The wait is almost over! Arc Raiders, one of 2025’s most anticipated extraction shooters from The Finals developer Embark Studios, launches globally on October 30, 2025. After multiple successful playtests that propelled it to the third spot on Steam’s most-wishlisted games list, the sci-fi extraction shooter is finally ready for prime time with simultaneous worldwide release across all platforms.
Table of Contents
Arc Raiders Global Release Times by Region
| Region | Date | Time | Time Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast USA | Oct 30 | 2:30 AM | PDT |
| East Coast USA | Oct 30 | 5:30 AM | EDT |
| Central USA | Oct 30 | 4:30 AM | CDT |
| Mountain USA | Oct 30 | 3:30 AM | MDT |
| UK/London | Oct 30 | 10:30 AM | GMT |
| Central Europe | Oct 30 | 11:30 AM | CET |
| India | Oct 30 | 3:00 PM | IST |
| Australia (Sydney) | Oct 30 | 8:30 PM | AEDT |
| Japan | Oct 30 | 6:30 PM | JST |
| UTC (Universal) | Oct 30 | 9:30 AM | UTC |
Source: Official Embark Studios Discord and store pages
What Is Arc Raiders?
Arc Raiders is a PvPvE extraction shooter set in an apocalyptic Earth where players venture topside to gather resources while fighting against other players and mechanical enemies called the ARCs. The game mixes player-versus-player combat with player-versus-environment encounters against AI enemies called the ARCs, creating intense, unpredictable battles on every raid.
Developed by Embark Studios—the team behind the innovative multiplayer FPS The Finals—Arc Raiders promises deep tactical gameplay, cross-platform support, and a refreshing take on the extraction shooter formula that’s been captivating playtest participants for months.
Preload Information and Download Size
Good news for eager players: Arc Raiders preload is already live across all platforms! Players can already preload Arc Raiders on all platforms, ensuring you’ll be ready to jump straight into Speranza the moment servers go live.
Download Sizes:
- PC (Steam/Epic): ~27-33 GB
- PlayStation 5: ~16 GB
- Xbox Series X|S: ~30 GB
If you’ve pre-ordered either edition, head to your respective platform library and start downloading now to avoid launch-day congestion. Note: Due to an unforeseen technical issue, Epic Games Store preload was temporarily unavailable but should be resolved by launch.
No Early Access, No Advantage
Unlike many modern releases, There is no Arc Raiders early access available; the title goes live and playable at the times listed above no matter what version you buy. Everyone starts simultaneously—whether you purchased the Standard Edition ($39.99) or Deluxe Edition ($59.99)—creating a level playing field from moment one.
Additionally, player progression from the Arc Raiders Tech Test or Server Slam will not carry over to the official launch, so veterans and newcomers alike begin fresh in this post-apocalyptic battleground.
Cross-Platform and Cross-Progression Support
Arc Raiders embraces modern connectivity with full cross-platform capabilities. Arc Raiders has cross-platform and crossplay support, meaning PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC players can both team up and compete against one another online.
Through the Embark ID feature, you’ll enjoy cross-save support and cross-progression, allowing you to switch between platforms without losing accumulated loot, gear, or character progression. Start your raid on PC during lunch break, continue on console when you get home—your topside adventure follows you everywhere.
For more multiplayer shooter guides and cross-platform tips, check our cross-play gaming hub.
What’s Included in Each Edition
Standard Edition ($39.99):
- Full base game access
- All core gameplay features
Deluxe Edition ($59.99):
- Full base game access
- Valente Outfit (exclusive cosmetic)
- Pathfinder Backpack (exclusive cosmetic)
- 2,500 in-game currency
- Additional premium content
Neither edition offers gameplay advantages—Deluxe purchases are purely cosmetic and convenience-focused, maintaining competitive integrity from day one.
Preparing for Launch Day
Server Stability Considerations: As with any highly anticipated online game, temporary server issues during the initial launch rush are possible. If you’re on the West Coast considering staying up until 2:30 AM, manage expectations accordingly—peak load times may experience connectivity challenges.
System Requirements Check: Before launch, verify your PC meets the official Arc Raiders system requirements to avoid performance disappointments. Console players on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S are guaranteed optimal performance.
Squad Coordination: Since Arc Raiders emphasizes team-based extraction gameplay, coordinate with your squad beforehand. With cross-platform support, you can team up regardless of preferred platform. Visit our extraction shooter tactics guide for squad strategies.
Why the Hype Is Real
Arc Raiders’ playtests have consistently impressed, with the April Server Slam reaching over 185,000 concurrent players on Steam alone. The game’s unique blend of PvPvE mechanics, stunning visuals, and tight gunplay from the creators of The Finals has generated tremendous anticipation.
The final half of 2025 is already getting insane for shooter fans, and Arc Raiders is another jewel in that crown that has the potential to shine longer. Competing against Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Arc Raiders offers something distinctly different—mechanical enemies, topside scavenging, and a sci-fi setting that refreshes the extraction shooter formula.
For comprehensive weapon loadouts and meta strategies once you’re in-game, bookmark our Arc Raiders strategy hub.
Post-Launch Content Plans
While Embark Studios hasn’t detailed the full roadmap yet, their track record with The Finals suggests regular content updates, seasonal events, and continuous balancing. Expect new weapons, map expansions, ARC enemy types, and cosmetic options to keep Speranza feeling fresh for months to come.
Stay updated on the latest developments through our Arc Raiders news section for patch notes, meta changes, and community highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Progress from the Server Slam Beta Carry Over?
No, all player progression from the Arc Raiders Tech Test and Server Slam playtests will not carry over to the official launch. Everyone starts from scratch on October 30, creating an equal playing field regardless of playtest participation. This reset allows Embark Studios to implement final balance adjustments, fix remaining bugs, and ensure the economy launches in a healthy state. While losing progress might sting initially, starting fresh with the entire community creates exciting day-one competition where early adopters won’t have insurmountable advantages.
Can I Play Arc Raiders Solo or Do I Need a Squad?
While Arc Raiders is designed with squad-based gameplay in mind, solo players can absolutely participate. The matchmaking system focuses on maintaining splits between solo players and pre-made squads to ensure fair encounters, though exact mechanics haven’t been fully detailed yet. Solo play offers higher risk but potentially higher reward if you can successfully extract with valuable loot without splitting it among teammates. However, coordinated squads will likely have significant tactical advantages, especially when contesting high-value loot locations or fighting multiple ARC enemies simultaneously. For optimal experience, we recommend squadding up through the game’s matchmaking or bringing friends via cross-platform play.
