As of October 8, 2026, at 06:40 UTC, ARC Raiders is available to buy, but its announced free-play window has not started yet. Embark says the full game will be free to play from October 8 at 09:00 UTC through October 12 at 08:00 UTC on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. Outside that limited event, check your platform’s store for the current price and regional availability; this promotion does not make the game permanently free.
When can you play ARC Raiders for free?
The announced free-play period runs from October 8, 2026, at 09:00 UTC to October 12, 2026, at 08:00 UTC. At the time this article was checked—06:40 UTC on October 8—the event was still upcoming. Embark says it provides access to the full game, not a separate demo. See Embark’s event announcement for the promotion details and current status.
The free-play window is temporary. ARC Raiders launched on October 30, 2025, and remains available through official storefronts outside the promotion; check the listing for your region for the current price. The official game page lists Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and GeForce NOW. The October event announcement names Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation specifically, so do not assume every listed platform or service is included in the promotion.
How to get access
- Choose a supported route. Use the relevant official store or service: Steam or Epic Games Store on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or GeForce NOW where available. For the free-play event, Embark names Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. Confirm your country’s storefront listing before proceeding.
- Install or launch the game. During the event, follow the listing’s instructions to access the free-play version. Outside the event, check the store for purchase and availability details.
- Create or link an Embark ID. Follow the in-game prompt to create an account or connect an existing one. Embark says an Embark ID is needed to play; its account help page explains that the ID stores gear, progress, and cosmetics and supports switching among Steam, Epic, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S without losing progress. See Embark’s ARC Raiders account setup guide.
- Meet the online requirements. You need an internet connection, an Embark ID, a third-party platform account, and acceptance of Embark’s terms. The official site lists an age restriction of 13+; check the applicable regional store and account rules as well.
Which platforms can you use?
| Option | What is established | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Listed by Embark and named for the October free-play event. | Regional listing and current price outside the event. |
| Xbox | Listed by Embark; the event announcement includes Xbox. The game is listed for Xbox Series X|S. | Regional availability and any online subscription requirement for event play. |
| PlayStation | Listed by Embark; the event announcement includes PlayStation. The official listing is for PS5, including PS5 Pro compatibility. | PS Plus Essential is required for online multiplayer on PS5 according to PlayStation’s listing. The event-specific subscription rules are not established in the accessible event information. |
| Epic Games Store | Listed as a supported platform by Embark; Embark ID account linking supports Epic. | The free-play announcement does not name Epic, so check its store listing for access and availability. |
| GeForce NOW | Named on Embark’s platform list. | Check regional support and the service’s current access requirements. |
Embark says cross-platform social play is supported across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. If you already own a compatible platform, that is the simplest route; you do not need to buy a new console just to try the game.
#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.
Can you play solo or offline?
You can enter alone or play in a duo or trio, but “solo” means playing alone in an online multiplayer game. ARC Raiders is not an offline single-player campaign. PlayStation’s listing says PS Plus Essential is required for online multiplayer on PS5; the event’s subscription rules and the corresponding Xbox requirement are not confirmed in the accessible event information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happens to event progress?
Embark’s accessible event information does not establish whether progress from the free-play period carries over, whether subscriptions are waived for the event, or whether purchases can be made during it. Do not count on a particular carry-over or purchase outcome unless Embark confirms it in the event information or in-game.
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
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
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.
