Tired of facing mouse-and-keyboard warriors when you’re playing with a controller? You’re not alone. ARC Raiders, Embark Studios’ explosive extraction shooter, enables crossplay by default—but fortunately, you have complete control over this feature.
Let me show you exactly how to disable crossplay in under 60 seconds and level the playing field.
Table of Contents
Why Players Disable Crossplay in ARC Raiders
Before diving into the how-to, let’s address the elephant in the room: input advantage. Console players with controllers face a significant disadvantage against PC players using mouse-and-keyboard setups, especially in PvP encounters where precision aiming determines survival.
The skill gap becomes painfully obvious during intense firefights on maps like Dam Battlegrounds and Buried City. PC players track targets faster, land headshots more consistently, and dominate medium-to-long-range engagements.
Disabling crossplay creates fairer matches where everyone shares the same input method.
Your 3-Step Guide to Disabling Crossplay
| Step | Action | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Launch Game | Open ARC Raiders on your console or PC |
| 2 | Access Settings | Click the cog wheel icon on the main menu |
| 3 | Toggle Crossplay | Navigate to Gameplay tab → Scroll to Crossplay → Switch OFF |
Detailed Walkthrough
Step 1: Launch ARC Raiders
Boot up the game and wait until you reach the main menu where you see your character and the Play button.
Step 2: Open Settings Menu
Look for the cog wheel icon—your gateway to game configurations. Click it to access the full settings menu.
Step 3: Disable Crossplay
Navigate to the “Gameplay” tab (it’s usually the second or third option). Scroll down until you spot the “Crossplay” toggle. Since it’s enabled by default, simply click to switch it OFF.
Verify Your Settings
After toggling, check the bottom of your screen near the “Play” button. You should see: “Crossplay: Off”
This confirmation means you’re now matched exclusively with players on your platform—no more cross-platform competition.
What Happens After Disabling Crossplay?
Matchmaking Changes:
- Console players match only with console players
- PC players match only with PC players
- Potentially longer queue times during off-peak hours
- More balanced PvP encounters based on shared input methods
Important: Disabling crossplay doesn’t affect your ability to complete quests like Down To Earth or Eyes on the Prize—solo objectives remain fully accessible.
Pro Tips for Better Gameplay Experience
Squad Coordination: If playing with friends on different platforms, everyone must enable crossplay. One player with crossplay disabled will prevent cross-platform squads from forming.
Server Population: During peak hours (evenings and weekends), disabling crossplay barely impacts queue times. Off-peak sessions might experience slightly longer waits.
Experiment Freely: You can toggle crossplay on/off anytime without penalties. Test both settings to find what works best for your playstyle and schedule.
Should You Disable Crossplay?
Disable If:
- You’re a console player facing repeated losses to PC opponents
- Precision aiming with controller feels frustrating against mouse users
- You prioritize competitive fairness over faster matchmaking
Keep Enabled If:
- You play with friends on different platforms
- Fast queue times matter more than input parity
- You’re a PC player comfortable competing against everyone
Beyond Crossplay: Mastering ARC Raiders
Disabling crossplay is just one way to improve your raiding experience. Check out our comprehensive guides:
- Master Speranza Hub for trader relationships and crafting systems
- Complete Flickering Threat Quest for generator repair missions
- Farm Sentinel Firing Cores for premium resources worth 2,320 Raider Coins
For official updates and patch notes, visit the Embark Studios website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Re-Enable Crossplay After Turning It Off?
Absolutely! Crossplay settings in ARC Raiders are fully flexible—you can toggle them on or off whenever you want without any restrictions or cooldown periods. Simply return to Settings → Gameplay → Crossplay and switch it back on. The change takes effect immediately, and your very next matchmaking session will include cross-platform players again. This flexibility lets you adapt based on your mood, squad composition, or time of day.
Will Disabling Crossplay Affect My Progression or Rewards?
No, disabling crossplay has zero impact on your progression, quest completion, or rewards. You’ll still earn the same XP, complete identical missions, access all maps, and receive identical loot drops. The only difference is who you’re matched with during raids—players on your specific platform rather than the entire cross-platform pool. Your Raider Cred rankings, trader relationships, and Speranza hub progression continue normally regardless of your crossplay settings.
