Welcome, Raider. With the full release of Arc Raiders on October 30th, this guide consolidates the essential information to prepare for expeditions across a world scarred by humanity and overrun by autonomous machines in this new extraction adventure from Embark Studios.
Guide Overview
This guide covers all the details and provides a near full list of systems needed to jump into the action, including:
- Core gameplay loop and extraction mechanics
- Speranza hub systems and traders
- Crafting, upgrades, and the Workshop
- Raider progression and skill trees
- Weapon categories and loadout management
- Maps, events, and dynamic conditions
- The Expedition Project and optional wipe system
- Server Slam beta details, schedule, and rewards
Core Gameplay & PvPvE Extraction Loop
Arc Raiders is a PvPvE Extraction shooter centered on a high-stakes loop of risk and reward. Raiders venture from the underground city-shelter of Speranza to the dangerous surface to complete quests and secure valuable loot. The surface is a hostile environment, populated by deadly autonomous ARC machines and other player-controlled Raiders competing for the same resources.
Combat is third-person, with pronounced recoil, projectile ballistics, and destructible cover. Raiders use climbing, sliding, and grappling for vertical mobility, while environmental hazards encourage adaptive positioning.
Each expedition is a calculated risk: a choice between a quick, safe extraction with modest gains or lingering for higher-tier loot at the risk of losing everything. The game can be played solo or in squads of up to three. The matchmaking system is designed to create balanced encounters by pitting squads against squads and solo players against other solos, though crossovers can occur. To maintain a constant level of threat, new players can be added to a server until approximately 18 minutes remain in the raid, preventing the map from becoming a safe empty space.
Speranza Hub & Traders (Quests, Feats, Raider Deck, Currencies)
Speranza is the central hub where Raiders prepare for missions, manage their gear, and progress their characters.
- Forming a Squad: A three-person squad can be formed by inviting friends. For those who prefer to operate alone, queuing up solo is an option by setting “Fill Squad” to off. Conversely, setting this to “on” will matchmake with other players.
- Challenges & Quests: Challenges (also called Feats) are randomized objectives tied to the battle pass system, rewarding “cred” upon completion. This currency is used to unlock pages of rewards in a system called “Raider Deck.” Quests, obtained from various traders, function as an onboarding experience, providing players with early quests to guide them.
- Traders: The main traders in Speranza and their functions are summarized below:TraderRoleKey OfferingsCelesteStory/Quest NPCCore missions, narrative progressionShaniSecurity ChiefMobility tools, ziplines, Hatch KeysTian WenWeapons ExpertFirearms, ammo, attachmentsApolloGadget EngineerGrenades, mines, tactical devicesLanceMedicShields, first-aid items, adrenaline shots
Workshop Crafting Benches & Upgrades (Scrappy, Refiner, Recipes)
The Workshop is essential for crafting and maintaining gear. Since all loot is dropped upon death, Raiders will frequently find themselves needing to restock or completely rebuild their loadouts. Raiders start with a basic bench and must construct others using resources found topside. Each station can be upgraded to unlock new and higher-tier crafting recipes. To help with the resource grind, a unique companion—a pet rooster named Scrappy—provides a steady stream of basic materials.
- Basic Bench: Crafts basic augments, shields, weapons, and consumables.
- Weapon Bench: For crafting weapons, attachments, and weapon upgrades.
- Equipment Bench: Used to craft different tiers of augments and shields.
- Med Station: Provides access to bandages, shield recharges, and adrenaline shots.
- Explosive Bench: For crafting grenades and mines.
- Utility Bench: Creates items like deployable barricades and photoelectric cloaks.
- Refiner: A later-game station for crafting rarer components from lower-tier resources.
Progression, Skill Trees & Loadouts (Safe Pocket, Augments)
The Character tab is the home for long-term progression systems and customization.
- Skill Trees: Experience points (XP) can be invested into three skill trees:
- Conditioning: Focuses on stamina, encumbrance, and breaching ability.
- Mobility: Improves climbing, vaulting, and overall movement speed.
- Survival: Enhances looting efficiency, stealth, and evasion.
- Inventory and Loadouts: The inventory is split between the Stash (long-term storage) and the Loadout (items taken on the next expedition). Upon death, all equipped and carried loot is permanently lost unless stored in the safe pocket. Successful extraction is the only way to secure XP and materials.
- Custom Loadouts: Allow for the use of a Raider Augment and provide access to a “safe pocket”—a small number of slots for items that will always be extracted, even in death.
- Free Loadouts: Provide a completely randomized set of gear. Successfully extracting with a free loadout means keeping all the starting gear. The drawback is the lack of a safe pocket or a Raider Augment.
- Raider Augments: Special gear providing passive bonuses, such as increased backpack slots or different weight limits. Equipping an augment reduces the number of safe pocket slots.
Weapons, Attachments & Gear (Light/Medium/Heavy, Shotguns)
Survival on the surface is heavily dependent on the chosen weaponry, which falls into several categories:
- Light Weapons (Pistols, SMGs): Effective in close-quarters combat against players but struggle against armored ARC machines.
- Medium Weapons (Assault Rifles, LMGs): Versatile options for both PvP and PvE encounters.
- Heavy Weapons (Hand Cannons, Sniper Rifles): Extremely powerful at mid-to-long range, but ammo is scarce.
- Shotguns: Devastating at close range with significant damage drop-off.
Weapons can be enhanced with attachments found as physical items or crafted from recipes. The bench also allows for direct upgrades to stats, but these upgrades are lost if the weapon is lost on an expedition.
Rust Belt Maps & Events (Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport)
All expeditions take place in a region known as the Rust Belt. Maps use a color-coded Points of Interest (POI) system, where red areas signify high-tier loot and high danger.
- Maps:
- Dam Battlegrounds: The primary starting area, this map is a mix of forests, swamps, and dilapidated research facilities.
- Buried City: A once-thriving urban center now reclaimed by sand dunes.
- The Spaceport: An abandoned launch complex littered with old technology and sprawling across various industrial zones.
- Upcoming Maps: “The Blue Gate“, set in the mountains, and the mysterious “Stella Montis” have been teased.
- Dynamic Conditions: Expeditions are made more dynamic by variable weather conditions. Events like pitch-black Night Raids or disruptive electromagnetic storms dramatically increase ARC presence and loot quality, while others like Harvest Season make resources more abundant. Raiders can extract via elevators and trains, which alert nearby enemies, or through rare, quick extractions using a Raider Hatch Key.
Expedition Project (Voluntary Wipe): Cycle, Rewards, What Resets
Arc Raiders features a unique, voluntary wipe system, meaning there are no mandatory progress resets. This allows players to progress at their own pace. For those seeking a fresh start and exclusive rewards, the “Expedition Project” is available.
Access to the first major project is unlocked at character level 20. The project operates on an approximate eight-week cycle. In the final week, a “finalization window” opens, allowing players who have completed the project’s requirements to opt into a progress reset. If a player doesn’t complete the project in time, their progress carries over to the next cycle’s window.
Choosing to reset initiates a clean slate cycle for the Expedition Project.
- What is lost: Character-specific progress is wiped, including levels, skills, inventory, workbench upgrades, and crafting recipes.
- What is kept: All account-bound items are retained, including earned or purchased cosmetics, achievements, and ratings.
Completing an Expedition grants access to unique cosmetic items and temporary, non-balance-affecting account bonuses for the subsequent cycle.
Server Slam Open Beta: Dates, Start Times, Platforms, Reward
To ensure a smooth entry into the Arc Raiders: Server Slam starts tomorrow – all about the last beta test, completing a few preparatory steps can prevent potential login errors. This final server slam open test is a crucial part of the developer’s process, building on the history of previous, smaller-scale tech test phases. Players who wish to join the test this weekend will find the process straightforward.
Pre-Flight Checklist (Embark ID, Drivers, Cross-Play)
- Create and Link Your Embark ID: This account, managed by Embark Studios, links progress across platforms and is necessary to receive the exclusive cosmetic reward. Navigate to the Embark ID sign-in page and log in with your chosen platform (Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, or Epic Games) to create and link your account.
- Update Graphics Drivers: For PC players, new graphics drivers have been released with specific optimizations for Arc Raiders. Installing these updates is advised for optimal performance. As of now, there is no specific AMD GPU driver update for the game.
- Performance and Crossplay Note: The open beta supports crossplay across all platforms. PC players can adjust graphical presets and expect stable 60 FPS performance on mid-range hardware. The beta also includes limited proximity voice chat and quick-ping communication for squad coordination.
Schedule & Access (No Pre-Load)
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store).
- Duration: The Server Slam runs from Friday, October 17th, to Sunday, October 19th.
- Start Time: Access begins on October 17th at 9:00 AM Eastern Time (6:00 AM PT / 8:00 AM CT).
- End Time: The official end time is Sunday, October 19th, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time (8:00 AM PT / 10:00 AM CT). While there have been hints of an extension, it is advisable to plan for the official end time.
- Access: The test is free and open to everyone aged 16 or older. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone wanting to play Arc Raiders for the first time before committing to a pre order. No sign-ups or codes are required.
Download and Content
The ability to download Arc Raiders for the beta will unlock when the event starts; there is no official pre-download. This is an intentional stress test, so expect a staggered rollout.
What’s In the Server Slam?
- Map: The only map available will be Dam Battlegrounds.
- Progression: The test features a limited slice of early-to-mid-game gear, meaning Raiders will have access to a variety of mid tier equipment but not the highest-end items. It also includes basic crafting stations (Weapon, Equipment, Medical) that cannot be upgraded, and one page of Raider Deck unlocks.
- Enemies: Players will encounter ARC machine types like Wasps, Ticks, Bastions, and Leapers. ARC enemies demonstrate coordinated patrol patterns, escalating aggression when Raiders are detected or engage in prolonged combat.
- Features: Quests and traders will be accessible. No in-game purchases will be available.
What’s Not In the Server Slam?
- The optional “Projects and Expeditions” reset system.
- Deeper progression systems, higher-tier blueprints, and other advanced content.
- No Progress Carry-Over: All progression will be wiped at the end of the test.
Exclusive Reward: Server Slammer Backpack
Participants who play during the Server Slam with a confirmed Embark ID will receive an exclusive Server Slammer Backpack. This cosmetic item is the only thing that will carry over to the full game at launch.
All progress from the Server Slam will reset ahead of Arc Raiders’ full launch on October 30th. This weekend offers a chance for players to dive into the world the studios have been building and gain valuable knowledge before launch. The team at Embark Studios is composed of veteran developer talent with a history that includes the Battlefield franchise, and that experience is helping to shape the game’s tactical feel. The final chapter in the game’s pre-launch writing is almost complete, and players don’t have long to wait to experience the full game. With its combination of tactical PvPvE systems, dynamic raids, and modular progression, Arc Raiders’ Server Slam offers a clear snapshot of the game’s foundation ahead of launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Arc Raiders Server Slam Open Beta start and end?
The Arc Raiders Server Slam Open Beta runs from Friday, October 17th, through Sunday, October 19th, 2025. Players can join the test starting at 9:00 AM Eastern Time (6:00 AM PT / 8:00 AM CT). Servers will officially close on October 19th at 11:00 AM Eastern, though developers have hinted that a short extension may be possible depending on server performance and participation.
How can I join the Arc Raiders Open Beta?
The Server Slam is completely free and available to anyone aged 16 or older. You don’t need an invite or access code. Players can simply visit Steam, the Epic Games Store, or their respective console marketplaces to download the client when the event begins. The beta is open on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and joining requires an Embark ID linked to your platform account.
Is there a pre-download available for the Arc Raiders Server Slam?
No, pre-download is intentionally unavailable for this event. Embark Studios has confirmed this open beta is also a stress test designed to evaluate server stability under heavy load. The download will unlock once the beta begins, so players should expect a staggered rollout and possible queue times during the first few hours.
What platforms support the Arc Raiders Open Beta?
The open beta supports PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, available through both Steam and the Epic Games Store. The event includes full crossplay support, allowing friends across platforms to squad up and complete expeditions together. Progress and rewards are tracked through a unified Embark ID system.
What is the exclusive reward for participating in the Arc Raiders Server Slam?
Players who participate during the Server Slam with a verified Embark ID will receive the Server Slammer Backpack, an exclusive cosmetic that will carry over to the full release. It’s a limited-time reward meant to recognize early participants and will not be available later. Only one copy per account can be claimed.
Will progress from the Server Slam carry over to the full game?
No, all progress—including levels, gear, and crafting recipes—will be wiped at the end of the beta. This ensures a balanced start for all players at launch. The only exception is the Server Slammer Backpack, which will be automatically granted to linked Embark accounts when the game releases on October 30th, 2025.
What map is available in the Arc Raiders Open Beta?
The Server Slam features the Dam Battlegrounds map, located in the Rust Belt region. This area combines swamps, forests, and abandoned research facilities. It serves as the testing ground for the game’s PvPvE systems, dynamic weather conditions, and extraction mechanics. Other maps such as Buried City and The Spaceport will be available at launch.
What kind of enemies appear in the Arc Raiders beta?
Players will face various ARC machine types, including Wasps, Ticks, Bastions, and Leapers. Each unit type behaves differently—Wasps engage from above, Ticks swarm in close range, and Bastions provide heavy suppressive fire. These AI enemies patrol zones dynamically and respond to gunfire, extraction alerts, and proximity triggers.
What type of game is Arc Raiders?
Arc Raiders is a third-person PvPvE extraction shooter by Embark Studios, blending cooperative survival with competitive looting and high-stakes extraction gameplay. Players venture from an underground hub to the surface to scavenge materials, battle both enemy machines and rival Raiders, and extract valuable loot before time runs out.
What is the “Expedition Project” in Arc Raiders?
The Expedition Project is Arc Raiders’ unique voluntary wipe system. Players can choose to reset their progress at the end of each cycle—approximately every eight weeks—to earn exclusive rewards. Completing project objectives unlocks limited-time cosmetics and minor account-wide bonuses. Opting in resets levels, skills, and gear, creating a new progression loop for dedicated players.
What happens when I die during an expedition?
When a Raider dies on the surface, all carried loot and crafted gear are permanently lost, unless the items were stored in the safe pocket. Death resets that expedition attempt entirely. The only way to keep your haul and progress is by successfully extracting through designated exit points before time expires or enemies overwhelm you.
What is the “safe pocket” in Arc Raiders?
The safe pocket is a small portion of a Raider’s loadout that automatically extracts even on death. Items placed here are immune to loss, providing minimal insurance during risky expeditions. The pocket’s capacity depends on the selected Raider Augment—larger augments often reduce safe pocket slots in exchange for other bonuses.
What are Raider Augments and how do they work?
Raider Augments are specialized gear components that modify passive stats or grant small perks. Examples include increased carry weight, faster healing, or greater stamina recovery. They significantly affect playstyle and risk management. Each augment also impacts safe pocket space, creating tradeoffs between security and capacity.
What are the skill trees in Arc Raiders?
Arc Raiders features three skill trees tied to progression:
- Conditioning: Improves stamina, encumbrance limits, and breaching ability.
- Mobility: Enhances climbing, vaulting, sliding, and overall agility.
- Survival: Increases looting speed, stealth efficiency, and escape potential.
Experience points earned during expeditions can be allocated to any of these trees, allowing players to fine-tune their Raider build.
What crafting options are available in Arc Raiders?
Crafting takes place in the Workshop, located within Speranza. Players can use raw materials to craft weapons, consumables, and defensive tools at specialized benches, including the Weapon, Equipment, Medical, Explosive, Utility, and Refiner stations. Higher-tier upgrades require rare resources found during dangerous expeditions.
Who are the traders in the Speranza Hub?
The main traders in Speranza specialize in specific gear and services:
- Celeste: Story quests and mainline missions.
- Shani: Security tools, mobility gear, and extraction utilities.
- Tian Wen: Firearms, ammunition, and attachments.
- Apollo: Explosives, traps, and tactical gadgets.
- Lance: Medical supplies, shields, and first aid.
Players can purchase from these vendors using Coins earned by selling expedition loot.
What is the “Raider Deck” in Arc Raiders?
The Raider Deck functions as a battle pass-style reward system. By completing Feats (daily or weekly challenges), players earn Cred, which can be spent to unlock Deck pages. Rewards include cosmetics, materials, and account bonuses. The system encourages consistent play across cycles and introduces a long-term reward loop.
What are “Dynamic Conditions” or “World Events”?
Dynamic Conditions alter the surface environment during expeditions. Examples include Night Raids, Electromagnetic Storms, and Harvest Seasons. These events impact visibility, loot density, and ARC activity levels. Night Raids increase loot quality but spawn tougher enemies, while Harvest Seasons offer more resources but reduce rare drop rates.
Who is developing Arc Raiders?
Arc Raiders is developed by Embark Studios, a Stockholm-based team founded by former Battlefield and DICE veterans. The studio focuses on building systemic, physics-driven gameplay using proprietary technology. Their experience with large-scale multiplayer design directly influences Arc Raiders’ extraction and PvPvE balance.
When is the full release of Arc Raiders?
The full release of Arc Raiders is scheduled for October 30th, 2025, on PC (Steam/Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The launch version will expand on the beta with new maps, traders, weapon blueprints, and higher-tier content not available during the Server Slam.
