Yes—but only for a limited event. Embark will let players access the full version of ARC Raiders for free from October 8, 2026, at 09:00 UTC until October 12, 2026, at 08:00 UTC. The offer runs on Steam, Xbox and PlayStation, and coincides with the launch of the Frozen Trail update.
When is ARC Raiders free to play?
The free-play period starts on October 8, 2026, at 09:00 UTC and ends on October 12, 2026, at 08:00 UTC. That is a 95-hour window, so the event does not cover exactly four complete calendar days in every time zone.
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Embark describes this as a temporary opportunity to try the full game before buying it. The announcement does not say that the game is becoming permanently free-to-play, give a price after the event, or explain whether progress made during the window carries over.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Which platforms are included?
| Platform | Included in the announced free period? |
|---|---|
| Steam | Yes |
| Xbox | Yes |
| PlayStation | Yes |
| Epic Games Store | Not named in the free-play announcement |
| GeForce NOW | Not named in the free-play announcement |
The official game listing also identifies Epic Games Store and GeForce NOW among ARC Raiders’ broader platform availability, but that separate platform list does not confirm that either service participates in this specific promotion.
#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.
What does Frozen Trail add?
Frozen Trail launches on October 8, the first day of the free-play event. Embark calls it “our biggest update since launch.”
Frozen Trail map
The update introduces a frozen settlement at the edge of the Rust Belt. Embark describes it as a vertically focused area with exploration and threats both above and below ground.
New endgame and progression content
The announced additions include a high-level ARC Operation for experienced players, new ARC threats, an Outpost and deeper progression. Embark also previews additional weapons, gadgets, cosmetics and instruments.
Ongoing improvements
Embark says it will continue work on matchmaking, anti-cheat, stability and quality-of-life features. These are announced plans, not independently tested results.
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
Can new players enter Pendola Pass?
Yes, but there is a condition. A new player can access the Pendola Pass map immediately when grouped with a player who has already unlocked it. The free-play announcement does not say that every new account receives independent, unrestricted access to Pendola Pass.
What players should know before the event
- Use the published UTC times when planning your session; local start and end times vary by region.
- The promotion grants access to the full game during the stated window, not merely a limited demo.
- If you want to visit Pendola Pass as a new player, arrange a squadmate who has already unlocked the map.
- Do not assume the offer continues after October 12, includes Epic Games Store or GeForce NOW, or preserves event progress; Embark has not specified those details in the announcement.
Bottom line
ARC Raiders is temporarily free to play for the Frozen Trail launch: October 8 at 09:00 UTC through October 12 at 08:00 UTC on Steam, Xbox and PlayStation. It is a full-game access window, while Pendola Pass is immediately available to newcomers who join someone who has already unlocked it.
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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
