Arc Raiders is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated free-to-play sci-fi shooters of the year. Developed by Embark Studios, the game blends intense third-person combat with cooperative survival against mechanized invaders known as the ARC. With the official release date set, preorders now live, and a special Server Slam event coming soon, excitement is at an all-time high.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Arc Raiders, including its release details, preorder bonuses, how to join the open beta, gameplay mechanics, and what makes this PvPvE extraction shooter stand out.
Arc Raiders is a free-to-play, third-person cooperative extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios, a team composed of industry veterans including former DICE developers. The game drops players into a devastated Earth where squads must band together to repel mechanical enemies sent from orbit.
Unlike traditional looter-shooters, Arc Raiders emphasizes teamwork, resource scavenging, and tactical play, blending survival elements with large-scale encounters. Players must explore, gather supplies, and craft weapons to survive relentless ARC assaults.
The official Arc Raiders release date is October 17, 2025. After several years of development and a shift from PvE-only gameplay toward PvPvE extraction shooter mechanics, the game is finally ready to launch on PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
This simultaneous launch across platforms ensures that players worldwide can dive in at the same time, with crossplay support expected, allowing squads to team up regardless of hardware.
Preorders for Arc Raiders officially opened following the release of the preorder trailer, which showcased updated gameplay, cinematic footage, and a deeper look into the world of Speranza, the central hub city where survivors regroup between raids.
While Arc Raiders is a free-to-play title, Embark Studios offers preorder bundles, including a Deluxe Edition. These packs come with:
Exclusive cosmetics and character skins
In-game currency and gadgets for better customization
Early access opportunities before official launch day
Special bonuses for upgrading beyond the base game
These editions are designed to reward early supporters while keeping the full game accessible to everyone at no cost.
One of the most exciting announcements is the Arc Raiders Server Slam, scheduled to take place on October 17th, just before the official launch.
The event will serve as a large-scale stress test for the servers, allowing anyone to jump in and try the game for free, regardless of preorder status.
Step 1: Sign up on the official Arc Raiders website or through Steam/Epic/Xbox store pages.
Step 2: Download the client once it becomes available.
Step 3: Join the open playtest starting on launch day.
This event gives players a perfect chance to experience Arc Raiders firsthand, provide feedback, and prepare for the full game.
At its core, Arc Raiders is about survival, scavenging, and squad-based combat. Players drop into hostile zones where they must:
Fight ARC enemies: From massive spider-like machines to aerial drones, the ARC invaders come in diverse and dangerous forms.
Scavenge loot and resources: Supplies, weapons, and gear are scattered throughout the environment, forcing players to adapt to dynamic map conditions.
Engage in PvPvE combat: Other squads may enter the battlefield, creating tense encounters where you must decide whether to cooperate or compete for extraction.
Craft weapons and gadgets: Use scavenged resources to improve your arsenal and increase your squad’s mobility.
There are countless shooters on the market, but Arc Raiders brings a few unique elements:
A Blend of PvE and PvP: Instead of limiting itself, Arc Raiders merges cooperative survival with competitive tension in a PvPvE extraction format.
Free-to-Play Accessibility: Launching without a paywall means anyone can jump in on launch day.
Cinematic Aesthetic: With its retro-futuristic art style and sweeping environments, Arc Raiders looks as stylish as it is immersive.
Extraction Mechanics: Players must secure loot and escape before being overrun, creating high-stakes gameplay loops.
Developer Pedigree: Embark Studios includes developers from Battlefield and Star Wars Battlefront, bringing AAA FPS expertise to the project.
Arc Raiders will be available on:
PC (Steam & Epic Games Store)
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X|S
Crossplay is a critical feature, ensuring friends can play together across platforms. While Embark Studios has not yet confirmed cross-progression, it remains a highly requested feature that could arrive post-launch.
Following its reveal last year, Arc Raiders quickly gained attention for its mix of sci-fi themes, cooperative survival, and dynamic world-building. Early playtests received positive feedback, praising:
Tense firefights against unpredictable ARC machines
Rewarding loot systems that make every extraction valuable
Stylish visuals blending retro aesthetics with modern tech
Mobility tools like grappling hooks and jetpacks, which keep encounters fluid and fast-paced
The community is particularly excited for the Server Slam, as it will be the most widespread opportunity to experience the game before launch.
Embark Studios has promised ongoing content updates post-launch, including:
Seasonal content drops
New ARC enemy types
Expanded zones and map conditions
Cosmetic updates tied to community events
This roadmap indicates a long-term vision for Arc Raiders, ensuring it evolves with player feedback and remains engaging well beyond its launch window.
For the latest updates, patch notes, and announcements, the best place to start is the official Arc Raiders website and the game’s social media channels on Twitter/X, YouTube, and Discord. Embark Studios frequently shares development insights, community spotlights, and upcoming content plans.
You can also follow trusted gaming outlets such as IGN, Windows Central, and MMORPG.com, which regularly publish previews, interviews, and news coverage about Arc Raiders. Keeping track of these sources ensures you won’t miss details about future patches, server events, or new content drops.
Arc Raiders has a fast-growing online community where players share strategies, discuss updates, and organize squads. You can join through:
Official Discord Server — the hub for live discussions, patch feedback, and developer Q&As.
Community Forums hosted on the official Arc Raiders site.
Reddit and fan groups, where players exchange tips about extraction strategies, loot routes, gadgets, and mobility tricks.
By joining the community, you’ll stay informed about upcoming Server Slam events, learn from veteran players, and find teammates ready for co-op runs on launch day.
Arc Raiders has the potential to become a major force in the cooperative shooter genre. With its unique mix of squad-based combat, extraction mechanics, gadgets, and large-scale encounters, it sets itself apart from traditional shooters.
As the October 17th release date approaches, players can get a taste of the action during the Server Slam event and secure preorder rewards, including the Deluxe Edition, if they wish to dive in early. Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi shooters, survival games, or just want to try something new, Arc Raiders is shaping up to be a must-play title in 2025.
Olivia Blake · Editor
Editor
