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ARC Raiders is not a permanently free-to-play game. It is a paid title. Embark’s limited free-play event ran from October 8 at 09:00 UTC to October 12 at 08:00 UTC, 2026, and had ended by October 13. You now need to buy the game on a supported storefront, although the price and any active promotion depend on your country and platform.
Is ARC Raiders free to play right now?
No. ARC Raiders is sold as a premium game rather than offered as a permanent free-to-play download.
Embark temporarily opened the full game during a free-play event that began October 8, 2026, at 09:00 UTC and ended October 12, 2026, at 08:00 UTC. The event was over by October 13, so it should not be treated as a current free offer. During that window, players could access the game on Steam, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation. Players using PS5 in Germany were charged €0.25, so even that event was not universally free in every market.
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If you see a page or post describing ARC Raiders as “free,” check its date. It may be referring to the concluded event, a store promotion, or a temporary trial rather than the game’s normal business model.
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![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 platforms is ARC Raiders on?
Embark’s official platform list includes the following:
| Platform | What the listing establishes |
|---|---|
| Steam | PC storefront version |
| Epic Games Store | PC storefront version |
| PlayStation 5 | PS5 version; the PlayStation listing says it is not available for PS4 |
| Xbox Series X|S | Current Xbox console version |
| GeForce NOW | Cloud-streaming availability listed by Embark |
The official site describes cross-platform social play across PlayStation, Xbox and PC. That means players on those platform families can connect socially and play together where the game’s matchmaking supports it. It does not, by itself, prove that your unlocks, inventory or campaign progress synchronize between different platforms.
There is no PS4 version identified on the PlayStation product page. If you own an older PlayStation, do not assume that the PS5 listing will run on it.
How much does ARC Raiders cost?
Store prices change with region, taxes, currency conversion and promotions. The figures below are the US listings checked for this guide on October 13, 2026; they are not a global price list or a guarantee of today’s checkout total.
| Storefront | Standard Edition | Deluxe Edition | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox (US) | $39.99 or more | $59.99 or more | “+” indicates the listing’s displayed starting price; taxes and promotions can change the final amount. |
| PlayStation (US) | $39.99 | $59.99 | PS5 product; local taxes and later promotions may differ. |
| Steam | Not stated as a stable base price | Not stated as a stable base price | The page showed euro prices during an active sale, so that amount should not be presented as a normal or worldwide price. |
Before purchasing, open the listing for your own country and platform. A sale can make a displayed amount lower for a limited time, while taxes or a different currency can make the amount at checkout higher than a headline figure.
What is included in each edition?
Both Standard and Deluxe include the base game. Deluxe primarily adds digital cosmetics and a currency bundle, not a separate game mode or a different core game.
Standard Edition
- The complete ARC Raiders base game.
The Standard version is the straightforward choice if you want to play without paying for optional appearance items or bonus currency.
Deluxe Edition
The Steam Deluxe listing identifies these additions:
- The Wanderer Set: the Valente outfit, Pathfinder backpack and Blanket Roll backpack attachment.
- A character cosmetic.
- Finger Gun Rapid Fire emote.
- Cowboy Scrappy body type and skin.
- 2,400 Raider Tokens.
Because the base game is included in both versions, the practical decision is whether those cosmetics, the emote, the Scrappy body type and skin, and 2,400 Raider Tokens are worth the price difference in your market. Deluxe does not turn ARC Raiders into a free game, and the listed extras should not be confused with access to a separate expansion.
What do you need to play ARC Raiders?
Embark identifies several requirements that apply beyond buying the game:
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- 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
- An internet connection.
- An Embark ID account; the account requirement is listed for players aged 13 and older.
- An account for the third-party platform you use, such as your console network or PC storefront account.
- Acceptance of Embark’s Terms of Service and End User License Agreement.
Age ratings and other restrictions can vary by country and storefront. The age shown on your local product page is the one to follow, particularly for a child or teen account.
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Xbox online access
The Xbox listing says online console multiplayer requires a Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate subscription, purchased separately from the game. Check the current Xbox store page for your region because subscription names, entitlements and pricing can change.
PlayStation online access
The PlayStation listing says PS Plus is required for online play. That subscription is separate from the ARC Raiders purchase. The PS5 listing also states that the game is not available for PS4.
PC and cloud access
Steam and Epic Games Store players need the relevant storefront account in addition to an Embark ID and an internet connection. Embark also lists GeForce NOW, which provides a cloud-streaming route where the service and game are available to you. The materials available for this guide do not establish a complete set of PC hardware requirements, so use the live PC store page for the current operating-system and hardware details before buying.
Do event progress and purchases carry over?
Yes, for the concluded free-play event, Embark’s terms said that progress and purchases would carry over if a participant decided to purchase the full game. That provision applies to moving from the event access into the full version; it is not evidence that every account item synchronizes across different platforms.
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- 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
Cross-platform social play and cross-progression are different features:
- Cross-platform social play concerns connecting with people on PlayStation, Xbox and PC.
- Cross-progression would mean that your progression, unlocks or purchases follow you when you change platforms.
Embark’s platform information confirms the first point, but the available official information does not establish cross-progression. If you might move from console to PC, do not assume that a purchase or inventory will transfer unless the current account-support documentation explicitly says so.
Is ARC Raiders free on PS5, Xbox or Steam?
PS5
ARC Raiders is a paid PS5 game. The Standard US listing was $39.99 and Deluxe was $59.99 when checked on October 13, 2026. PS Plus is required for online play, and there is no PS4 version listed. The earlier free-play event had ended; in Germany, participants during that event paid €0.25.
Xbox Series X|S
The Xbox version is sold as Standard and Deluxe. The US listing showed $39.99 or more for Standard and $59.99 or more for Deluxe at the time checked. Online console multiplayer requires Game Pass Core or Ultimate, sold separately. The supported console generation named by the listing is Xbox Series X|S.
Steam
The Steam page displayed euro-denominated sale pricing when checked. Since that was an active promotion, it is not a dependable regular price and should not be generalized to other countries. Steam players still need an Embark ID, a Steam account, an internet connection and acceptance of Embark’s terms.
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- ARC Raiders–Inspired Design: Bold, high-quality graphics with vibrant colors that capture the iconic ARC Raiders aesthetic.
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- 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.
Epic Games Store
Epic Games Store is included in Embark’s official platform list. The exact amount and any promotion depend on the local Epic storefront, so consult that listing before purchase.
GeForce NOW
GeForce NOW appears on the official platform list as a cloud option. Availability can depend on your country, service tier and ownership of the game through a supported store. Confirm those conditions in the current GeForce NOW and storefront listings before relying on cloud play.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which edition should you buy?
Choose Standard if you want the lowest entry price
Standard gives you the base game without paying for the Deluxe extras. It is the sensible option when you care about playing the game itself, are uncertain about the cosmetic items, or would rather decide later how much to spend on in-game content.
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Deluxe is aimed at players who specifically want The Wanderer Set, the additional character cosmetic, Finger Gun Rapid Fire, the Cowboy Scrappy body type and skin, and 2,400 Raider Tokens. Compare the two local store totals rather than relying on the US difference, because regional pricing and sales can change the gap.
Do not buy based on the old free-play event
The event’s carry-over promise was useful for participants who had already played, but it does not make the present-day purchase free. If you did not join the event before it ended, you should evaluate the current Standard and Deluxe listings like any other paid game.
Common mistakes before checkout
- Assuming a dated “free” headline is current: verify the offer’s end date; the October 2026 event has ended.
- Forgetting console online costs: Xbox requires Game Pass Core or Ultimate for online console multiplayer, while PlayStation requires PS Plus.
- Buying the wrong PlayStation version: the listed product is for PS5, not PS4.
- Treating a sale price as permanent: Steam’s euro amount was observed during a sale and is not a stable global price.
- Expecting cross-progression: social play across platforms does not prove that progress or purchases transfer between them.
- Ignoring account requirements: purchasing through a storefront does not remove the need for an Embark ID, internet access and acceptance of the game’s terms.
What to check on your local store page
- Select your actual country and platform before comparing prices.
- Confirm whether the page is showing Standard or Deluxe and read the included-items list.
- Check the console’s online-multiplayer subscription requirement and its separate cost.
- Verify the platform generation, especially if you own a PS4 rather than a PS5 or an older Xbox.
- Review the age rating and any regional restrictions.
- Only then proceed to checkout and link or create the required Embark ID.
Bottom line for prospective players
ARC Raiders is currently a paid game. Standard and Deluxe both provide the base game; Deluxe adds cosmetic content, an emote, the Cowboy Scrappy body type and skin, and 2,400 Raider Tokens. The game is offered on Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and GeForce NOW, with cross-platform social play across PlayStation, Xbox and PC. Budget separately for the required console online subscription, and check your local storefront because prices, taxes and promotions are not universal.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
