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Yes. ARC Raiders will be free to play for a limited time from October 8, 2026, at 09:00 UTC, to October 12, 2026, at 08:00 UTC on Steam, Xbox and PlayStation. The promotion gives access to the full game, not just a demo, and coincides with the launch of the Frozen Trail update.
When can you play ARC Raiders for free?
The free-play period lasts four days: it starts Thursday, October 8, at 09:00 UTC and ends Monday, October 12, at 08:00 UTC, according to the ARC Raiders Team’s October 2, 2026 announcement. Use UTC as the definitive schedule and convert it to your local time before planning a session. The offer is temporary; the announcement presents it as a chance to try the game before buying, not as a permanent change to its price.
What is included in the free-play offer?
The developer says the promotion grants access to the full ARC Raiders game. ARC Raiders is a multiplayer extraction adventure, and the official site says players can team up across PlayStation, Xbox and PC or play solo. An internet connection is required, so “play solo” does not mean offline single-player access.
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The free-play window begins on the same day as Frozen Trail, a new update. Players who have not unlocked the new Pendola Pass map can access it by teaming up with someone who has already unlocked it.
#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.
Which platforms are included?
The free-play announcement names Steam, Xbox and PlayStation. The game’s official site lists its general availability more specifically as Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and GeForce NOW. That broader list describes the game’s platforms generally; it should not be read as an expanded list of platforms named in the free-play announcement.
What accounts or subscriptions do you need?
The official site says you need an internet connection, an Embark ID and a third-party platform account. Online subscription requirements can vary by platform. For example, the US PlayStation Store listing says PS Plus is required for online play on PS5; that listing does not establish the same requirement for Xbox or PC.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does ARC Raiders cost outside the promotion?
At the time checked, the US PlayStation Store listed the Standard Edition for $39.99. That is a US storefront snapshot, not a global price or a guarantee of the price after the free-play period. Check your platform’s store for current local pricing.
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
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