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ARC Raiders is not permanently free to play. Embark announced a limited-time free-play event running from October 8, 2026 at 09:00 UTC through October 12, 2026 at 08:00 UTC. It offers full-game access on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. After the event, the game is sold as a paid title; Embark’s announcement does not say whether event progress carries over if you buy it.
When can you play ARC Raiders for free?
Embark’s October 2, 2026 announcement sets the free-play window from October 8 at 09:00 UTC to October 12 at 08:00 UTC. The event is available on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, and the developer says it grants access to the full game—not just a separate demo or limited selection of modes.
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The stated window is in UTC, so check the conversion for your local time zone. The event is temporary: the announcement describes a chance to try ARC Raiders before buying, not a permanent free-to-play version.
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Outside the event, storefront listings present ARC Raiders as a paid game. You should expect to purchase it to continue playing after the free window unless the platform store or Embark announces another offer. The free-play announcement does not specify what happens to a participant’s character, inventory, or other progress when the event ends or after a purchase, so carryover is not confirmed.
#1 Best Overall
![ARC Raiders Deluxe - PC Steam [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I3Aj2PM0L._SL160_.jpg)
- ARC Raiders Deluxe Edition includes the base game and the following content: The Wanderer Set, including the following cosmetic items: “Valente” Outfit" “Pathfinder” Backpack,“Blanket Roll” Backpack Attachment.
- Plus: Character Cosmetic, Finger Gun Rapid Fire Emote, Cowboy Scrappy Body Type and Skin, 2 400 Raider Tokens.
For a dated US price reference, the Steam listing observed October 4, 2026 showed the Standard Edition at $39.99, discounted to $19.99 through October 8. Steam also showed the Deluxe Edition at $59.99, discounted to $29.99 for the same promotion; it includes the base game, cosmetics, an emote, a Scrappy body type and skin, and 2,400 Raider Tokens. The PlayStation US listing showed the Standard Edition at $39.99. These are US storefront figures observed on that date, not guaranteed prices for other regions or later dates. Check your platform’s store for the current price.
How does progression work?
ARC Raiders is an online multiplayer extraction adventure. You can play solo or in teams of two or three; solo play is not the same as an offline single-player mode. A typical run is built around going to the surface, scavenging, and trying to extract with loot. You can sell loot for coin or use it to craft equipment, while trader quests provide another route to gear, crafting materials, and experience.
- Scavenge and extract: Gather useful loot during a run and get out with it.
- Sell or craft: Turn loot into coin or equipment.
- Complete trader quests: Earn gear, crafting materials, and XP.
- Level your Raider: XP from victories and setbacks contributes to levels and skill points.
- Develop your build: Allocate skill points across Survival, Mobility, and Conditioning. The PlayStation description also highlights workshop upgrades and blueprints as parts of crafting and preparation.
A new player can enter Pendola Pass immediately when teamed with someone who has already unlocked that map, according to the Xbox Wire game description. That specific access condition does not mean all map unlocks are bypassed.
Does the free event progress carry over?
Embark’s free-play announcement confirms access to the full game during the event but does not state whether character levels, inventory, or other progress persist after it ends or transfer to a purchased copy. Treat carryover as unknown unless Embark publishes a specific policy; do not assume that starting during the event guarantees a continuing save.
Rank #3
- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dyno herd
- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety, and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game
- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
- Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes, and styles
- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout
Expeditions are a separate, changeable progression system, not an answer to the free-event save question. A June 26, 2026 PC Gamer report described the fourth Expedition format as awarding 150 Raider Tokens and one blueprint for each of five departure objectives. That dated account illustrates that Expedition rewards and reset incentives can change; it should not be read as a permanent rule or as confirmation of event progress transfer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ARC Raiders–Inspired Design: Bold, high-quality graphics with vibrant colors that capture the iconic ARC Raiders aesthetic.
- Durable Premium Vinyl: Made from thick, high-grade vinyl for long-lasting use on cars, laptops, skateboards, walls, and flasks.
- UV & Weather Resistant: Fade-proof, waterproof, and scratch-resistant—perfect for indoor and outdoor applications.
- Easy Application & Removal: Applies smoothly without bubbles and removes cleanly with no sticky residue left behind.
- Versatile Décor & Gift Idea: Ideal for personalizing gear, accessories, and spaces, and a great gift for ARC Raiders fans.
Rank #4
- Use cunning strategy and tactics to tame, train, ride and breed the 100+ dinosaurs and other primeval creatures roaming the dynamic, persistent ecosystems across land, sea, air, and even underground Build your character's strengths and gain items, skills, and pet creatures using in-depth role-playing systems
- Start a tribe with hundreds of other players to survive and dominate competing tribes...and ultimately discover ARK's true purpose
- Build a fire or shelter, then craft customizable clothing & armors to help protect against damage and extreme temperatures on your way to unlocking advanced technologies and equipment
- Chop down trees and mine metal and other precious resources to build massive multi-leveled structures composed of complex snap-linked parts
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