Calling all scavengers, marksmen, and thrill-seekers! If you’ve been eagerly watching the horizon for the next big co-op extraction shooter, your wait is almost over. ARC Raiders, the highly anticipated PvPvE game from Embark Studios, is throwing its doors open for a massive, free-to-play test later this month, giving players their first true taste of the action before its full launch.
For a limited time, anyone with a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or a capable PC can dive into the ruins of a broken world without spending a dime. This is your chance to experience the game that aims to blend the tense, loot-driven gameplay of extraction shooters with the polished, dynamic action of the team behind THE FINALS.
What is ARC Raiders?
For the uninitiated, ARC Raiders is a player-versus-player-versus-environment (PvPvE) extraction shooter set on a post-apocalyptic Earth. Developed by Embark Studios, a Stockholm-based team packed with industry veterans, the game casts you as a Raider—a rugged scavenger fighting for survival and profit in the settlement of Speranza.
Your mission is to venture into the dangerous wilds, recover valuable resources, and make it out alive. The catch? You’re not just fighting the environment or the hostile robotic ARC machines patrolling the landscape. You’re also competing against other player-controlled Raiders, all with the same goal: get the loot and get out. Trust is a luxury, and every shadow could hide a rival.
The "Server Slam" Event: Dates, Details, and How to Join
Mark your calendars. Embark Studios has announced a "Server Slam" stress test, running from Thursday, October 17, through Saturday, October 19.
The best part? No keys or pre-registration are required. This is a truly open test. Simply head to your platform’s digital store—the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, or the Epic Games Store—during the event window, search for "ARC Raiders," and you can download and play the game completely free of charge.
The primary goal of this event is to put the game’s backend infrastructure through its paces. Embark is looking to test server stability, matchmaking systems, and overall game balance ahead of the official release on October 30. By participating, you're not just getting a free preview; you're actively helping the developers polish the final experience.
For a complete breakdown of the event, including the exact start and end times for your region, be sure to check out the official Server Slam information page on the ARC Raiders website.
What to Expect in the Speranza Wilderness
During the Server Slam, players will have access to the Dam Battlegrounds map. This diverse landscape features murky wetlands, derelict research facilities, and sprawling flooded industrial zones, offering a perfect playground for ambushes and strategic firefights.
You'll be able to play solo or team up in a squad, experimenting with a curated selection of early and mid-tier weapons, armor, and gadgets. Basic trader quests will be available, giving you clear objectives amidst the chaos. The world of Speranza is also dynamic, with randomized weather events like electromagnetic storms that can disrupt your tech or tense night raids that will test your survival skills to the limit.
It's important to note that this is a focused test. High-end gear, deep crafting upgrades, and late-game progression systems like Projects and Trials will be disabled. Furthermore, all progress and unlocks earned during the Server Slam will be wiped and will not carry over to the full launch on October 30.
This event is the perfect opportunity to get a feel for the game's unique tone—a blend of methodical scavenging, heart-pounding tension, and the sudden, explosive firefights that define the genre. To see the Dam Battlegrounds in action before you drop in, you can watch the latest gameplay trailer right here:
Watch the official ARC Raiders gameplay trailer on YouTube
Your First Drop Awaits
With the Server Slam just days away, the anticipation is building. For newcomers, it’s a risk-free chance to explore the beautiful yet deadly world of Speranza. For returning alpha testers, it’s a crucial moment to see how the game has evolved and to help Embark Studios fine-tune the final build.
Whether you're a hardened extraction shooter veteran or a curious newcomer, this free weekend is the ultimate preview of one of the fall's most interesting releases.
Ready to answer the call? You can wishlist the game now and get ready to download it on October 17.
Wishlist ARC Raiders on Steam to be notified when the test goes live
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