Embark Studios released the 2.1.0 update for ARC Raiders on October 13, 2026, introducing a limited-time PvE matchmaking beta that separates cooperative salvage operations from the game’s traditional player-versus-player ecosystem.
Matchmaking Windows And Cooperative Rules
The PvE beta runs from October 13 through October 20, 2026, giving players a dedicated environment to face environmental threats without interference from rival human raiders. Inside these cooperative servers, player-versus-player damage is disabled entirely, and tactical throws such as incendiary and stun grenades have no effect on fellow squadmates.
Despite the absence of hostile human combatants, the mechanical hazards presented by ARC units remain fully active. Furthermore, overall loot values inside the PvE playlists are calibrated lower than standard PvPvE sessions. Not all special map conditions support the cooperative ruleset during this testing phase, which runs until the scheduled conclusion on October 20.
Cosmetic Additions And Gameplay Tweaks
Alongside the cooperative testing queue, the 2.1.0 patch introduces the Carrion cosmetic set to the in-game store for players looking to customize their Raider’s appearance. Technical adjustments target animation stability, resolving character models that appeared enlarged and smoothing out movement glitches when vaulting over destroyed ARC unit remnants. To manage resources and customize equipment more easily, players can also buy ARC Raiders Coins. For upcoming expeditions, players can also consider affordable ARC Raiders Coins to better manage in-game resources with greater flexibility.
Audio balancing adjustments reduce the baseline volume of outdoor footsteps while sharpening the sound design for melee strikes connecting with enemy weak points. Additional tweaks refine character abilities, inventory weight limits, and grappling hook reliability during live expeditions.
Map Corrections And Memory Optimization
Level design fixes focus heavily on Pendola Pass, addressing terrain collisions, environmental traversal, lighting bugs, and nighttime visibility issues that previously caused accidental player traps or unfair extraction deaths. Engineers also lowered memory consumption across Spaceport, Buried City, and Dam Battlegrounds.
Performance gains from the memory reduction are targeted specifically at hardware constraints on the Xbox Series S. Rounding out the technical changelog are targeted fixes for active quests, Reward Pass menu elements, and team status displays during spectator modes. For now, the 2.1.0 patch offers both a new gameplay opportunity and a substantial series of technical improvements.
