Is ARC Raiders Free to Play?
So, let’s get this out of the way first: no, ARC Raiders isn’t a free-to-play game. The earlier playtests, including the Server Slam and those tech tests everyone loved, were totally free to join no preorder or paywall in sight. But that’s not the case anymore. Now that we’re heading into the full release, players will actually have to buy the game.
You’ve got two editions to pick from: the Standard Edition, which costs $39.99, and the Deluxe Edition, priced at $59.99. Both come with the same release timing, so don’t expect early access for dropping extra cash. The Deluxe just throws in more digital goodies for players who want a little extra flair. In short, it’s a paid game, but given the buzz after those playtests, a lot of people seem ready to pony up for the full experience.
What Time Will ARC Raiders Be Playable?
Alright, the big one, when exactly can you jump in? Embark Studios and publisher Nexon have confirmed that ARC Raiders will officially release on Thursday, October 30, but the rollout timing has been a little messy across different platforms.
The latest (and most accurate) info points to 5:30 a.m. EDT for the official launch window. Here’s what that looks like across major time zones:
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2:30 a.m. PDT (West Coast, U.S.)
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5:30 a.m. EDT (East Coast, U.S.)
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6:30 a.m. BRT (Brazil)
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9:30 a.m. GMT (United Kingdom)
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10:30 a.m. CET (Western Europe)
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3:00 p.m. IST (India)
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6:30 p.m. JST (Japan)
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8:30 p.m. AET (Australia’s East Coast)
Regardless of platform, PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X|S, everyone’s jumping in on that same day. Just note: if you grabbed the PC version through the Epic Games Store, downloads don’t open until 10:30 a.m. CET thanks to an “unforeseen issue.”
Scrappy, posting on X via @RoosterScrappy, shared the official ARC Raiders full release time for all platforms.
One little blessing, though the game’s not a monster when it comes to file size.
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PS5: around 16.2 GB
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Xbox Series X|S: 29 GB
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PC: roughly 32.6 GB
Does ARC Raiders Have a Campaign Mode?
Now, if you’re the “sit-back-with-a-story” type of gamer, here’s the reality check: ARC Raiders doesn’t have a traditional campaign (at least, not at launch). No cinematic story mode or co-op narrative journey here. Instead, you’ll get missions and side quests offered by Traders in-game.
These are more like tasks that help you earn crafting materials and gear, so there’s still some direction if you’re not all about the freeform chaos. That said, knowing Embark, the world-building alone might keep you hooked even without a story-driven path.
Will ARC Raiders Support Crossplay or Cross-Platform Functionality?
Good news it totally does. ARC Raiders launches with full crossplay and cross-progression right out of the gate. You’ll be able to squad up with friends whether they’re on PC, Xbox Series X|S, or PlayStation 5. Prefer to avoid the wider matchmaking chaos? You can turn crossplay off anytime in the Gameplay settings tab. As for cross-progression, you can carry your progress across platforms—just make sure you own the game on each one you plan to play. A small price to pay to switch between your couch setup and your high-end rig.
Disclaimer:
All release times, pricing details, and gameplay information about ARC Raiders are based on official announcements from Embark Studios and Nexon as of October 2025. Details such as preload availability or crossplay functionality may vary by region and platform. Always verify updated schedules from your platform’s store page.
