The Server Slam is a free, open test running October 17–19 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. There are no codes and no sign-ups. Access on day one will be staggered across platforms and regions to help scale the servers, so treat the timing below as a start window rather than a single global switch.

ARC Raiders Server Slam start and end time (by time zone)

The current plan targets a Friday start and a Sunday wrap-up at the times below. Times use daylight saving where applicable for October dates.

Time zone Start — Fri, Oct 17 End — Sun, Oct 19
PDT (UTC−7) 06:00 08:00
CDT (UTC−5) 08:00 10:00
EDT (UTC−4) 09:00 11:00
UTC 13:00 15:00
BST (UTC+1) 14:00 16:00
CEST (UTC+2) 15:00 17:00
JST (UTC+9) 22:00 (Fri) 00:00 (Mon, Oct 20)
AEDT (UTC+11) 00:00 (Sat, Oct 18) 02:00 (Mon, Oct 20)

Note: Access on Oct 17 rolls out gradually. It’s normal if your platform’s store page or servers come online slightly after the top of the hour.

Rollout and availability plan (what to expect)

  • Staged opening on Friday: access will appear across platforms over the course of the start window. Brief queues or “try again” messages are possible as capacity scales.
  • Open to everyone 16+ for the weekend. No invite or purchase is required to participate.
  • Wraps on Sunday morning in the Americas and late afternoon/early evening in Europe. Plan your playtime accordingly.

Install on PC (Steam)

Install the game from the Steam store page when the event opens; the listing will enable a download button for the weekend.

Open ARC Raiders on Steam

Tip: If the button doesn’t appear at the start time, restart Steam or try again a little later as the rollout completes.

Install on PC (Epic Games Store)

Grab the build directly from the Epic Games Store page once the Server Slam goes live. No key is needed.

Open ARC Raiders on Epic Games Store

Install on PlayStation 5

Use the PlayStation listing. When the event begins, the page will surface the Download option for your account.

Open ARC Raiders on PlayStation Store (PS5)

Install on Xbox Series X|S

Install from the Microsoft Store page on your console or the web once it unlocks during the start window.

Open ARC Raiders on Xbox Store

Note: No separate app or code is required for this open test.

Playing during the Server Slam earns an exclusive backpack at launch. An Embark ID is created automatically when you start the game, and you’ll be prompted to confirm your email. Confirming is required to claim the reward after launch. You can also set up or link your account in advance.

Manage your Embark ID

Reward delivery happens when you launch the full game after release; a purchased copy is required to access it.

What’s included during the weekend

  • Map: Dam Battlegrounds with a slice of early progression and crafting.
  • Content scope: early-to-mid tier gear, a page of Raider Deck items, basic Weapon/Equipment/Medical crafting benches.
  • Systems visible but inactive until launch: Projects (Expeditions), Trials, Codex.
  • Progression reset: character progress and cosmetics from the weekend do not carry over to launch.

Age requirement: 16+; terms apply.

If you don’t see the download or can’t connect at start time

  • Wait a few minutes and retry; stores and servers enable in waves.
  • Refresh the store listing or restart your client/console to clear cached pages.
  • Search for “ARC Raiders” directly in your platform store in case the front page hasn’t updated yet.
  • Check your platform’s region and age settings if the page doesn’t offer a download.

If you need live help during the event, join the official community server to reach support staff and announcements:

ARC Raiders official Discord

Set expectations around the start window, install from your platform’s store when the download appears, and link your Embark ID so the Server Slam reward is ready at launch. The full release follows on October 30.