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ARC Raiders will be free to play from October 8, 2026, at 09:00 UTC until October 12, 2026, at 08:00 UTC. Embark says the event offers the full game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. To join, find ARC Raiders in your platform’s store, download it, and launch it during the free-play window.
When does the ARC Raiders free weekend start and end?
Embark’s October 2, 2026 announcement sets the event for October 8 at 09:00 UTC through October 12 at 08:00 UTC. That is four days by the UTC clock. Convert both times to your local time zone if you need to plan around the start or cutoff. Embark’s announcement lists the same window for all three platform families.
Which platforms are included?
The free-play event is listed for Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. Embark describes access as the full ARC Raiders game, rather than a separately described demo. You will need access to the relevant platform and its store to download the game.
The announcement does not specify regional store differences, download size, preload availability, cross-progression, or whether access continues after the event ends. Do not assume those details from the event dates alone.
#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.
How to download ARC Raiders for free
- On PC: Open Steam and search for ARC Raiders, or visit the official Steam listing. Confirm you are viewing the ARC Raiders listing from Embark Studios.
- On Xbox or PlayStation: Open your console’s store and search for ARC Raiders during the announced free-play period. Embark confirms both platforms, but its announcement does not give platform-specific menu steps or direct console store links.
- Install and launch: Download the game through the platform store, then launch it while the event is active. Store labels and navigation may vary by region.
Embark’s event page says players need an internet connection, an Embark ID account, and a third-party platform account, and must accept the company’s Terms of Service and End User License Agreement. The page states an age restriction of 13+.
Can your PC run ARC Raiders?
The Steam listing gives the following requirements for Windows. These are PC requirements, not console specifications.
| Steam listing tier | Operating system | Processor | Memory | Graphics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Windows 10 64-bit | Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 | 12 GB RAM | NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti, AMD Radeon RX 580, or Intel Arc A380 |
| Recommended | Windows 10 64-bit | Intel Core i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | 16 GB RAM | NVIDIA RTX 2070, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, or Intel Arc B570 |
These are the current requirements shown on Steam’s ARC Raiders listing, accessed October 3, 2026.
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What is Frozen Trail, and can new players access Pendola Pass?
The free-play window overlaps Frozen Trail, which Embark calls its biggest update since launch. Embark says new players can access Pendola Pass immediately if they team up with players who have already unlocked the map. The announcement does not say that every new player can enter Pendola Pass independently.
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
What happens after the free-play window?
Embark’s announcement establishes the end time but does not specify continued access after October 12, progression carryover, or a preload option. Check the game’s platform listing or Embark’s announcements for any terms beyond the stated event window.
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
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