Arc Raiders: new PvE mode and awards

The extraction shooter Arc Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, continues to stand out in the games industry. Since launching in October 2025, the game has delivered an impressive performance, with more than 14 million copies sold by February 2026. This article looks at the latest developments around Arc Raiders, including new game modes, the recognition it has received, and changes to the developer’s content update cadence.

New PvE mode

An exciting new addition for Arc Raiders is the upcoming Rebellion Incident mode, which is currently being tested in the Chinese version of the game. In this mode, PvP is disabled by default, meaning players cannot attack each other directly. However, they can voluntarily declare themselves hostile by pressing a button, which comes with immediate consequences: the player is marked on the map and can be attacked by others. This creates a unique dynamic that encourages cooperative play.

There is also a mode called Double King/Queen, which adds two powerful enemies to the map, increasing the intensity of the gameplay. This appears to point toward the possible integration of more PvE-focused elements into the game, something many players have been asking for.

Changes to content updates

Embark Studios recently announced that it is moving away from its traditional monthly update cycle and shifting to two major content drops per year. The goal is to allow for larger and more impactful updates. The upcoming Frozen Trail update, scheduled for October 2026, is said to include the largest map the team has designed so far. This shift follows the release of the last planned monthly update, Riven Tides.

Awards and recognition

Arc Raiders has also received strong recognition from the games industry, especially at the Nordic Game Awards 2026. The game won a total of three awards, including the prestigious Nordic Game of the Year title. It also took home awards for Best Technology and Best Audio. This marks a high point for the developers and confirms the game’s positive reception from players and critics alike.

With a strong focus on the community and player feedback, Arc Raiders seems to keep evolving in the direction players want. The combination of new modes, large-scale update plans, and industry recognition makes this a game to watch.

Conclusion

Arc Raiders shows that it has not only had a successful launch, but can also adapt to the wishes of its player base. The introduction of a PvE mode and the shift toward larger content updates could pave the way for a long-lasting life cycle for the game. Embark Studios appears determined to serve both PvP and PvE communities, which could lead to a varied and rich gameplay experience.