STOCKHOLM, 10 February 2026 – Embark Studios has officially launched the “Shared Watch” event for ARC Raiders today, marking the most significant shift toward PvE (Player vs Environment) gameplay since the extraction shooter’s debut. The update, which rolled out this morning, introduces a time-limited mode that incentivises cooperation over the game’s traditional cutthroat PvPvE mechanics.
The Shared Watch Event: A New PvE Focus
The Shared Watch event, running as part of the 1.15.0 update, serves as a narrative and mechanical bridge between the recent Headwinds expansion and the upcoming Shrouded Sky content. While the game remains an extraction shooter at its core, this event introduces specific mechanics designed to discourage “griefing” and encourage Raiders to unite against the machine threat.
During this event, players earn “Merits” for destroying, damaging, or assisting in the take-down of ARC machines. Crucially, Embark Studios has confirmed that no Merits are awarded for PvP encounters during this period. This “nudge” toward cooperative play is a direct response to long-standing community requests for a dedicated PvE environment where players can focus on the game’s deep crafting and progression systems without the constant threat of being “stabbed in the back” by other Raiders.
Gameplay Mechanics and Progression
In ARC Raiders, players (known as Raiders) scavenge the ruined surface of Earth for resources to sustain their underground colony, Speranza. The PvE elements focus on tactical combat against various machine types, ranging from small drones to massive, multi-stage bosses.
| Feature | PvE Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Scavenge resources and extract safely to Speranza. |
| Enemy Types | ARC Machines (Drones, Sentinels, and massive Raid bosses). |
| Progression | Loot-based crafting for healing items, weapons, and gear. |
| Team Size | Solo play or cooperative groups of up to 3 players. |
| New Mechanic | Merit System (Rewards for machine kills, 0 points for PvP). |
Community Reception and “Aggression-Based Matchmaking”
The introduction of the Shared Watch event comes amidst a heated debate regarding the game’s “aggression-based matchmaking.” Embark Studios’ CEO recently addressed controversies surrounding this system, which attempts to group aggressive PvP-focused players together while allowing more cooperative-minded players to inhabit the same maps with less friction.
Public opinion remains divided. While some players praise the “Shared Watch” event as a breath of fresh air that highlights the game’s gorgeous visuals and tight gunplay, others argue that splitting the player base between PvE and PvP mindsets could dilute the tension that defines the extraction genre. Despite these debates, ARC Raiders continues to see strong performance, recently topping the PS5 download charts as it maintains its momentum into early 2026.
Latest Updates: Patch 1.15.0
Beyond the PvE event, today’s update includes several critical fixes and balance changes:
- Anti-Cheat Measures: Embark confirmed that tens of thousands of players have been banned in a recent “aggressive” crackdown on cheaters.
- Weapon Meta: Adjustments have been made to the weapon tier list following the Headwinds update to ensure more viable builds for machine hunting.
- Bug Fixes: General stability improvements, though some players report that certain major exploits regarding loot stashing are still being addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a permanent PvE-only mode in ARC Raiders?
As of 10 February 2026, there is no permanent PvE-only mode. The “Shared Watch” event is a time-limited PvE-focused experience. The core game remains a PvPvE extraction shooter, though the developers are using this event to test more cooperative gameplay loops.
Can I play ARC Raiders solo?
Yes. ARC Raiders supports solo play. The matchmaking system generally attempts to pair solo players against other solos, making the PvE scavenging experience more manageable for those not in a squad.
How do I earn rewards in the new Shared Watch event?
Rewards are earned through the Merit system. You gain Merits by engaging with ARC machines—specifically by destroying them or assisting teammates in combat. PvP kills do not contribute to your Merit score during this event.
What platforms is ARC Raiders available on?
The game is currently available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.