My Thoughts On the ARC Raiders PvE Mode
Arc Raiders players like me have finally been able to dive into the new PvE mode. While it’s currently only temporary, Embark is looking to get feedback as a way to decide if such a thing needs to be permanent. I’ve been throwing hours and hours into the mode so far, and things are clearly different. But with such a long-anticipated and asked-for feature, is it what we need? It may be hard to tell for some. And the desire for the mode varies depending on the type of player loading into Arc Raiders. But with the hundreds of hours I have in the game between slaying Arc and battling players, I want to throw my hat in the ring for the PvE mode.
Arc Hurt & Can Take Way More in PvE
Right off the bat, I noticed in PvE mode that the Arc hit much harder than in the classic mode. Standard rank-and-file foes like Wasps or Hornets nah can tear you down faster. And even something like a Pop can drain a Light Shield and half of your health just by detonating. Embark decided to crank up the difficulty to show that the true enemy in PvE is the Arc. It was a bit jarring to get used to, but within the first match, the impression was made upon me. And honestly, I love the way it is. There needs to be risk and difficulty if players cannot deal damage to you.
By having the Arc like this, it turns what could have been a mundane mode into something more exciting. It also helps players get used to a much tougher Arc. Then when you go back to the classic mode, things won’t be as intense. And with the addition of the Arc having more health, it further adds to the excitement. Things are a walk in the park for players, and Raiders don’t get to roam the topside like aces. Instead, the Arc keeps you grounded, and you realize you need the best weapons in your arsenal if you want the full experience.
Quests At Your Own Pace
Something I favored about the PvE mode right away is the fact that you can complete quests in the game still. If you have done an Expedition or are new to the game, you may have quests to do. Each of these not only gives you rewards but also XP, which means getting more skill points for your character faster. However, when you’re playing in the game’s classic mode, if you need to get items or any sort of fetch quest, you are at risk of being gunned down by players. And if that happens, you have to start the quest from that step and get the items back to Speranza.
But with the PvE mode, all that changes. Sure, like I previously said, the Arc enemies deal a lot of damage. But if you are careful and just focus on doing the quests, you can burn through them. And the best part is, your main enemy in PvE just becomes the match timer. There have been multiple times so far that I can finish various quests in one run. And while I had a few close calls with the Arc, that’s all I worried about. It gives players, especially newer players, a chance to enjoy the quests without being ambushed.
Some Map Modifiers Don’t Qualify & That’s Okay
A characteristic of Arc Raiders is the different modifiers on the maps. From the Matriarch to a Night Raid, there is better loot and different experiences that each offers. However, when it comes to the PvE mode, many of the bonus modifiers on maps aren’t available. For example, Night Raids & Arc Frigates. Therefore, if you are looking to get even better loot, you have to go back to the classic mode to get it. But when it comes to the standard modifiers, many of those are still available to enjoy in PvE. Allowing more casual players to enjoy things like fighting a Matriarch or doing the Harvester event. It’s a give-and-take with the PvE that I love to see. It would make things far too easy if players could get the high-tier items without risk from other players.
Evidently, I was still finding good loot in these standard map modifiers so far. And if I feel I need to find other blueprints or weapons, a simple toggle back to the classic mode is all it takes. It makes it so PvE is not the be-all-and-end-all of Arc Raiders. It’s great for casual matches and for fighting the Arc. But sometimes, you need to risk your loot with other players present to enjoy better modifiers. Therefore, making the risk worth the reward.
Overall, Arc Raiders doing this PvE mode test is a great idea. The foundation it has set is a good start, and it doesn’t take away from the overall experience. Because having to go into PvPvE for better loot is and needs to be a requirement. Additionally, the inclusion of PvE gives players a reason to team up against the Arc, a perfect experience. There could be possible changes to it if it makes its return in the future. Such as changing the damage that Arc does or ensuring players can’t grief other PvE players with mechanics. The one thing I do know is that Arc Raiders getting PvE is a smart move and fun to kick back with. And because of that, I hope Embark continues to work and make the toggle permanent, sooner rather than later.
