadout Recommendations

Before queuing to enter ARC Raiders Pendola Pass Map, make sure you have unlocked Outpost, as this is required to access Research Station. Microphone is essential for upgrading Research Station.

Regarding equipment, choose weapons and armor that you're comfortable using, but equipping a Snap Hook or Grappling Hook is highly recommended for Observatory route. If you don't currently have these, you can buy ARC Raiders Items, and we'll provide support as quickly as possible.

Snap Hook has an effective range of 18 meters and consumes 4% durability per use, making it a reliable mobility tool for quickly reaching kitchen windows or navigating around the main staircase. Grappling Hook is more versatile, as it can be thrown and fixed to most surfaces.

Additionally, if you have an upgrade with a Safe Pocket, equip it before evacuating. This is the most important preparatory step in protecting the items you find.

Item Preservation and Use

After picking up a Differential Microphone, immediately place it in your Safe Pocket. Safe Pocket protects items from loss upon death, meaning the microphone will remain in your inventory even if you die during an evacuation. Because it is a rare item, you may need to attempt to collect a sufficient number.

You need a total of three Differential Microphones to upgrade Research Station to Level 3. Additionally, the upgrade requires 3 Exodus Technical Handbooks and 6 Bully Fragmenters.

Bully Fragmenters are dropped by Bully ARC enemies and are recommended to be collected alongside Microphones.

After you complete the upgrade, any extra microphones can be recycled on the workbench, safely converted into Speaker Components, or sold for coins, depending on which resource you're currently lacking.

That concludes the guide on how to obtain and use Differential Microphone in ARC Raiders. Finding it quickly requires patience, careful route planning, and a bit of luck. After reading this article, you should have a clearer understanding of Microphone. If you need it, go and farm it!

After more than 20 attempts, one ARC Raiders player is close to giving up on the Frigate altogether.

In a Reddit post, u/slimeyellow describes getting nowhere with the puzzle despite repeatedly trying to make progress. The bigger frustration isn't the ARC machines or the encounter's difficulty. It's the other Raiders. Players who initially seem friendly sometimes turn hostile, others ignore the ARC defenders, and downed teammates often have nobody nearby carrying a Defibrillator.

Bringing a good loadout has started to feel like a gamble. You can spend the raid fighting machines and helping strangers, only to get shot in the back when you're distracted or weakened.

It's one player's experience, not proof that every Frigate lobby is hostile. But similar complaints have appeared in other community discussions. Players describe strangers rushing for containers, ignoring the main objective, and leaving before the group has a chance to finish the encounter.

The Frigate is supposed to be a major cooperative challenge. In public lobbies, getting people to agree on what they're actually there to do can be harder than fighting the machines.

Why the Frigate Puzzle Falls Apart With Random Teammates

Introduced with the Frozen Trail update on October 8, the Frigate is a large airborne ARC vessel that appears as a map condition. Raiders board it using Reclaimer drones, then work through its interior while dealing with ARC defenses and progressing toward the cargo.

The problem is that several parts of the route reward coordination rather than individual skill.

The central lift requires players to operate controls at different positions. Further inside, the Power Core sequence uses multiple activation panels that need to be handled together before Raiders can expose and destroy the cores. The team also has to deal with enemies and environmental hazards along the way.

That makes a disorganized group particularly vulnerable.

Imagine two Raiders trying to activate a section of the puzzle while the rest of the lobby searches containers or waits somewhere safer. The players handling the objective have fewer people available to cover them. They take more incoming damage, spend more ammunition, and may have to stop progressing just to survive.

A coordinated group can divide those responsibilities. A random lobby may never establish them in the first place.

And unlike a normal fight where players can simply separate and pursue different targets, the Frigate's progression depends on getting through specific stages. One person wandering off can slow everyone else down.

Why Some Players Loot the Frigate and Leave

There is a practical reason some Raiders don't bother completing the full puzzle: they can find valuable materials without reaching the final cargo.

The Frigate contains Breach & Search containers along its hull and interior sections. These can provide materials such as Frigate Inductors and Amplification Modules. A player looking for a specific upgrade material may be able to get what they need from an accessible container and extract without completing the entire sequence.

That changes the incentives inside a public lobby.

A Raider who needs a Frigate Inductor for Research Station progression may care more about searching the available containers than helping destroy every Power Core. Someone else may be trying to reach the Cargo Pod. A third player may simply want to survive with whatever they've already collected.

All three approaches make sense from an individual extraction perspective. They don't necessarily work together.

The problem is especially clear when players rush the same containers. By the time someone decides to help with the objective, the nearby loot may already be gone. Others may have extracted, leaving the remaining Raiders to fight through the ship with fewer people.

This is why some players describe the Frigate as a loot race rather than a cooperative event. The encounter asks for teamwork, but players can still make progress toward their own goals without committing to the full clear.

Where to Find Frigate Inductors Without Completing the Puzzle

For players who mainly want the Frigate Inductor, understanding the container locations can save a lot of time.

Frigate Inductors are found in Breach & Search containers aboard the Frigate. Look for the round breachable hatches built into the exterior hull and accessible sections of the ship. The item is not guaranteed in every container, so you may need to search several.

The important point is that you don't have to finish the Power Core sequence or release the Cargo Pod just to obtain one.

A practical approach is:

1. Board the Frigate using a Reclaimer drone.

2. Check the accessible outer walkways and hull hatches.

3. Breach and search the containers you can reach safely.

4. Check your inventory when you find a Frigate Inductor.

5. Move it into your Safe Pocket before continuing, if you have room.

6. Extract rather than risking the item in a fight you don't need to take.

The Frigate Inductor is a Legendary Topside Material used for the Research Station Level 4 upgrade. It is therefore worth prioritizing if you're still working toward that progression milestone.

Other useful materials, including Amplification Modules, can also appear in Frigate containers. Just remember that container contents are not guaranteed. Finding an Inductor on one run doesn't mean the same hatch will contain another on your next attempt.

For players who only need the material, this focused loot route can be more practical than depending on strangers to complete the entire event.

Is Bringing an Expensive Frigate Loadout Worth It?

This is where the encounter becomes particularly frustrating for Raiders who want to complete the full objective.

A serious attempt can consume a lot of ammunition and healing supplies. Tough ARC enemies require sustained fire, and players who push deeper into the ship need enough resources to survive the next section. Weapons suited to fighting armored ARC, along with useful defensive equipment, can make the difference between steady progress and a failed run.

But a strong loadout cannot compensate for a group that refuses to cooperate.

If you're the only person fighting ARC while everyone else searches containers, you'll carry more of the combat burden. If you go down, there may be nobody prepared to revive you. And if a supposedly friendly Raider turns hostile, the equipment you brought for the encounter becomes another potential loss.

That's why some players have started using cheaper loadouts for public Frigate runs. Losing an inexpensive setup is easier to accept than losing a valuable weapon, ammunition, shields, and medical supplies in a lobby that never had a realistic chance of finishing the puzzle.

It also creates a frustrating cycle: players bring less equipment because they don't trust the lobby, but the encounter becomes harder when fewer Raiders are prepared to fight.

For anyone restocking after repeated failed attempts, the cost of replacing weapons and supplies becomes part of the decision. Searches for ARC Raiders Items and replacement gear are not just about progression; they are also about deciding how much another risky run is worth.

Can You Complete the Frigate With Random Teammates?

Yes. Random matchmaking doesn't make a successful run impossible.

One player described finally completing the Frigate after a long series of failed attempts. A random teammate helped explain the puzzle, several other Raiders joined the fight, and the group managed to release the Cargo Pod. The player even described the final extraction as one of their most enjoyable experiences in a game.

That story is a useful counterpoint to the complaints. Some public lobbies do come together, and a few people willing to communicate can make a significant difference.

If you're trying to complete the full encounter with strangers, a few habits can improve your chances:

• Communicate early. Use proximity chat to explain which objective you're attempting and ask for help with specific controls.

• Bring a Defibrillator. Don't assume someone else will have revive equipment when a teammate goes down.

• Carry enough ammunition and healing supplies. The ship can turn into a prolonged fight when ARC enemies aren't dealt with quickly.

• Avoid your most expensive loadout while learning. Get familiar with the route before risking equipment you can't easily replace.

• Watch what the group is doing. If everyone is rushing containers and nobody is progressing the puzzle, adjust your expectations before committing more resources.

If you're mainly after an Inductor, you may not need to commit to the full objective at all. If you want the Cargo Pod, however, a premade group or a public lobby with clear communication is a much better starting point.

What Update 2.3.0 Changed on the Frigate

Embark made several Frigate-specific changes in Live Update 2.3.0 on October 27.

The update added visual hatches to make puzzle progress easier to read. It also introduced clearer audio cues around Power Core vents and hatches, helping players recognize progression, completion, and destruction states.

There were other changes too:

• Raiders can now ping the Frigate from long range as it enters the area.

• Loot distribution was adjusted so areas farther inside have a higher chance of higher-tier rewards.

• The cargo gate was updated.

• Collision issues that allowed players to enter or hide inside parts of the ship were fixed.

• Memory usage was reduced, and stability was improved to lower the chance of crashes while exploring the cargo hold with larger groups.

The loot adjustment is particularly relevant to the cooperation problem. If players have a better reason to push deeper into the ship, the full encounter becomes more attractive than simply searching the first containers and leaving.

Clearer puzzle feedback also makes it easier for unfamiliar teammates to understand what is happening.

Still, these are gameplay and technical improvements, not a guarantee that public lobbies will become more cooperative. Players can still disagree about whether to fight, loot, revive, or extract.

Is the Frigate Still Worth Running?

For players who enjoy large group encounters, the Frigate remains an interesting challenge. When strangers communicate and work through the puzzle together, the result can be genuinely rewarding.

But if you're repeatedly losing expensive gear because teammates won't help, there's no reason to treat every run as an obligation to complete the entire ship.

Need a Frigate Inductor? Search the breachable containers and secure the material before taking unnecessary risks. Want the Cargo Pod? Bring friends when possible, communicate early, and make sure the group has enough equipment to survive the deeper sections.

The Frigate isn't impossible with random teammates. It simply asks for more cooperation than public matchmaking can reliably provide.

And until more Raiders decide that finishing the puzzle is worth their time, some runs will continue to end with a few empty containers, a depleted loadout, and an unfinished objective.

The PvE toggle is gone, but the debate around it is far from over.

ARC Raiders ran a limited PvE matchmaking test from October 13 to October 20, giving players a chance to fight ARC machines without having to worry about other Raiders attacking them. The experiment attracted more than 30 million PvE rounds, according to Embark Studios. That is a substantial amount of activity, but it does not automatically mean a permanent PvE mode is on the way.

Embark has since confirmed that it is reviewing the results and player feedback. In a recent interview, executive producer Aleksander Grøndal outlined three possible directions: a relaxed side mode, a more demanding PvE challenge, or a full PvE experience.

Those options sound quite different from one another. More importantly, each would change how the studio develops and supports the game. The question is no longer simply whether players want PvE. Embark needs to work out what kind of PvE belongs in ARC Raiders without taking away what makes its existing PvPvE raids worth playing.

More Than 30 Million PvE Rounds, but What Did the Test Actually Prove?

The October test gave Embark a much larger pool of gameplay data than a simple community poll could provide. Players could choose between the familiar PvPvE experience and a separate PvE matchmaking option, then return to standard raids whenever they wanted.

By the time the test ended on October 20, players had completed more than 30 million PvE rounds. Embark described the response as polarizing, however, and said it needed time to study both the numbers and the feedback before deciding what to do next. The studio also planned to send a survey to a representative sample of players beginning October 22.

There is an important distinction here: 30 million rounds does not mean 30 million individual players. It shows how frequently the mode was played, not how many unique people tried it or how many want it to become permanent.

That difference matters because participation alone cannot explain why people chose PvE. Some Raiders may have used it to complete quests, explore maps, collect resources or play with friends without the threat of hostile players. Others may have tried it out of curiosity before returning to PvPvE.

Embark needs to understand those different motivations. A mode that players enjoy occasionally between tense raids may need a very different design from one that a large group expects to play as their main experience.

Why Is Embark Considering a Permanent PvE Mode?

The interest in PvE did not appear out of nowhere. In its September announcement, Embark shared data showing that the ARC Raiders community includes several distinct playstyles.

Embark also reported that more than 70% of friendly players and 40% of PvP players wanted fewer hostile encounters. In the same announcement, 51% of the surveyed playerbase expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option.

These figures help explain why the studio decided to test a separate matchmaking option. Not everyone enters the Rust Belt for the same reason. Some players enjoy the uncertainty of meeting another Raider and deciding whether to cooperate or fight. Others would rather focus on ARC threats, scavenging and playing alongside friends.

That diversity is particularly interesting given the game's development history. Embark originally envisioned ARC Raiders as a cooperative PvE looter with raid-based gameplay. The studio eventually changed direction and rebuilt the concept around the high-tension PvPvE extraction experience that players know today.

The recent test does not mean Embark is reversing that decision. It does show that the studio is willing to consider whether the game can support more than one way to play.

What Changed During the October PvE Test?

For players who missed the event, the PvE toggle was more than a setting that simply made other Raiders friendly. Embark adjusted several parts of matchmaking and gameplay to make the separate experience work.

Here are the main changes:

The last point is worth highlighting. PvE did not mean that Raiders could ignore the machines around them. After being downed, players received an eight-second grace period. Once that period ended, moving could cause ARC enemies to reacquire them as targets. Staying still was the safer option under the test rules.

Embark also made clear that the experiment was not designed to introduce a harder PvE progression system or test a completely new approach to quests. It was primarily an alternative to hostile encounters, allowing players to scavenge, explore and complete quests with less risk from other Raiders.

That distinction is important when considering what a permanent version might look like. The October setup was a limited experiment, not necessarily a preview of the final mode.

The Three PvE Directions Embark Is Considering

In an interview with MP1st, executive producer Aleksander Grøndal described three possibilities the studio is discussing. He did not announce a final plan or confirm that any of these options will be added. Instead, they represent different ways Embark could respond to what it learned from the test.

1. A Relaxed Side Mode Between PvPvE Raids

The first possibility is a more casual PvE option that players can enter between intense PvPvE sessions.

This would be the closest continuation of the October test. Raiders could spend time exploring, collecting materials, working through quests or playing with friends without having to anticipate attacks from other players.

Its appeal is easy to understand. Extraction shooters can be demanding, particularly when a player has valuable equipment or resources to lose. A less hostile alternative could give players more control over how much pressure they want in a particular session.

The challenge would be making sure this option complements the main game rather than becoming the obvious choice for every activity that involves collecting valuable resources.

2. A PvE Challenge Mode Focused on ARC Enemies

The second direction is almost the opposite. Rather than making PvE a more relaxed experience, Embark could create a mode where players test their skills against AI opponents.

This would give the ARC threat a more central role. Instead of treating machines primarily as environmental dangers during a raid, the mode could put more emphasis on surviving and overcoming them.

However, this would require more than simply disabling player damage. Enemy difficulty, encounter design and the rewards for completing challenges would all need careful consideration.

Embark has not confirmed new bosses, special missions or additional progression systems for such a mode. Those are possible design questions, not announced features.

3. A Full PvE-Only Experience

The third option is the biggest change: a dedicated PvE experience rather than a secondary mode alongside the existing extraction gameplay.

This could appeal to players who enjoy the world, equipment, quests and cooperative combat but have little interest in fighting other Raiders. It would also give Embark more room to shape the experience around PvE from the beginning.

But a full PvE experience would raise the largest development questions. It would need a clear identity of its own, and the studio would have to decide how its content, rewards and progression relate to the existing PvPvE game.

Grøndal specifically noted that all three possibilities would have different implications for how future game updates are built. That makes this more than a matchmaking decision.

Why Can't Embark Just Make PvE Permanent?

The October test showed that a separate PvE queue can attract substantial activity. It did not answer every question needed to support that option over the long term.

Three issues stand out.

Matchmaking and queue times

Splitting players between PvE and PvPvE can affect how quickly each mode fills a lobby. This may be less noticeable in busy regions and peak hours, but low-population regions and quieter periods could be more vulnerable.

Embark already identified matchmaking times and the quality of PvPvE sessions as things it would monitor during the test. If a permanent mode reduces the number of available players in standard raids, the studio will need to decide how to prevent that from damaging the existing experience.

The balance between risk and rewards

PvPvE is built around uncertainty. Another Raider can become a threat, an unexpected encounter can change a raid, and extracting with valuable equipment is part of the appeal.

A PvE mode removes one major source of danger, but that also changes how much risk players face when collecting loot. If both modes offered identical rewards, players might have little reason to accept the additional danger of PvPvE. If PvE rewards were reduced too heavily, however, players who prefer cooperative gameplay could feel that their time was worth less.

Embark already addressed this during the test by lowering overall loot value in PvE sessions and giving PvPvE sessions slightly higher baseline loot values. The studio also explained that friendly players and PvE sessions had higher extraction rates and more value earned.

The future content pipeline

This may be the most complicated issue of all.

A relaxed side mode could potentially share much of the existing game's content. A dedicated challenge mode might require more attention to enemy encounters and difficulty. A full PvE experience could demand a much broader approach to missions, progression and updates.

The more distinct the two experiences become, the harder it may be to maintain both without stretching development resources. Grøndal's comments make clear that Embark wants to understand what players actually need before committing to a particular direction.

Could Permanent PvE Change ARC Raiders Items and Loot?

For players interested in collecting equipment, completing quests and improving their loadouts, the loot question is just as important as the matchmaking decision.

During the October test, Embark reduced overall loot value in PvE sessions to account for the relative safety of playing without hostile Raiders. PvPvE sessions received slightly higher baseline loot values to reflect the different extraction rates and value earned across the two experiences.

That approach makes sense as a starting point. If players can gather resources without worrying about other Raiders, the rewards may need to reflect the lower level of risk.

But a permanent mode could require a more detailed system. Embark would need to consider whether the same loot tables should apply to both modes, whether certain activities should offer different rewards, and how players move between PvE and PvPvE without creating an imbalance.

This matters for the long-term value of ARC Raiders Items and the overall progression economy. Players who prefer PvE should still have meaningful reasons to explore and collect equipment, while PvPvE players should not feel that the risk of hostile encounters is being rewarded less generously.

For now, there is no confirmed announcement of permanent loot changes, separate item pools or a new progression system. The October test's reward adjustments should not be treated as proof of what a future version will use.

When Will ARC Raiders PvE Return?

There is currently no confirmed date for the return of the PvE toggle, and Embark has not announced that a permanent PvE mode is coming.

The studio said on October 20 that it needed time to review the test data and player feedback. It also confirmed that the response had been polarizing and that its decision would prioritize the overall health and enjoyability of the game. Embark expected to provide further information in November 2026.

That November update should be understood as an expected follow-up, not a confirmed release window. Even if Embark decides to bring PvE back, the final version could look very different from the October experiment.

For now, Raiders should not assume that the old toggle will simply return with the same rules and rewards.

ARC Raiders PvE Mode: Frequently Asked Questions

Does ARC Raiders have a permanent PvE mode?

No. The limited PvE matchmaking test ran from October 13 to October 20, 2026, and the toggle was removed when the test ended. Embark has not confirmed a permanent PvE mode.

How many rounds were played during the ARC Raiders PvE test?

Embark reported that players completed more than 30 million PvE rounds during the test. This figure refers to rounds played, not 30 million unique players.

Is ARC Raiders getting a permanent PvE mode?

It is being considered, but no final decision has been announced. Embark is reviewing player feedback and gameplay data before deciding what comes next.

What are the three PvE modes Embark is considering?

Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal discussed three possible directions: a relaxed side mode between PvPvE raids, a challenge mode focused on fighting AI enemies, and a full PvE-only experience. These are options under consideration, not confirmed features.

Did the PvE test affect PvPvE matchmaking rating?

No. Embark stated that playing PvE sessions would not affect a player's PvPvE matchmaking rating during the test.

Was loot reduced in ARC Raiders PvE?

Yes. Embark lowered overall loot value in PvE sessions to account for the relative safety of the mode. PvPvE sessions received slightly higher baseline loot values during the test.

When will Embark announce its PvE decision?

Embark said it expected to share further information in November 2026. It has not confirmed an exact announcement date or a date for the return of PvE.

The Next Decision Could Shape ARC Raiders' Future

The October experiment gave Embark something it could not get from player discussions alone: a large amount of real gameplay data from a separate PvE matchmaking option. More than 30 million rounds show that players were willing to spend time in the mode, but the studio still has to understand what they wanted from it and how it affected the rest of the game.

A relaxed side mode, an AI-focused challenge and a full PvE experience would each serve a different audience. Choosing between them is not simply a matter of adding another toggle. It means deciding how much space PvE should occupy in a game whose identity was built around the tension between Raiders and the ARC threat.

For now, the PvE toggle remains unavailable. The next meaningful update will be what Embark says after reviewing the results, and whether it can find a way to support different playstyles without weakening the experience that brought Raiders to the Rust Belt in the first place.

ARC Raiders Live Update 2.3.0 is now live, and its tone is noticeably different from previous updates. While it includes shield enhancements and loot adjustments, the most striking feature is the awe-inspiring new player project - Souls Offering - dedicated to those raiders who will never return from the surface.

In addition, the developers have taken this opportunity to adjust the development schedule, no longer including fixes in weekly updates, but returning to a three-week patch cycle, while the in-game store will continue to rotate weekly.

This article will provide a complete analysis of ARC Raiders Live Update 2.3.0, helping you better enjoy the game.

New Player Project - Souls Offering

The four districts of Toledo rarely agree, but they share a common tragic fate: the losses they suffered on the surface. As the brutal tale of Pendola Pass spread through taverns, Celeste called upon the residents of Speranza to pause and remember the dead - not as cold numbers, but as living individuals who left their mark on ARC onslaught.

The project invited players to contribute unique offerings. Using ARC Raiders items such as Dead Flowers, Rock Salt, ARC Alloy, Advanced Powercells, and Remote Raider Flares, players crafted offerings for Vaulto, Ferrovia, and Murteta districts, culminating in fireworks over Santa Maria Houses.

Players who completed the project before November 16th deadline received a Legendary Display table blueprint - a fitting memento for a project themed around remembrance.

Heavy Shield and Other Adjustments

Regarding balance, the most discussed change was to Heavy Shield, whose base charge was increased from 80 to 90. This adjustment aims to improve the survivability of Heavy Shield against most weapons, while avoiding widening the gap between Heavy and Medium Shields.

This is a cautious adjustment. The developers stated that some minor buffs were made to Heavy Shield in 2.0 update, but player usage remained low. With this enhancement, the studio says they will closely monitor whether Heavy Shield suddenly becomes the only option or remains a choice for a minority of players.

Meanwhile, Flame Spray has also been adjusted. Damage has been increased from 10 to 13 per second, and durability consumption has been reduced by 50%, making it a more durable area-locking tool. A bug that allowed flames to pass through walls has been fixed, so this enhancement will no longer lead to unexpected geometry penetration.

In addition, Firefly Burner has been completely reworked: it now activates upon impact after being thrown, leaving a trail of fire during flight and exploding after approximately three seconds. Previously, players had to shoot it to release the flames, making it clunky in fast-paced combat. The new mechanic makes it a true thrown incendiary grenade, rather than a fixed trap.

Finally, ARC Raiders Live Update 2.3.0 also optimized Adrenaline Shots - they can now be used even with full stamina, but the effects no longer stack; using them again only refreshes the duration.

Loot Distribution Adjustments

If you're used to speedrunning Emperor's entrance and looting as many items as possible before extracting, ARC Raiders Live Update 2.3.0 aims to break that mold. Loot inside Emperor has been rebalanced; containers near the entrance drop lower-tier rewards, while truly valuable items are placed deeper within the wreckage.

Frigate follows the same philosophy: deeper areas now have a higher chance of dropping higher-tier rewards, giving raiders a real reason to breach cargo doors and enter more dangerous areas. To support this advancement, Frigate has added clearer visual cues for hatches and audio cues for puzzle-solving, emits remote signals upon entering areas, and fixed some collision gap issues.

Blueprint acquisition has also undergone subtle but significant changes. Dolabra, Bobcat, Equalizer, Jupiter, Tempest, and Vulcano blueprints now drop under all major map conditions, no longer limited by specific weather or time states. However, to balance the increased drop rate, the drop rate for these blueprints has been slightly reduced.

On the other hand, Emperor Key blueprints now drop less frequently from redirection pods, but these pods have a smaller chance of dropping ARC parts and high-level ARC loot.

In addition, the drop rate for Furniture Design has been fixed - previously, the drop rate was reversed, meaning rare items dropped more frequently than common items. This minor issue with the economy system has now been corrected.

Grappling Hook Issue Analysis

Grappling hooks have always been a source of both enjoyment and frustration for players, and ARC Raiders 2.3.0 update has thoroughly fixed one of its most troublesome issues. The grappling hook will no longer launch players into the air at extremely high speeds or bounce them off obstacles, significantly reducing accidental deaths and out-of-bounds incidents.

When a target breaks, the grappling hook will automatically reattach to the debris, making it more reliable against destroyed ARC components. When a rope is entangled in an obstacle, using the grappling hook to grab an ARC enemy will now pull the target towards the entanglement point instead of the player, eliminating another source of high-speed chaos.

Furthermore, the grappling hook can now be used within the active shield of Matriarch, and a bug that caused the hand animation to freeze when switching from a thrown grappling hook to another item has been fixed.

Gameplay Optimizations

Advanced Camera now includes Color Push and Black & White filters, and the grain texture of Classic Film filter has been optimized. The depth-of-field blur effect of Basic Camera has been reduced, resulting in sharper selfies. If you prefer a more stable perspective, this ARC Raiders update also adds a Camera Bob toggle.

Meanwhile, a new Time Revived By A Stranger statistic has been added to the game's encyclopedia. For a game themed around survival, this small change is particularly heartwarming.

In addition, another noteworthy change is the closure of Expedition Vault. Players with Vault slots will receive Bronze Statuettes as compensation, and all items stored in Vaults will be moved to stashes. The feature's closure is quiet, but the compensation at least slightly alleviates player disappointment.

While Update 2.3.0 isn't the most dazzling update in ARC Raiders, it truly reshapes the experience during quieter, more deliberate moments. However, There are still some known issues that haven't been fixed, but these are expected to be addressed in future updates; players can wait patiently.

Embark Studios has a major decision to make about the future of ARC Raiders after its limited-time PvE matchmaking test attracted more than 30 million rounds of play. The experiment gave players an alternative to the game's usual PvPvE extraction experience, but the studio has not confirmed whether a permanent PvE mode will return.

In its October 20 announcement, Embark described the test's reception as polarizing and said it needed time to review gameplay data and community feedback. Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal also explained in an interview with MP1ST that the challenge is supporting different player preferences without undermining the game's original design.

For players asking whether ARC Raiders PvE will return, the next milestone is November 2026, when Embark expects to share further information. No permanent-mode release date has been announced.

What Did the ARC Raiders PvE Test Reveal?

The limited-time test ran from October 13 to October 20, 2026. Players could choose cooperative PvE matchmaking instead of the standard PvPvE experience, allowing them to explore, complete quests, scavenge for resources, and fight ARC machines without taking damage from other Raiders.

According to Embark's official test wrap-up, players completed more than 30 million PvE rounds during the experiment. The studio said the results gave its team substantial data to analyze, but it did not treat participation alone as proof that the mode should become permanent.

The developer had already identified demand for different playstyles in its September PvE test announcement. Embark reported that 37% of its player population fell into a friendly co-op category, 27% preferred a mixed approach, and 34% were categorized as pure PvP players. It also reported that 51% of surveyed players expressed interest in a dedicated PvE option.

These are figures reported by the developer, not a guarantee of future demand. The test's 30 million rounds also represent gameplay sessions rather than 30 million unique players.

The results nevertheless gave Embark an opportunity to examine how a dedicated cooperative option might fit into the game. The studio now needs to determine whether that interest can support a lasting mode without creating problems for the wider player experience.

Why Is Embark Hesitant About Permanent PvE?

The uncertainty is rooted in the history of ARC Raiders itself.

Embark originally conceived the game as a cooperative PvE experience built around looting and fighting AI-controlled enemies. The team eventually changed direction and developed the high-tension PvPvE extraction adventure that players know today.

That history helps explain why the studio is cautious about making PvE permanent. In an extraction shooter, the threat of encountering another player changes how every raid unfolds. A seemingly friendly Raider might cooperate, avoid a fight, or attack when valuable loot is at stake.

Removing hostile player encounters changes that dynamic. Players who prefer exploration and cooperative combat may enjoy a more predictable experience, while others may feel that PvP uncertainty is an essential part of the game's identity.

Speaking to MP1ST, executive producer Aleksander Grøndal acknowledged that the studio had been skeptical about introducing the mode for historical reasons. He also suggested that the test could indicate that the game supports a wider range of player types than initially expected.

Grøndal's comments point to the central challenge: Embark needs to understand what players want from PvE before deciding how to support it in future updates.

ARC Raiders PvE vs. PvPvE: What Are the Main Differences?

The October test changed more than the possibility of being attacked by another player. Embark also adjusted the risk-and-reward balance to account for the safer environment.

Embark also explained that the PvE test was not intended to introduce a new progression system or make PvE combat more challenging. Instead, it was designed to provide an alternative for players who wanted to avoid hostile player encounters.

This distinction matters when considering the future of the mode. A permanent PvE experience could require more than simply retaining the test's matchmaking toggle. The developer may need to revisit encounter design, rewards, and the content available in each queue.

How Could Permanent PvE Affect ARC Raiders Items and Loot?

Loot balance is one of the biggest questions facing Embark.

During the test, overall loot value was reduced in PvE sessions to compensate for the relative safety of those raids. PvPvE sessions also received slightly higher baseline loot values during the experiment.

The reasoning is straightforward: when players face fewer threats from other Raiders, the risk associated with extracting valuable equipment is different. If a permanent PvE mode offered the same rewards with substantially less danger, some players might have less incentive to enter standard PvPvE raids.

However, making PvE rewards too restrictive could create the opposite problem. Players who prefer cooperative gameplay might feel that their chosen mode offers little meaningful progression.

For players interested in ARC Raiders items, the final reward structure could determine whether PvE becomes a viable alternative for gathering resources and improving equipment or remains a more relaxed side activity.

Embark has several possible approaches, including adjusted loot rates, different challenge structures, or progression systems designed around each mode's risks. These are potential solutions rather than confirmed plans. The studio has not announced separate inventories, exclusive PvE equipment, or permanent loot rules.

The important point is that PvE and PvPvE do not necessarily need identical rewards. They need reward structures that make sense for the risks, time investment, and challenges each experience offers.

Could a Separate PvE Queue Affect Matchmaking?

Matchmaking is another consideration if Embark decides to retain a dedicated PvE option.

A separate queue divides players between different matchmaking pools. If too few players enter a particular queue in a given region or during quieter hours, matchmaking times could increase. Embark specifically identified queue times and the quality of PvPvE sessions as factors it would monitor during the test.

That does not mean permanent PvE would automatically damage matchmaking. The outcome would depend on player demand, regional populations, and how the system was implemented.

The studio would also need to consider the resources required to support two experiences. Separate modes could require additional balancing, encounter design, and updates to ensure that neither feels neglected.

These considerations help explain why the number of PvE rounds played cannot determine the final decision by itself. Embark needs to weigh participation against the broader impact on the game.

What Could the Future of ARC Raiders PvE Look Like?

Embark has not announced a preferred design, but Grøndal's interview with MP1ST outlined several questions the team needs to answer. He raised the possibility of a relaxed side mode, an AI-focused challenge experience, or a full PvE-only experience.

Those possibilities would lead to different design decisions.

These are possible directions, not confirmed features or an official roadmap. Embark has not announced separate maps, exclusive rewards, or a schedule for rotating cooperative events.

The final design may also differ significantly from the October test. Embark has explicitly said that any future version could look different from the temporary implementation.

For now, the most useful signal from the interview is that the studio is considering what role PvE should play in the overall game, rather than treating the decision as a simple on-or-off switch.

When Will Embark Announce the Future of PvE?

Embark expects to share further information in November 2026, according to its October 20 announcement. The studio has not provided an exact date or confirmed that the next update will include a permanent-mode release plan.

The developer also said it would send a survey to a representative sample of players beginning October 22 and encouraged participants to share feedback through its dedicated PvE test channel on Discord.

The next announcement should clarify what Embark learned from the test and how it intends to proceed. However, players should not assume that November will bring a confirmed release date or a guarantee that PvE will return.

For the latest information, check the official ARC Raiders news page and the game's official community channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will ARC Raiders PvE return permanently?

It remains possible, but Embark has not made a final decision. The studio is reviewing gameplay data and community feedback before determining how to proceed.

How many rounds were played during the ARC Raiders PvE test?

Embark reported more than 30 million PvE rounds played between October 13 and October 20, 2026. The figure represents rounds played, not unique players.

Why did Embark test a dedicated PvE mode?

The studio wanted to evaluate demand for cooperative gameplay without hostile player encounters and understand how a separate matchmaking option might affect the wider game.

Will ARC Raiders PvE have the same loot as PvPvE?

That has not been confirmed. During the test, PvE loot value was reduced to account for the relative safety of those sessions, while PvPvE sessions received slightly higher baseline loot values.

When will Embark reveal its PvE plans?

Embark expects to share further information in November 2026. An exact date and the contents of that update have not been confirmed.

The Bottom Line

The October PvE test gave Embark Studios substantial data to evaluate, with more than 30 million rounds played in one week. It also highlighted a difficult design question: can ARC Raiders support cooperative players without weakening the risk, tension, and reward structure that define its PvPvE experience?

The answer will depend on more than participation numbers. Loot balance, matchmaking quality, player preferences, and the cost of supporting different playstyles will all matter.

For now, a permanent ARC Raiders PvE mode remains unconfirmed. Embark expects to share further information in November 2026, but players should wait for an official announcement before treating any proposed format or release date as certain.