Arc Raiders, the highly anticipated extraction shooter from Embark Studios, has seen a significant journey from its initial reveal to its official launch. Originally announced as a free-to-play title, the game underwent a major pivot in development, shifting both its genre and its business model. For players looking to dive into the mechanical wastes of future Earth, understanding these changes is essential for planning your squad's next move. This guide serves as the definitive resource on Arc Raiders' pricing, available editions, and platform requirements as of 2026.
Is Arc Raiders free-to-play in 2026?
No, Arc Raiders is not a free-to-play game. While it was originally marketed as a free cooperative shooter in 2021, Embark Studios officially announced a shift to a premium buy-to-play model in August 2024. The developers explained that this decision was made to ensure a more balanced and focused experience, allowing them to avoid aggressive monetization strategies and time-gated progression, which are typical of free titles. According to official store listings on Steam and Epic Games, the game requires a one-time purchase to access the base experience.
How much does Arc Raiders cost on PC and Consoles?
Arc Raiders is positioned as a mid-priced premium title, retailing for significantly less than a standard $70 AAA release. On all major platforms — PC (Steam/Epic), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S — the Standard Edition is priced at $39.99. While regional pricing may fluctuate based on local currency adjustments, the base cost remains consistent across the digital storefronts of Sony, Microsoft, and Valve.
📌Note: As of April 2026, some platforms have featured seasonal sales, bringing the price down to approximately $31.99, but these are temporary promotions.
What are the different editions of Arc Raiders?
Players currently have two primary options when purchasing the game: the Standard Edition and the Deluxe Edition. The Standard Edition ($39.99) includes the full base game and any applicable pre-order bonuses if purchased before the October 30, 2025, release date.
The Deluxe Edition is priced at $59.99 and serves as a starter pack for players who want to customize their Raider immediately. It includes the base game plus:
- Wanderer Set legendary outfit
- Pathfinder backpack
- Unique Finger Gun emote
- 2,400 Raider Tokens
What is included in the Deluxe Edition vs. the Standard Edition?
The primary difference between the two versions lies in cosmetic variety and starting currency. While the Standard Edition gives you full access to all gameplay features, maps, and weapons, the Deluxe Edition provides roughly $20 worth of additional value through its cosmetic bundles and tokens.
Specifically, the 2,400 Raider Tokens included in the Deluxe Edition can be used in the in-game shop to purchase further skins or Raider Decks. According to the PlayStation Store listing, players who purchase the Standard Edition can later buy a Deluxe Upgrade for $19.99 to access the extra content.
Is Arc Raiders available on Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus?
As of April 2026, Arc Raiders is not available on Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium as a free title. Embark Studios launched the game as a standalone premium purchase, and it has not yet been added to any subscription libraries. However, console players still require a subscription to play online. Xbox players must have Game Pass Core or Ultimate, and PlayStation 5 players must have at least PS Plus Essential to access the game's multiplayer servers, as it is an online-only title.
Does the game have microtransactions?
Yes, despite being a premium-priced game, Arc Raiders uses a live-service monetization model. The game features an in-game shop where players can spend Raider Tokens on cosmetic items, such as the Bonecrown Set or the Wasp Hunter Set, which typically retail for around $19.99 each.
It is important to emphasize that these purchases are strictly cosmetic; there are currently no pay-to-win mechanics or gameplay-altering items available for real money. Community reports on Reddit suggest that most items in the shop are purely for flexing and do not affect your chances of survival in the Buried City or other maps.
What are the minimum system requirements for PC?
Minimum Requirements
- CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K / AMD Ryzen R5 1600
- RAM: 12 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 580
Recommended Requirements
- CPU: Intel Core i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen R7 3700X (or equivalent)
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
Storage
- Install Size: ~33 GB
- Recommended: SSD for faster loading times, especially in extraction zones
📌Note: A powerful GPU and sufficient RAM will be key to a smooth gameplay experience in this graphically intense title.
Can I play Arc Raiders for free through trials or betas?
While the full game requires a purchase, there have been several opportunities to play for free during Server Slam events and technical tests. The most recent major free testing period occurred in October 2025, just before the official launch.
While no permanent free trial currently exists, anecdotal reports from the community suggest that Embark Studios may host Free Weekends in the future to boost player population during new season launches. We recommend following the official Arc Raiders Discord or social media channels to catch these rare free-access windows.
Where is the best place to buy ARC Raiders accounts?
For players looking to skip the early-game grind or secure rare legacy items, you can buy ARC Raiders accounts from trusted sellers worldwide on PlayerAuctions. As a premier and independent player-to-player marketplace, the platform offers a diverse range of account types to suit every playstyle and budget.
Whether you're looking for fresh smurf accounts to start a clean journey, starter accounts with decent foundational gear, or maxed-out accounts featuring Level 35 progression, all workbenches fully upgraded, and vast stashes of coins, you can find them all from sellers at PlayerAuctions.
Sellers on the platform cater to all major regions and platforms, including Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. This is particularly useful for players who want Global or Region-Free access to avoid local restrictions. Additionally, the marketplace often features wiped accounts for those who want a high-level character foundation but wish to handle the loot progression themselves.
