ARC machines can still attack downed players in the Arc Raiders PvE test, so surviving a knockdown depends on staying still after the eight-second period in which machines will not acquire you as a target. Disabling damage between players does not remove the threat from machines. Equipment planning around ARC Raiders Items should reflect that continuing machine threat.

What to do when an ARC machine knocks you down

The test gives a downed player eight seconds during which ARC machines will not acquire them as a target. After those eight seconds, moving can cause machines to target and attack you again. Staying still lets them ignore you.

That makes movement after a knockdown a meaningful decision. Crawling immediately may expose you to another attack once the grace period ends. When machines remain nearby, staying still follows the test's stated targeting rule; the eight-second period should not be treated as a promise of complete protection from damage.

What protection does PvE actually provide

Players cannot damage each other in the test, and stun and fire throwables have no effect on other players. This removes direct player damage from your survival decisions, but ARC machines remain dangerous throughout the session.

Physical interaction items, including barricades and ziplines, retain their functions. The rule concerns damage between players, so it does not mean every interaction with another Raider disappears. Solo players, duos, and trios can also occupy the same session; choosing to enter alone does not place you exclusively with other solo players.

Check the test window and conditions before choosing your kit

JcE means player versus environment, commonly shortened to PvE. The described Arc Raiders test is scheduled for October 13-20, 2026, beginning at 11:00 CEST on October 13 and ending at 11:00 CEST on October 20. Its matchmaking toggle belongs to the limited test associated with update 2.1.0, rather than a promised permanent mode.

During that window, the toggle switches between standard PvPvE matchmaking, where players and machines can pose a threat, and the PvE option. PvE sessions do not affect your PvPvE matchmaking rating, and you can switch back to standard matchmaking during the test.

Overall loot value is reduced in PvE sessions to account for the lower threat from other players. Choose your equipment with that reduced return in mind: removing player damage does not make every expensive loadout a sensible investment. PvE matchmaking is also unavailable for Night Raid, Locked Gate, Hidden Bunker, Frigate, and Redirection.

The planned removal of the toggle at the end of the test means access is temporary. Before committing equipment, confirm that the PvE option is available and that your selected map condition supports it. When considering whether to buy ARC Raiders Coins, keep that spending decision tied to your equipment needs and the test's reduced loot value, then choose your kit for the machine threat that remains.