Player vs Environment
Ongoing coverage on Player vs Environment.
Latest coverage
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 players are calling for a PvE-only version of its DMZ mode - just like every extraction shooter before it
Players of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 are petitioning developer Infinity Ward for a Player vs Environment-only version of its DMZ extraction mode. Many players find the PvPvE aspect frustrating, citing losses of gear and operators to other squads. This mirrors a trend seen in other extraction shooters like Escape From Tarkov and Arc Raiders, which have either implemented or experimented with PvE modes to cater to player demand.
New extraction shooter, same story: MW4 DMZ players are already torn between PvE and PvP
Players of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's DMZ mode are reportedly divided over the game's core PvE and PvP elements, a recurring issue in extraction shooters. This conflict between cooperative and competitive playstyles is a familiar narrative within the genre.
Over '30 million rounds of PvE were played' over the last week in Arc Raiders but Embark still needs 'a bit of time to understand what the data is telling us'
Embark Studios has concluded a week-long Player versus Environment (PvE) test for Arc Raiders, during which over 30 million rounds were played. The developer is now analyzing the extensive data and player feedback to determine the future of PvE in the game. While the test has been described as polarizing, the recent Frozen Trail update and the PvE test have significantly boosted player counts and positive sentiment for Arc Raiders.
Arc Raiders devs know PvE has been "polarizing," promise to prioritize the game's "overall health and enjoyability" when deciding what to do next
Embark Studios has acknowledged that the recent PvE playtest for Arc Raiders has been polarizing among players. The developers are analyzing feedback and data from the test, with a decision on the mode's future to be made in November, prioritizing the game's overall health and enjoyability.
World of Warcraft Forever devs "want blood" between Horde and Alliance players, as long as you aren't "truly degenerate"
Blizzard Entertainment developers Josh Greenfield and Tim Jones discuss the PvP philosophy for World of Warcraft Forever, aiming for organic player-vs-player encounters and encouraging faction conflict without becoming 'truly degenerate.' They emphasize the importance of choosing the correct server type (PvE, PvP, or RP) at launch, as re-rolling will not be an option. The team wants PvP to feel free-form and casual, with Battlegrounds designed to match solo players against other solo players.
Elite Dangerous wants crime to actually pay for players with its December Law and Disorder update
Frontier Developments has detailed its upcoming 'Law and Disorder' update for Elite Dangerous, focusing on making criminal activities more lucrative and viable. The update introduces nuanced crime detection, new ways to pirate goods, and a criminal record system that attaches to the player character rather than ships. Adjustments to PvE and PvP crime mechanics are included, with further details on smuggling promised.
Devious Arc Raiders Griefers Are Having Fun in PvE, Camping Locked Loot Rooms and Pulling Enemy Robots Into Extraction Points
Players are reportedly griefing others in the PvE mode of Arc Raiders by manipulating AI enemies and blocking access to loot rooms. This behavior exploits the PvE environment's safety to disrupt other players' experiences.
ARC Raiders Team is Testing PvE Toggle to “Understand” The Needs of “Dad Gamers”
Embark Studios is testing a PvE toggle for its extraction shooter ARC Raiders to better understand the needs of players who prefer PvE content, particularly those they refer to as 'dad gamers'. Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal stated that the studio wants to gather learnings from this test before committing to a permanent PvE mode, aiming to remove player-induced frustrations without making promises.
Arc Raiders PvE mode called "bland" and "hollow" by players who say it's ruined the tension, but others say it's the game they always wanted
Players are expressing disappointment with the PvE mode in Arc Raiders, describing it as "bland" and "hollow" due to a perceived lack of tension and meaningful interaction. While some players enjoy the mode, many feel it detracts from the core experience and wish the original player-versus-player tension had been preserved. Streamer Loochy noted that the game lacks a strong enough endgame to support a compelling PvE experience.
Arc Raiders' PvE test is finally here and it's the perfect reason to jump back in
Embark Studios has launched a Player versus Environment (PvE) test for Arc Raiders, offering a more relaxed experience for players who prefer exploration and cooperative play over PvP combat. This PvE toggle allows players to enjoy the game's world and challenges without the constant threat of other players, fostering a more communal atmosphere.
ARC Raiders’ Experimental PvE Beta is Live
Embark Studios has launched a separate Player versus Environment (PvE) matchmaking option for ARC Raiders, available as a beta until October 20th. This mode pits players against AI enemies without the risk of PvP combat, though with reduced loot value and fewer available mission conditions. The studio is actively seeking player feedback to improve the experience.
EVE Online heads to the final days of its Crimson Harvest event with more combat and more rewards
EVE Online's Crimson Harvest Halloween event is entering its final days, offering players additional rewards and combat opportunities. The event will conclude with more ship skins, components, and boosters, alongside increased loot drops from PvP kills and continuous PvE site spawns.
ARC Raiders’ executive producer thinks a pure PvE mode might split the game, but also that the split is already present
ARC Raiders' executive producer Alesander Grøndal believes a dedicated PvE mode could split the game, but also acknowledges the player base is already divided on the issue. A week-long test is underway to gather data on how a PvE-only option impacts player experience and development decisions.
Yes, Arc Raiders' new PvE mode is already being used to practice PvP
Embark Studios has launched a beta test for a Player versus Environment (PvE) toggle in Arc Raiders, allowing players to experience the game without PvP encounters. Despite the mode's intention, some players are reportedly using it to practice PvP scenarios or to ambush others near loot rooms, highlighting an ironic use of the feature.
DMZ for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 being released early, but Infinity Ward shoots down PvE hopes
Infinity Ward announced that the DMZ mode for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will be released early on October 20th for digital pre-orders, four days before the full game launches on October 23rd. The developer also addressed confusion regarding a PvE-only playlist, stating that the "Single Squad Mission" seen in early footage was a developer tool and not a public mode, though players can attempt to play solo by disabling squad fill.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's latest DMZ trailers have left players confused about the existence of a PvE-only mode
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's DMZ mode has sparked player confusion regarding the potential existence of a Player versus Environment (PvE)-only playlist. Trailers have shown a "Single Squad Mission" option, leading to speculation about its function, with some hoping it offers a PvE experience free from player-versus-player conflict. However, the absence of this option in later trailers has fueled further debate, with Infinity Ward yet to officially clarify its status.
Vitae Aeternum: History will remember New World falsely
This opinion piece argues that the MMORPG New World is misunderstood and will be remembered unfairly due to its rocky launch and initial reputation. The author contends that despite significant developer efforts to improve PvE content and overhaul the game, public perception remains stuck on its early flaws, unlike the more forgiving reception of Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch.
"We really had to shift our strategy" - How a decade of lessons made Overwatch the PvP king
Overwatch Game Director Aaron Keller discusses the decade-long evolution of the game's strategy, particularly the shift away from PvE Story Missions to focus on its core PvP strength. This strategic pivot, which took years to refine, has revitalized the game and allowed for new storytelling approaches within the PvP framework. Keller acknowledges past criticisms of villains like Doomfist and expresses a desire for stronger narrative development.
Arc Raiders announces a new PvE "test" to accommodate its surprisingly friendly players
Embark Studios is testing a new PvE matchmaking option for Arc Raiders from October 13-20, responding to a significant portion of players who prefer cooperation over PvP. This test will allow players to opt into a friendlier version of the game, though some map conditions and loot values will be adjusted. The studio is considering a permanent PvE mode based on the test's results.
Arc Raiders is finally testing a PvE-only mode: 'We can’t ignore what the data is telling us'
Embark Studios is testing a Player vs Environment (PvE) only mode for Arc Raiders from October 13-20, 2026, allowing players to toggle between the classic PvPvE experience and a PvE-focused session with no player-to-player damage. This test aims to address player data indicating a significant portion of the community desires fewer hostile encounters, with over 51% expressing interest in a dedicated PvE option.
