Overview
- Embark announced a limited PvE matchmaking test that will let players choose PvE or the regular PvPvE experience from October 13 to October 20, 2026.
- During PvE sessions there will be zero player‑to‑player damage, Solos, Duos and Trios will share lobbies, several high‑tension events (Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate and Frigate) will be excluded, and overall PvE loot value will be reduced to account for lower risk.
- The studio changed ARC enemy behavior so machines can re‑target downed players who crawl but will ignore still downed players, and Embark said playing PvE during the test will not affect a player’s PvPvE matchmaking rating.
- Embark frames the feature as an experiment not a promise, warning the toggle could reduce intended PvPvE tension, shift the in‑game economy by making extractions easier, and lengthen queue times if the playerbase splits, with future decisions to be driven by player feedback and telemetry.
- The test follows data showing the community split roughly 37 percent friendly co‑op, 34 percent pure PvP and 27 percent mixed players and it comes days after the Frozen Trails update so the studio can evaluate demand for a permanent PvE option.