Embark StudiosSince it made its debut back at The Game Awards in 2021, fans have been eager to explore more of ARC Raiders, the extraction adventure from ex-EA and DICE devs, and pre-orders are finally live.
Amid the upcoming release of Marathon, ARC Raiders has been thrust into the spotlight, with many comparing the game to Bungie’s upcoming release. After all, they certainly share some similarities, being sci-fi extraction games released in the same year.
Made by Embark Studios, the same people who made The Finals, ARC Raiders is a retro-future themed extraction shooter that manages the feat of making PvE threats even more dangerous than players at times. Its first playtest was received extremely well, and the final release is one of the most anticipated games of 2025.
So, if you’re looking to get into the adventures of ARC when it releases, here’s all you need to know, from its release date, platforms, and of course, clips of the gameplay so you can see how it runs.
Release date
ARC Raiders will be releasing on October 30, 2025, as was made official at the Summer Game Fest 2025.
Embark StudiosIt was originally slated for 2022, but was delayed back in August to allow the team more time to “expand the experience and allow it to reach its fullest potential.” After this, it was given a 2023 release window, but was once again delayed.
Platforms
ARC Raiders will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S, and PC, meaning all current-gen platforms are covered. Sadly, there will be no last-gen version, so those on older hardware will be unable to drop in until they upgrade to newer consoles.
There is no word yet on whether or not a Nintendo Switch 2 version is in the works, but if so, this will likely release later.
Is it on Steam Deck?
Yes, ARC Raiders is available on the Steam Deck, though there’s no word on whether it will be verified on release.
Related
However, players on ProtonDB have reported that it runs well on the Steam Deck, just with a little instability and inability to work with the Ray Tracing.
They’ve also explained that it does occasionally crash, though that was using the game’s Alpha playtest, so it will be subject to change.
Embark StudiosPre-order
On September 22, Embark announced that pre-orders were finally live, and there are two different versions with unique benefits. Check them out below:
Standard Edition
- Base game
- Lucky Duck Bundle
Ultimate Edition
- Base game
- Lucky Duck Bundle
- Astro Bundle
- Valente Outfit
- Pathfinder Backpack
- Blanket Roll Backpack Attachment
- Lip Scar Face Cosmetic
- Finger Gun: Rapid Fire Emote
- Cowboy Scrappy Skin
- 2,400 Raider Tokens
ARC Raiders price
ARC Raiders will cost $40 across all platforms, while the Deluxe Edition will be $60.
ARC Raiders was previously a free-to-play game, until he developers, Embark Studios, decided to charge, explaining that it’s so the devs can “focus more on the fun” and not “encourage players to make purchases.”
Server Slam Open Test
Fans have one more chance to play Arc Raiders ahead of launch, as the Server Slam test runs from October 17 until October 19. This time, no codes are required; anyone on any platform can jump in right away.
All you have to do is download it from your preferred platform’s store, and you’re good to go.
The test is primarily designed to stress test the servers before launch day, but players can explore the Dam Battlegrounds and experience “elements of progression and crafting while completing a set of quests.”
Any progress you make won’t carry over to the full game, but participating will earn you an exclusive backpack that will be waiting for you on October 30.
ARC Raiders story
Embark StudiosYou play as a Raider tasked with defending a lethal version of future Earth with an 1980s aesthetic from the ARC, an advanced mechanized species that arrived from space.
The description on the ARC Raiders website explains: “Enlist as a Raider and thrive in a desolate world. Shape your legacy as you scavenge the lethal surface and build your home in the sprawling underground neighborhood of Speranza. But beware of the machines. Beware of Raiders preying on others.”
As such, you can expect to battle large Robots like the deadly Bison, scavenge the landscape for loot, battle against other players with your chosen team, and perhaps even build a home in Speranza.
Gameplay
ARC Raiders is a cooperative PvPvE extraction shooter that pits a squad of friends up against other players, machines, and various dangerous foes.
As such, you’ll have a host of different weapons and gadgets at your disposal, with more dropping from defeated enemies and for completing missions.
The official game website shows off some retro-futuristic equipment that can be welded, including a Snap Hook to grapple onto ledges, and a Howitzer rocket launcher to dish out some huge damage.
ARC Raiders trailers
Back in 2021, during The Game Awards, ARC Raiders released its world premiere gameplay trailer, offering an early insight into the chaotic fighting style, a few of the ARC robots you’ll need to battle, and the overarching style of the game. It showcased various jump boosts, weapons, characters, and even grenades.
Then, in 2023, a closed Alpha was revealed through another trailer. During this trailer, we got a little glimpse into the game’s story, its characters, and some pre-alpha footage of the gameplay. Stealth combines with frantic fights and the reveal of PvP.
On August 20, 2024, it was revealed in a Gamescom teaser that ARC Raiders would be releasing in 2025. It also teased the Playtest, allowing players to dive into the game for a short while.
The early tech test in October 2024 revealed the longest gameplay trailer we’ve had. In it players get to hear more about the setting, the lore, the beginning of the game, and who the Raiders are. Players can use repurposed tunnels to explore the world and fans got to witness the look, feel, and design of the gameplay.
On April 28, 2025, the second tech test was revealed through a trailer, offering players the chance to access another beta, this time lasting from April 30 – May 4. In the trailer, we got more gameplay, offering quite an improvement from the gameplay trailer before.
Finally, the most recent ARC Raiders trailer from Summer Game Fest 2025 revealed the release date and some additional gameplay.
Crossplay
Yes, ARC Raiders will be fully cross-platform no matter what you play on.
This means if you’re playing on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation, you’ll be able to team up with friends no matter what platform they’re using.
Thanks to the second Playtest, we know you can enable or disable the crossplay option, allowing it to be entirely in the players’ hands.
So, that’s all you need to know about ARC Raiders. While waiting for the game to release, be sure to check out some other upcoming games, like The Elder Scrolls 6, GTA 6 and Wolverine.