Arc Raiders developers began testing PvE in October. As part of this experimental mode, PvP-related mechanics were disabled so that players could focus on confronting Arc robots.
However, even here, players cannot hide from toxic members of the Arc Raiders community. Enthusiasts quickly found ways to make life difficult for other people even in what seemed like a safe PvE mode.
Traditional 'pranks' are unavailable to them — in PvE mode, throwable items, including stun and incendiary grenades, will not affect other players. But some people show creativity, for example, the bull rush tactic went viral.
The essence of this tactic is to use a loophole in the system: you can push other players; for example, those trying to evacuate. Victims can be attacked by a robot and die. Technically, this is not killing another player, meaning there will be no punishment for 'direct killing' (at least for now). In addition, those who like to push can prevent other players from collecting loot.
In PvP, some players set up ambushes near locked rooms with valuable loot to kill the key holder and take the loot for themselves. In PvE, this will not work, but you can also set up an ambush and then burst into an open room to quickly collect someone else's loot — you won't be able to shoot back at robbers, as damage to other players is disabled.
Arc Raiders fans hope that such toxicity is a temporary phenomenon — the launch of the mode attracted a variety of players. Those who want to play full-fledged PvE expect the situation to improve in a few days.
Embark Studios plans to test PvE in Arc Raiders until October 20. The developers encourage players to share feedback about the mode.