ARC Raiders is not free to play at launch. It’s a premium release with a one-time purchase to access the game. The Standard Edition is priced at $39.99, with a Deluxe Edition at $59.99.

Price and editions (what each version includes)

You can pre-purchase on the official Steam store to secure either edition and any eligible bonuses at launch.

Pre-purchase ARC Raiders on Steam

Item Standard ($39.99) Deluxe ($59.99)
Base game Yes Yes
The Wanderer Set (Valente outfit, Pathfinder backpack, Blanket Roll attachment) No Yes
Finger Gun: Rapid Fire emote No Yes
Cowboy Scrappy body type & skin No Yes
2,400 Raider Tokens (in-game currency) No Yes
Pre-purchase bonus: Lucky Duck Bundle Yes (if pre-purchased before launch) Yes (if pre-purchased before launch)
Pre-purchase bonus: Bruiser Bundle Yes (if pre-purchased before launch) Yes (if pre-purchased before launch)
Pre-purchase bonus: Astro Cosmetic Pack No Yes (if pre-purchased before launch)
Note: Pre-purchase offers are available only until launch. After release, those bonuses won’t be offered except via any remaining eligible hardware bundles.

Monetization after purchase

ARC Raiders includes in-app purchases. Raider Tokens are an in-game currency that can be used for cosmetic content such as raider decks, bundles, outfits, backpacks, charms, emotes, and Scrappy outfits. These items are optional and sit alongside the base game purchase.

Platforms, release date, and online requirements

Release date: October 30, 2025. ARC Raiders supports play on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, with the PC version available on Steam. The game emphasizes online play, including co-op and online interactivity.

Requirements to play include an internet connection, an Embark ID (13+), a platform account, and acceptance of the studio’s Terms of Service and End User License Agreement.

Anti-cheat: ARC Raiders uses Easy Anti-Cheat with kernel-level components. The listing notes it requires manual removal after uninstalling the game.

Was there any way to play free?

Prior to launch, ARC Raiders ran limited-time public tests that were free to join. Those events do not reflect the launch business model. At release, access requires purchasing the game.

Bottom line: ARC Raiders is a paid, online-focused extraction shooter with a $39.99 Standard Edition and a $59.99 Deluxe Edition that adds cosmetics and in-game currency. Optional microtransactions are available for additional cosmetic items, and online play requires accounts, agreements, and anti-cheat. If you’re set on day-one access, lock in the edition you want and, if applicable, any pre-purchase bundles before launch.