Arc Raiders Will Soon Be Playable for Free Prior to Release – Here's When and How to Take Advantage

Free Playable Event for Arc Raiders, Most Wishlisted Game on Steam - Join the Final Beta Before Launch

Arc Raiders, currently the fifth most wishlisted game on Steam, is offering a final free playable period before its official launch. Its first test phase made quite a splash, suggesting this new beta should also perform well.

Join Arc Raiders' Free Open Beta (Oct. 17-19) Across Platforms - Test Quest, Progression, Crafting, and Unlock Exclusive Cosmetics!

Embark Studios is rolling out a new open beta for Arc Raiders, available from October 17th to 19th across all platforms. Players can participate on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam or the Epic Games Store. No codes are needed; access is open to all for a significant server test run. Participants will get to try out some quests, check out the progression system, and mess around with crafting. While progress from this beta will not carry over to the final game, players can still unlock unique cosmetic rewards, such as an exclusive backpack. The full game is set to release at the end of October.

Pre-Order Arc Raiders Editions Now - Standard for $40, Deluxe for $60 with Bonuses!

Alongside the beta announcement, pre-orders for Arc Raiders are now available on all platforms. Two editions are offered: Standard Edition: Priced at $40, this includes the base game. Deluxe Edition: Available for $60, this edition features 2,400 Raider tokens for the in-game cosmetic shop, an exclusive "Cowboy Scrappy" skin, and additional digital bonuses. Both editions can be pre-ordered through standard online storefronts.

In Case You Missed It

If you’re a fan of indie games and looking for the latest in the industry, don’t miss Jonathan Dubinski’s insightful piece from August 26th, 2025. In “Releasing the 'Indie GTA' with Two Weeks' Notice Sends Indies into Panic,” Jonathan delves into how Team Cherry’s announcement of Hollow Knight: Silksong has sent ripples through the indie gaming community, leading to a flurry of game postponements. From Demonschool to Little Witch in the Woods and beyond, developers are strategically adjusting their release dates to avoid direct competition with this highly anticipated title. Dive into the details at Releasing the 'Indie GTA' with Two Weeks' Notice Sends Indies into Panic and see how this one announcement is reshaping the gaming calendar. For all you adrenaline junkies out there, don’t miss the Server Slam event for ARC Raiders happening from October 17 to 19. As Bruno Pferd detailed in his latest piece on Players For Life (September 23), this is your last chance to try out the action-packed survival shooter before its official release on October 30. Dive into PvPvE combat, craft items, and strategize against deadly machines called ARCs—all while snagging an exclusive backpack reward for participating. Head over to Last Chance to Play for Free: Try ARC Raiders Before Release to learn more and get ready for the ultimate gaming experience. For those interested in the evolving landscape of gaming conventions, be sure to check out Carlos Mendoza’s latest piece, "Gamescom Thrived as E3 Vanished," published on August 14, 2025. Felix Falk, managing director of Gamescom's organizing company, discusses how Gamescom has stepped up to fill the void left by E3’s absence and is now receiving unprecedented industry support. With exciting announcements scheduled for the upcoming event from August 20-24, including a special opening day on August 19th, this article offers a fascinating look at where gaming conventions are headed Gamescom Thrived as E3 Vanished.