The ARC Raiders Server Slam is live, offering players a chance to dive into Embark Studios’ highly anticipated PvPvE extraction shooter before its full release on October 30, 2025. Whether you’re on PC, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S, this free weekend playtest gives everyone an equal opportunity to experience the game’s intense blend of player combat and mechanical chaos.
What Is the ARC Raiders Server Slam?
The Server Slam is an open beta-style event where Embark Studios stress tests servers and gathers player feedback ahead of launch. It lets players explore the game’s mechanics, crafting systems, and dynamic encounters with both human opponents and AI-controlled ARC machines.
Unlike traditional betas, this test focuses on a single map — The Dam Battlegrounds — and offers a limited slice of the game’s early progression and quests. It’s designed to give you a taste of the tension and teamwork that define ARC Raiders.
ARC Raiders Server Slam Dates and Times
The playtest runs for the entire weekend:
| Region | Start Time (Oct 17) | End Time (Oct 19) |
|---|---|---|
| US West Coast | 6 a.m. PDT | 8 a.m. PDT |
| US East Coast | 9 a.m. EDT | 11 a.m. EDT |
| UK | 2 p.m. BST | 4 p.m. BST |
| Central Europe | 3 p.m. CEST | 5 p.m. CEST |
| Australia | 12 a.m. AEDT (Oct 18) | 2 a.m. AEDT (Oct 20) |
| New Zealand | 1 a.m. NZST (Oct 18) | 3 a.m. NZST (Oct 20) |
That’s roughly 48 hours of open testing, so make sure you jump in before the servers go offline.
How to Play the ARC Raiders Server Slam
You don’t need any pre-order or invite — the test is completely free and open to all players aged 16 or older.
Follow the instructions below for your platform of choice.
PC (Steam & Epic Games Store)
- Steam
- Open Steam and search for “ARC Raiders”.
- Click Request Access under the Playtest section.
- Once approved, you’ll be able to download and install the Server Slam version.
- Epic Games Store
- Launch the Epic client and search for “ARC Raiders – Server Slam”.
- Select Get, complete the checkout (free), and start downloading.
PlayStation 5
- Open the PlayStation Store.
- Search for “ARC Raiders Server Slam”.
- Click Add to Library and begin the download.
- PS+ is not required, except for players in Germany due to regional regulations.
Xbox Series X|S
- Visit the Microsoft Store.
- Search for “ARC Raiders Server Slam” and claim the free test version.
- Note: A Game Pass subscription is required to access the test.
What Included in the Server Slam
The test lets you experience core systems and one major playable zone: The Dam Battlegrounds in the Rust Belt. Here’s what you can explore:
- PvPvE Combat: Engage in firefights against other Raiders while surviving deadly ARC machines roaming the wasteland.
- Co-op Play: Team up with up to two other players or go solo for a harder, stealthier run.
- Environmental Hazards: Expect electromagnetic storms, night raids, and even rumors of a visit from “the Queen.”
- Crafting and Trading: Visit Speranza to trade gear, sell loot, and take on early quests from Traders.
- Progression Systems: Test out the Raider Deck, Blueprints, and Workshops to craft and upgrade weapons — though higher-tier gear and station upgrades are locked for the full release.
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ARC Raiders is a third-person extraction shooter, meaning each deployment is a high-stakes mission. You enter, scavenge for materials, fight both AI and human threats, and must extract alive to keep your loot.
The blend of PvP and PvE tension keeps every encounter unpredictable. You may think you’re safe after defeating an ARC patrol, only to be ambushed by another squad looking to steal your spoils.
During the test, you’ll also have access to:
- Early-to-mid-tier weapons and equipment
- Feats (daily challenges) that earn Cred, the in-game currency used for unlocking Raider Deck rewards
- A limited Workshop for crafting basic gear and medical supplies
What Locked Until Launch
Some systems are visible but unavailable during the Server Slam:
- Projects (Expeditions): Long-term missions for prestige rewards
- Trials: Endgame challenges with leaderboards
- Codex: A lore archive that expands as you progress
These will fully unlock when ARC Raiders launches later this month.
Rewards for Participating
If you take part in the Server Slam and link your Embark ID, you’ll receive the exclusive Server Slammer Backpack cosmetic when the full game releases.
It’s a one-time reward as a thank-you for helping stress-test the servers.
Remember, however, none of your progress carries over to launch — only the backpack will.
Crossplay, Controller Support, and Engine Details
- Crossplay & Cross-Progression: Fully supported across all platforms.
- Controller Support: Complete support on PC, including menus.
- Engine: Built on Unreal Engine 5, optimized to run smoothly even during large-scale battles.
The ARC Raiders Server Slam is not just a server test — it’s a glimpse into what could be one of 2025’s standout shooters. Its mix of anxiety-inducing tension, satisfying loot mechanics, and cooperative gameplay gives it a unique identity among extraction shooters.
Even with limited content, the Server Slam showcases impressive polish, smooth optimization, and the potential for something truly special when the full version lands on October 30, 2025.
