What Is ARC Raiders? Gameplay, Field Depots, Enemies, and Loot Guide

Embark Studios created and released the third-person extraction shooter ARC Raiders in 2025 for the PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. PvPvE (player versus player versus environment) is the type of gaming that can be played alone, in teams of two or three, or both. The Unreal Engine 5 game engine is used to create ARC Raiders.

The setting of ARC Raiders is a far-off future Earth (a post-apocalyptic Spain) where humans are forced to dwell underground due to the takeover of the surface by enigmatic and lethal “ARC” robots. Some of the “raiders” who live in the underground city of Speranza decide to venture above ground, or “the topside,” in order to gather resources to trade, sell, and support the growth of the Speranza society.

ARC Raiders Playing Games

ARC Raiders is a third-person extraction shooting game.After leaving the subterranean bunker, players spend thirty minutes looking for objects on the planet’s surface. Along with other human gamers, they will come across hostile NPC robots during the raid. A player who is slain will return to base and lose all of their gear and supplies, with the exception of loot kept in a safe pocket. When players have finished gathering treasure, they can return to base via raider hatches, which are safer extraction sites that require keys to unlock, or they can flee via evacuation/extraction elevators and metro stations.

In order to be ready for the next raid, players can sell stuff, enhance their character’s abilities and perks, purchase items, or make weapons and other equipment like armor and gadgets after returning to the subterranean base.

Player-versus-player (PvP) encounters that are fair and balanced are common but not guaranteed when you begin a match alone because the matchmaking system typically adapts to place you against other solitary players.

Embark Studios, the developer of The Finals, is responsible for creating ARC Raiders. The game was first revealed as a free-to-play “cooperative third-person shooter” at The Game Awards 2021. The game’s genre was stated to have evolved to a PvPvE extraction shooter in 2023. A private Alpha with a stringent NDA was the first playtest that Embark released later in 2023.

In 2024, the game made a comeback. Embark Studios announced that the game would no longer be free to play and would instead be available for $40 when it was released. Embark launched a new public playtest called “ARC Raiders Tech Test” on October 24 and “ARC Raiders Tech Test 2” on April 30. Before the game’s official release, gamers may try a piece of it for free during Embark Studios’ “Server Slam” from October 17 to October 20. On October 30, 2025, the game was made available on Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Everything You Need to Know About ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders (by Embark Studios) is expected to be a major game this year whether you enjoy cooperative shooters, extraction-style games, or simply want something fresh to play on Steam on a console. A comprehensive guide explaining what it is, when it will be released, how to play, and even what to do with the trinkets you find throughout missions can be found below.

What is ARC Raiders?

The third-person extraction shooter game ARC Raiders takes place on a dystopian Earth where automated dangers known as “ARC” have taken over. As a Raider, it is your responsibility to assault the surface, steal valuable objects, engage in combat with other players and robots, and finally escape alive. In order to construct, improve, and prepare for the next run, you must survive and return items to your safe hub (Speranza).

It blends PvE, PvP elements and looting mechanics into one package.

Release Date, Platforms & Beta Info

Official release worldwide: October 30, 2025, on PC (Steam & Epic), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Server Slam open beta: October 17-19, 2025 — free for everyone on PC & consoles (no code needed).
Originally the game was going to be free-to-play, but this changed: it’s now a paid title (priced around USD $40) at launch.

So if you’re wondering when does ARC Raiders release? — mark your calendar for late October.

Key Features and What Makes It Stand Out

Extraction mechanics: go in, grab loot, deal with threat from machines & other Raiders, and aim to extract.
Huge emphasis on risk vs reward: stay longer, you might get better loot — but extraction becomes harder.
Layered progression: your hub, your upgrades, crafting, and cosmetics matter post-raid.
Cross-platform (PC + console) support announced.
Built using Unreal Engine 5, promising strong visuals.

What to Do With Trinkets in ARC Raiders

One of the loot types you’ll come across: Trinkets (cute items like rubber ducks, snowglobes, quirky collectibles). What do they do?

Primary purpose: sell them to vendors for in-game currency.
Some trinkets may also have niche uses in crafting or in quest upgrades (though most are just “vendor fodder”).
If inventory is tight: prioritize high-value trinkets, stash or sell weaker ones. They are not typically critical for survival.

So, when you find a trinket: check value → decide: keep or sell. Don’t hoard blindly.

Quick Guide: Starting Out & What to Focus On

Choose your squad size: ARC Raiders supports solo, duo, up to three-player raids.
Mind the extraction clock: the longer you stay, the more danger — decide when you pull the big loot vs when you leave safely.
Craft & upgrade between raids: use safe-hub resources, prepare loadouts, collect useful gear.
Use intelligent loot strategy: pick loot types that help your build; trinkets are secondary but still useful.
Stay aware of PvP elements: other raiders might target you — keep an eye on audio, map indicators, and ambush situations.

FAQ: Quick Answers

Is ARC Raiders free? No — it’s paid at launch after the change in business model.
Will my beta progress carry over to full game? No — progress from the Server Slam won’t carry forward.
Which platforms? PC (Steam & Epic), PS5, Xbox Series X|S. No older-gen support at launch.
When exactly release? October 30, 2025 worldwide.