Arc Raiders Server Slam Start Time
The Arc Raiders Server Slam officially kicks off on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET / 2 PM BST / 6:30 PM IST and runs until Sunday, October 19, at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET / 4 PM BST / 8:30 PM IST. In short, it’s a weekend-long, all-access stress test for the servers before Embark Studios finally lets this long-awaited looter-shooter out into the wild. The whole idea is to see if the servers can hold up while thousands of trigger-happy raiders jump into the Rust Belt. Think of it as the game’s “trial by lag” phase.
I remember last year’s tiny closed test, which barely lasted an hour for me before servers melted faster than an overheated GPU. Hopefully, this time things will be smoother. The devs seem confident, though; they’re calling this a “final stretch before launch,” and it feels exciting to finally see this ambitious project ready for showtime.
| Region / Country | Local Start Date & Time |
|---|---|
| US (West Coast) | October 17 at 6:00 AM PT |
| US (East Coast) | October 17 at 9:00 AM ET |
| Brazil (BRT) | October 17 at 10:00 AM BRT |
| London, UK (BST) | October 17 at 2:00 PM BST |
| Central Europe (CET) | October 17 at 3:00 PM CET |
| Russia (MSK) | October 17 at 4:00 PM MSK |
| India (IST) | October 17 at 6:30 PM IST |
| Philippines (Manila) | October 17 at 9:00 PM PHT |
| China (CST) | October 17 at 9:00 PM CST |
| Japan (JST) | October 17 at 10:00 PM JST |
| Australia (AEDT) | October 17 at 11:00 PM AEDT |
| New Zealand (NZDT) | October 18 at 2:00 AM NZDT |
How to Join the Action
Joining is refreshingly simple, no codes, no invites, no secret forms buried deep in Discord threads. You can download Arc Raiders directly from your platform’s store (Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, or PlayStation 5) and play for free. Just search for “Arc Raiders Server Slam”, hit download, and you’re in.
A small heads-up, though: there’s no preload, so your download starts when the event kicks off in your region. If you’re in India, that’s around 6:30 PM IST on Friday. So maybe start freeing up some disk space now, nothing kills hype faster than a “not enough storage” alert popping up at the last minute.
What You Can Expect This Weekend
Honestly, the Server Slam isn’t just a stress test, it’s also a chance to peek into what makes Arc Raiders such a buzzed-about title. The event features PvPvE extraction-style gameplay, so picture chaotic firefights where you’re just as likely to get ambushed by another squad as by one of those massive ARC machines roaming the wasteland.
You’ll get access to early and mid-tier weapons, crafting stations, and gear customization options, though some high-tier blueprints and upgrades will stay locked until launch. It’s enough to give you a taste of survival without spoiling the main course.
And if you’re the kind of player who loves keepsakes, there’s a nifty “Server Slammer Backpack” cosmetic waiting for those who participate, which will carry over to the full game later this month. Think of it as your digital participation trophy, but in style.
Why This Matters
Arc Raiders has had one of those long development arcs where fans start to wonder if it’ll ever actually be released. But moments like this an open, public event across all major platforms, mark the real turning point. The game finally feels tangible. You can see the textures, hear the chaos, and argue with randoms in your squad over who gets the loot drop.
There’s something charmingly human about that, too. Somewhere out there, a group of developers at Embark Studios is probably biting their nails, watching data dashboards light up while players like us parkour around junkyards, screaming into headsets about stolen extractions. And whether the servers hold or collapse spectacularly, this weekend’s going to be memorable.
A Few Tips Before You Drop In
- Check your PC specs first. It’s built on Unreal Engine 5 and looks stunning, but it’s also demanding.
- Expect some bugs and disconnects. That’s the point it’s called a “Server Slam” for a reason.
- Squad up if you can. The game sings when played with friends (and memes).
- Don’t get too attached to your gear. Progress won’t carry over to launch, but your lessons and bruises will.
Arc Raiders Server Slam isn’t just about testing servers; it’s about testing patience, reflexes, and teamwork. Whether you’re a die-hard sci-fi fan or just someone who loves chaotic PvPvE gunfights, this weekend’s your shot to dive in early before the rest of the world floods in at full release.
So, gear up, prep your squad, and maybe keep a backup snack nearby. The wasteland waits, and the countdown’s already ticking.
Disclaimer:
All timings are based on official Embark Studios announcements and may vary slightly by region. Gameplay progress during the Server Slam will not carry over to the full release.
