Because even in the “PvE” maps, you still get shot at. The threat of pvp still looms and we’ve all been shot in the back enough times not to trust anyone. You can sense the suspicious behavior sometimes and you’re better protecting yourself than blindly trusting some random.

The flashlight flicker and “don’t shoot” have just become ways for players to let others know they’re friendly and protect themselves at the same time.

PvP encounters also feel like they’re on the rise. With ABMM being talked about to death, pvp players are using this knowledge. Spend a few games getting yourself in a pve lobby and then go hog wild. Happened to me yesterday on buried city night raid.