Is Arc Raiders Free? Complete Pricing Breakdown (2026)
If you’re wondering whether Arc Raiders is free to play, you’re not alone. As one of the most anticipated extraction shooters of 2026, this question has been on every gamer’s mind since Embark Studios first announced the game. After extensive research and verification from official sources, I’m here to give you the definitive answer and everything you need to know about Arc Raiders’ pricing model.
No, Arc Raiders is not free to play. Despite initial speculation and the success of Embark Studios’ previous free-to-play title The Finals, Arc Raiders will launch as a premium title requiring an upfront purchase. Let me break down everything you need to know about the pricing, editions, and what you get for your money.
Quick Facts: Arc Raiders Pricing Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Free to Play? | No – Premium title only |
| Standard Edition Price | $39.99 USD |
| Deluxe Edition Price | $59.99 USD |
| Release Date | October 30, 2026 |
| Free Playtest | Server Slam: October 17-19, 2026 |
| Platforms | PC (Steam, Epic), PS5, Xbox Series X |
| Microtransactions | Yes – Cosmetic items and battle pass |
| Cross-Platform Play | Yes |
| Regional Pricing | Varies by country (some reduced) |
Why Arc Raiders Isn’t Free to Play
Embark Studios originally considered a free-to-play model for Arc Raiders, similar to their successful title The Finals. However, during Gamescom 2024, executive producer Aleksander Gröndal announced that the game would instead be a premium title priced at $40. The reasoning behind this decision is quite interesting and actually makes sense from a game design perspective.
The developers determined that the kind of experience they wanted to build would be better served as a premium title rather than free-to-play. Here’s why:
1. Game Balance and Design Freedom
By going premium, Embark Studios avoids the monetization pressure that often comes with free-to-play games. This means they can focus on creating a balanced, fair experience without needing to design systems that encourage spending. The developers have more freedom to implement features and content based on what’s best for gameplay rather than what drives revenue.
2. Reduced Hacker Presence
The monetary barrier to entry helps reduce the number of hackers and cheaters in the game. When players have to invest money upfront, they’re less likely to risk getting banned by using cheats. This creates a healthier gaming environment for everyone.
3. Sustainable Development
A premium model allows for more predictable revenue and sustainable development. While free-to-play games rely on constant microtransaction revenue, a premium title’s success is based on the quality of the game itself, encouraging the developers to focus on making the best possible experience.
Arc Raiders Pricing Structure
Standard Edition ($39.99 USD)
The Standard Edition of Arc Raiders includes:
- Full base game access
- Pre-order bonus: ‘Hatchling’ backpack and ‘Golden Rubber Duck’ backpack charm
- Access to all launch content and future updates
Deluxe Edition ($59.99 USD)
The Deluxe Edition offers additional value with:
- Everything in the Standard Edition
- Exclusive Astro Bundle (Deluxe pre-order exclusive)
- Lucky Duck Bundle
- Additional cosmetic items and bonuses
Regional Pricing Variations
Embark Studios recently announced price reductions in select regions to ensure “a more fair price point for all.” The following regions now have reduced pricing:
- India: ₹2,467 (approximately $27.79) – 30.48% reduction
- Indonesia: Rp 463,182 (approximately $27.93) – 30.15% reduction
- China: ¥199.64 (approximately $28.04) – 29.88% reduction
- Ukraine: ₴11,616 (approximately $28.07) – 29.79% reduction
- Vietnam: ₫746,000 (approximately $28.29) – 29.27% reduction
- Philippines: ₱1,838.90 (approximately $31.65) – 20.86% reduction
- Thailand: ฿1,031.10 (approximately $31.73) – 20.66% reduction
- Uruguay: $U1,276 (approximately $31.95) – 20.06% reduction
- Malaysia: RM14.69 (approximately $31.95) – 20.08% reduction
- Chile: CLP$3,110 (approximately $32.21) – 19.44% reduction
- Brazil: R$171.80 (approximately $32.23) – 19.39% reduction
- Costa Rica: ₡1,623 (approximately $32.23) – 19.39% reduction
- Peru: S/111.65 (approximately $32.23) – 19.39% reduction
- Colombia: COL$126,295 (approximately $32.71) – 18.20% reduction
Players who already pre-ordered in these regions will automatically receive refunds for the price difference.
What About Microtransactions?
Even though Arc Raiders is a premium title, it will still include microtransactions and a battle pass system. However, these are purely cosmetic and don’t affect gameplay balance. Here’s what you need to know:
Battle Pass System
Arc Raiders will feature a battle pass that can be purchased with Raider Tokens. These tokens can be earned through gameplay or purchased with real money. The battle pass includes cosmetic items like outfits, backpacks, charms, and emotes.
Cosmetic Items Only
Importantly, there are no pay-to-win elements in Arc Raiders. All microtransactions are for cosmetic items only, ensuring that gameplay remains fair and balanced for all players regardless of how much they spend.
Raider Tokens
Raider Tokens serve as the in-game currency and can be used to purchase:
- Raider decks
- Cosmetic bundles
- Outfits and backpacks
- Charms and emotes
- Scrappy outfits
Free Playtest Opportunities
While Arc Raiders isn’t free to play, Embark Studios is offering one last chance to try the game before launch. The Server Slam playtest will be available from October 17-19, 2026, completely free of charge.
Server Slam Details:
- Dates: October 17-19, 2026
- Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PS5, Xbox Series X|S
- No sign-up required: Open to everyone
- No code needed: Direct download available
- Content: Features the Dam Battlegrounds map with special conditions like Electromagnetic Storms and Night Raids
This is your final opportunity to experience Arc Raiders before the October 30 launch and decide if the premium price is worth it for you.
Platform Availability and Cross-Play
Arc Raiders will be available on multiple platforms with full cross-platform support:
Supported Platforms:
- PC: Steam, Epic Games Store, GeForce NOW
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
Cross-Platform Features:
- Cross-Play: Yes – play with friends regardless of platform
- Cross-Save: Yes – via Embark ID account
- Progression Carries Over: Your progress follows you across platforms
This means you can play with friends on different systems and maintain your progression whether you’re playing on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox.
Is Arc Raiders Worth the Price?
Given that Arc Raiders costs $39.99 for the Standard Edition, is it worth the investment? Based on my research and the information available, here’s what you’re getting:
What’s Included at Launch:
- Four distinct maps at launch (Dam Battlegrounds, Acerra Spaceport, Buried City, and Blue Gate)
- Extensive crafting system with workshop upgrades
- Skill tree system with three paths: Survival, Mobility, and Conditioning
- Varied weapon arsenal including SMGs, rifles, shotguns, railguns, and energy weapons
- Tactical equipment like grenades, traps, ziplines, and deployables
- Quest system with multiple traders and storylines
- Co-op multiplayer for up to three players
- PvPvE gameplay against both ARC machines and other players
Content Roadmap:
Embark Studios has promised continued support with new maps, features, and content updates post-launch. The evolving nature of the underground society of Speranza suggests that the game will grow and expand over time.
Comparison to Other Extraction Shooters (2026)
When considering the $39.99 price point, it’s helpful to compare Arc Raiders to other extraction shooters on the market:
| Game | Price | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arc Raiders | $39.99 | Premium | No F2P, cosmetic MTX only |
| Escape from Tarkov | $44.99 | Premium | Hardcore, realistic |
| The Finals | Free | F2P | Embark’s previous title |
| Hunt: Showdown | $24.99 | Premium | Horror-themed |
| Marathon | TBA | Unknown | Bungie’s upcoming |
Arc Raiders sits in a competitive but reasonable price range for the extraction shooter genre, offering a unique blend of PvE and PvP elements with a strong focus on cooperative gameplay.
Community Reception and Feedback
The community response to Arc Raiders’ pricing has been mixed, which is typical for any game that shifts from expected free-to-play to premium:
Positive Feedback:
- Many players appreciate the premium model for potentially better game balance
- The one-time purchase is preferred over ongoing microtransaction pressure
- Cross-platform support is widely praised
- Regional pricing adjustments show responsiveness to global markets
Concerns Raised:
- Some players expected free-to-play like The Finals
- Questions about long-term content support
- Concerns about player base size with premium model
- Worries about replayability value
Pre-Order Bonuses and Incentives
If you’re considering purchasing Arc Raiders, pre-ordering comes with some exclusive benefits:
Standard Edition Pre-Order Bonus:
- ‘Hatchling’ backpack
- ‘Golden Rubber Duck’ backpack charm
Deluxe Edition Pre-Order Bonuses:
- Everything in Standard Edition
- Exclusive Astro Bundle (Deluxe only)
- Lucky Duck Bundle
- Additional cosmetic items
Important: Pre-order bonuses are only available until launch (October 30, 2026). After that, these exclusive items will not be available except through remaining NVIDIA bundle promotions.
System Requirements and Technical Considerations
Before deciding whether Arc Raiders is worth the investment, make sure your system can handle it. For detailed Arc Raiders system requirements, check out our comprehensive guide.
The game is built on Unreal Engine 5 and features impressive visuals and physics. While exact requirements may vary, you’ll want a modern gaming PC or current-gen console for the best experience.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy Arc Raiders?
After thoroughly researching Arc Raiders and its pricing model, here’s my honest assessment:
Who Should Buy Arc Raiders:
- Extraction shooter fans looking for a fresh take on the genre
- Players who prefer premium games over free-to-play models
- Co-op enthusiasts who enjoy team-based gameplay
- Those who appreciate polished, full-featured launches over early access titles
- Fans of Embark Studios’ work on The Finals
Who Might Want to Wait:
- Budget-conscious gamers who prefer free-to-play options
- Players unsure about extraction shooters as a genre
- Those waiting for post-launch reviews and community feedback
- People with limited time for gaming who might not get full value
My Recommendation:
Try the Server Slam playtest (October 17-19) first. It’s free and will give you a hands-on experience with the game. If you enjoy the gameplay and feel it’s worth $39.99, then pre-ordering might be a good choice. The premium model suggests a more complete, balanced experience without the monetization pressures common in free-to-play games.
FAQ: Common Questions About Arc Raiders Pricing
Is Arc Raiders coming to Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus?
No, Arc Raiders will not be available on Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus at launch. You can only play Arc Raiders by purchasing the game directly.
Will Arc Raiders have microtransactions or a battle pass?
Yes, despite being a paid game, Arc Raiders will include microtransactions and a battle pass system. However, these are purely cosmetic and don’t affect gameplay balance.
Can I play Arc Raiders for free?
The only way to play Arc Raiders for free is during the Server Slam playtest from October 17-19, 2026. After that, you’ll need to purchase the game.
What’s the difference between Standard and Deluxe editions?
The Standard Edition costs $39.99 and includes the base game plus pre-order bonuses. The Deluxe Edition costs $59.99 and includes additional exclusive cosmetic bundles like the Astro Bundle and Lucky Duck Bundle.
Is Arc Raiders cross-platform?
Yes, Arc Raiders supports full cross-platform play between PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, as well as cross-save functionality through your Embark ID.
Will there be more free playtests after launch?
Embark Studios has stated that the Server Slam will be the final playtest before launch. There are no announced plans for additional free playtests after release.
Can I upgrade from Standard to Deluxe edition after purchase?
Yes, you can upgrade your Standard Edition purchase to the Deluxe Edition, though the specific upgrade process and pricing may vary by platform.
Are pre-order bonuses available after launch?
No, pre-order bonuses including the exclusive Astro Bundle (for Deluxe edition) and Lucky Duck Bundle are only available until launch. After October 30, 2026, these items will not be available for purchase.
What platforms will Arc Raiders be available on?
Arc Raiders will launch on PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. There are no current plans for last-gen console versions.
How long will Arc Raiders be supported post-launch?
While Embark Studios hasn’t specified exact support duration, they have promised continued content updates including new maps and features. The premium model suggests long-term support plans.
Conclusion
Arc Raiders is not free to play – it’s a premium title priced at $39.99 for the Standard Edition and $59.99 for the Deluxe Edition. While this may disappoint some who expected a free-to-play model like The Finals, the premium approach offers several advantages including better game balance, reduced hacker presence, and more design freedom for the developers.
The game launches on October 30, 2026, with a final free playtest opportunity during the Server Slam weekend (October 17-19). This gives you a chance to try before you buy and determine if the extraction shooter gameplay is worth the investment.
With cross-platform play, regional pricing adjustments, and a focus on cosmetic-only microtransactions, Arc Raiders represents an interesting middle ground in the modern gaming market. Whether it’s worth your money depends on your preferences as a gamer, but the premium model suggests a more complete and balanced experience than many free-to-play alternatives.
If you’re interested in learning more about Arc Raiders pre-order options and deals, check out our detailed guide. And for those curious about extraction shooters in general, we have comprehensive coverage of the genre’s latest developments.
Remember to bookmark this page for updates as we approach the Arc Raiders launch, and don’t forget to join the Server Slam playtest – it’s your last chance to play for free before deciding whether to invest in this promising extraction shooter!