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Yes—ARC Raiders will be free to play for a limited event from October 8, 2026, at 09:00 UTC, until October 12, 2026, at 08:00 UTC. Embark says the offer provides access to the full game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, alongside the launch of the Frozen Trail update.
When is ARC Raiders free to play?
The free-play window runs from October 8, 2026, at 09:00 UTC, through October 12, 2026, at 08:00 UTC, according to Embark Studios’ announcement. That is a four-day window, but it does not cover four full calendar days in every local time zone. Convert the UTC start and end times to your local time before planning a session.
Embark describes the offer as a chance to try the game before buying and says free play grants access to the full game. The announcement does not state whether the offer will continue after October 12, name a post-event price, or explain whether progress carries over.
Which platforms are included in the free-play event?
Embark names Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation for this promotion. Its official ARC Raiders page also lists Epic Games Store and GeForce NOW as platforms for the game generally, but the free-play announcement does not confirm that either is part of this specific event.
#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.
What does Frozen Trail add?
Frozen Trail launches on October 8, 2026, during the free-play window. In its August 12 update announcement, Embark described it as a frozen settlement at the edge of the Rust Belt, with vertical exploration and threats both above and below ground. The studio called it “our biggest update since launch.”
Embark also previewed a high-level ARC Operation aimed at experienced players, new ARC threats, an Outpost and deeper progression, plus additional weapons, gadgets, cosmetics, and instruments. These are features the studio announced ahead of launch, not independently verified gameplay results. It also said it would continue work on matchmaking, anti-cheat, stability, and quality of life.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can new players enter Pendola Pass?
Yes, with a condition: Embark says new players can access the Pendola Pass map immediately if they team up with players who have already unlocked it. The announcement does not say that a new player can enter the map without such a teammate.
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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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