Why Arc Raiders Keeps PvP at Bay: An Offbeat Take on Gameplay

Why Arc Raiders Keeps PvP at Bay: An Offbeat Take on Gameplay
January 6, 2026

PvP? Not So Much!

Alright, listen up, raiders! If you’re dreaming of a leaderboard filled with player kills and chaos in Arc Raiders, you might want to pump the brakes a little. According to Embark Studios’ big cheese, Patrick Söderlund, the team isn’t exactly itching to roll out more player-versus-player shenanigans. In fact, they’re pretty set on keeping the focus off of PvP—thank goodness for that, right?

During a chat with GamesBeat, Söderlund confessed that while they’ve tossed around the idea of adding some PvP mechanics, they’re not on the bandwagon just yet. What’s their reasoning, you ask? Well, it turns out that the developers believe that Arc Raiders shines brightest when player combat is more of a suspenseful surprise than a guaranteed smackdown. Who knew tension could be so thrilling?

Embracing the Chaos

Rather than pushing for a competitive atmosphere where everyone’s gunning for the top spots, Söderlund emphasized that the game is all about creating an adventurous vibe. “The game isn’t about shooting other players,” he cheekily stated. Sure, you can roll out your trigger finger if you want, but the vibe is just so much more fun when the stakes are all over the place!

The beauty lies in the unpredictable nature of it all. Imagine this: you’re out there, and you hear some distant gunfire—maybe it’s friends, or maybe it’s foes. That sense of unease adds layers to the gameplay and keeps you on your toes. Oh, and let’s not forget the iconic raider flares signaling mischief in other parts of the game! Who could resist that? It’s like a little game of hide and seek, but with explosions.

Now, before you PvP enthusiasts start throwing tantrums, don’t worry—there’s still plenty of chaos to grab onto for those of you who thrive on the thrill of battle. You’re probably already being matched with other bloodthirsty raiders who share your hunger for frenetic fun, thanks to some crafty matchmaking techniques set in place.

So, for the foreseeable future, it seems that raiders will need to find their excitement in the wilds of Arc Raiders without any shiny PvP leaderboard to show off their exploits. But hey, isn’t the hunt and the unpredictability of the game the real treasure? Who needs trophies when you’ve got adrenaline running through your veins?