How to Get PvE Lobbies in ARC Raiders

Let me tell you, playing ARC Raiders, you’re always looking over your shoulder. There are seriously dangerous ARC machines running around, and other players who are just looking to steal everything you’ve worked for. Getting back to Speranza with all your loot feels like a real accomplishment, honestly. It’s a tough game!

Want to avoid player-versus-player combat and play with friendly teammates in ARC Raiders? This guide will show you how to improve your chances of joining peaceful, PvE-focused lobbies.

How to Get Into Friendly PvE Lobbies in ARC Raiders

Image via Embark Studios

Patrick Söderlund, CEO of Embark Studios, has explained that ARC Raiders matches players together based on their preferred playstyle. Players who enjoy working together and collecting items (PvE) will be grouped with others like them, while those who prefer competitive player-versus-player combat (PvP) will be matched with each other. This system aims to make sure everyone has fun playing the game.

If you’re tired of landing in matches where everyone immediately tries to kill each other for gear, here are some things you can do to change that.

Don’t Use Your Weapons Against Other Players

When a match starts, focus your attacks solely on the ARC machines. Don’t shoot at other players, even if they are attacking you.

Look, when things get dicey, I try to dip out, but honestly? I mostly just hit the ‘Don’t Shoot’ emote like crazy whenever I run into a new area or building. It’s a quick way to let other players know I’m not looking for trouble and hopefully avoid getting blasted!

It can be frustrating, but if you keep getting eliminated quickly, don’t give up after just a few matches. After about five or six rounds, the game will adjust and start putting you in easier lobbies with more cooperative players.

Drop Items for Other Players

I’ve found a really cool trick to help me get into more relaxed PvE lobbies! Basically, if you drop an item near another player and they pick it up and use the “thank you” prompt, it seems to tell the game you’re both friendly players. It’s like a little signal, and it actually makes it more likely you’ll be matched together in PvE! It doesn’t always work instantly, but I’ve definitely noticed a difference when I do this.

Revive Downed Players

Okay, so as a raider, let me tell you, it’s super helpful to bring a defibrillator or two with you. Seriously! If someone goes down – DBNO, you know – you can bring them back up with it. Plus, people are way more likely to let you into their PvE lobbies if you’re prepared like that, and you might even make a new friend while you’re at it!

Try Playing Instruments Around Other Players

The recent Cold Snap update for ARC Raiders includes a fun new feature: the Vibing status effect. When you play music in the game – using instruments like the Acoustic Guitar, Recorder, or Shaker – other players will see a special animation on your character. I’ve found that this also seems to help you connect with friendlier players in PvE lobbies.

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2026-01-12 05:34