After months of player debates over whether to engage in combat with fellow raiders or team up against the game’s mechanical antagonists, Arc Raiders is finally delivering a dedicated PvE mode. Shared Watch, launching today as an annual holiday event, shifts the focus entirely away from player-on-player conflict, rewarding players for destroying, assisting, or damaging ARC machines instead.
The mode marks a deliberate pivot for the game’s developers, who have long emphasized that Arc Raiders was not designed as a PvP-focused shooter. While traditional lobbies have allowed PvP interactions, Shared Watch removes all incentives for player-killing—no merits or rewards are earned from engaging other raiders. Instead, players are encouraged to bring allies, whether friends or strangers, and prioritize taking down ARC threats before they become a threat.
This isn’t the first attempt to foster cooperation in Arc Raiders. Previously, players could access limited PvE lobbies by avoiding aggression in PvP matches, but the system lacked clarity and predictability. Shared Watch eliminates that ambiguity by creating a structured environment where teamwork is the primary objective. The event’s design also nods to the game’s lore, framing it as a communal effort to remind players of the larger threat posed by ARC machines.
For those who prefer extraction shooters without the chaos of PvP, Shared Watch offers a fresh alternative. However, the mode doesn’t outright ban player conflict—meaning opportunistic kills could still occur, though they won’t yield any tangible benefits. Players are advised to remain vigilant, as the spirit of cooperation may not always align with individual actions.
Shared Watch arrives as part of Arc Raiders’ ongoing evolution, reflecting a deeper commitment to accommodating both competitive and cooperative playstyles. While PvP remains a core mechanic for many, the introduction of this mode signals a broader recognition of the player base’s diverse preferences.
What to expect next: The mode’s success may influence future updates, potentially expanding PvE content or refining matchmaking systems to better support cooperative play. For now, raiders can test the waters during this holiday event, with rewards tied to ARC destruction rather than interplayer combat.
