Arc Raiders Beta Test: Overview, Dates, and How to Play

ARC Raiders from Embark Studios is entering its final stage before release — and on October 17, the Server Slam begins, an open test that will be the last one before the official launch on October 30. The developers promise not only a stress test for the servers but also many updates compared to previous technical tests. Let’s take a closer look at what players can expect, what has changed, and how to participate in this final phase.

What Is ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders is a cooperative sci-fi third-person shooter developed by the Swedish studio Embark Studios, founded in 2018. The game takes place on a future Earth devastated by a mechanized threat known as ARC — autonomous robots and systems that dominate the planet’s surface. Humanity has retreated underground to survive in a settlement called Speranza, while players take on the role of Raiders, venturing to the surface to gather valuable resources, fight ARC machines, and occasionally clash with other players in a PvPvE environment. After each mission, players return to their base to upgrade gear, trade, and improve their shelters. The gameplay blends elements of extraction adventure and extraction shooter, emphasizing strategy, planning, and caution — reckless gunfights rarely lead to success.

The atmosphere reflects a post-post-apocalyptic world, where danger, competition, and survival coexist with hope, exploration, and the beauty of a partially restored planet that merges nature and technology. ARC Raiders is scheduled for release on October 30, 2025, across PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and GeForce NOW. Initially announced as a free-to-play title, the game has since shifted to a premium model. Currently, the studio is polishing the project — fixing bugs, improving balance and performance, refining onboarding, and finalizing launch content to ensure players get the best possible experience upon release.

What Is the Server Slam and Why It Matters

The Server Slam isn’t just a demo — it’s a full-scale test designed to check server stability and matchmaking systems under heavy load. Players will have a chance to experience the gameplay and get a feel for the atmosphere, while Embark will gather crucial data to ensure the infrastructure can handle thousands of concurrent connections.

It’s important to note that the Server Slam won’t represent the full release version. Some features, maps, and in-game systems will be disabled or limited. This event should be seen as a preview — an opportunity to try the fundamentals rather than the complete experience.

Dates and Platforms

According to Embark Studios, the Server Slam starts on October 17 and will run for several days. Anyone can join on PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S.

Participation is completely free. All you need is an Embark ID to properly track your progress and qualify for the participation reward after the event.

What’s New Compared to Previous Tests

Since Tech Test 2, ARC Raiders has undergone numerous changes, and many of them will be available for the first time during this Server Slam. Enemies, weather effects, and events have been reworked or expanded.

For example, the iconic four-legged machine “Bison” has been renamed Leaper, and a new enemy type — Bombardier — joins the battlefield. It’s a variant of the Bastion equipped with a mortar and accompanied by targeting drones.

Players will also be able to explore new regions such as Blue Gate, a mountainous zone filled with tunnels and settlements, and the mysterious Stella Montis, or “Mountain of Stars,” about which little is known so far.

Weather will now play a greater role in combat: snow-covered areas and electromagnetic storms make navigation and communication more difficult. Additionally, new events have been added, including Night Raids with higher risks and rewards, and Hidden Bunkers, where players can uncover previously inaccessible underground areas.

Progression, Tasks, and In-Game Systems

One of the key new systems is Feats — small daily challenges that reward players with the in-game currency Cred. This currency can be spent in Raider Decks, the game’s equivalent of a battle pass. These decks are divided into free and paid versions, with some tied to seasonal events.

By progressing through pages, players can unlock cosmetics, resources, and various rewards. The developers emphasize that the system will not be intrusive, and progression will remain fair and skill-based.

Another addition is the Codex, an in-game encyclopedia containing lore entries about characters, enemies, and locations. The more you play, the richer your personal lore journal becomes.

What Will Be Available During the Server Slam

Although the content will be limited, players will be able to test the core survival and combat systems. The available map will be Dam Battlegrounds, a compact yet varied area filled with structures and terrain features.

Players can go solo or form squads of up to three people. The matchmaking system aims to match solo players against solos and squads against squads, though cross-matching may occasionally occur.

Several events will be active, including Electromagnetic Storms, Night Raids, and the Harvester Event, where players must solve puzzles to reach valuable loot guarded by a powerful “Queen” enemy. Basic quests will be available from traders, while more advanced missions will unlock in the full release.

You’ll also be able to craft basic items and test early- to mid-tier gear, though advanced upgrades and rare equipment will remain locked.

What Will Not Be Available

Despite the range of content, several systems will remain inactive during the Server Slam. Features such as Expeditions (long-term missions with special rewards), Trials (competitive leaderboard challenges), and the complete version of Codex will arrive closer to launch.

All progress from the Server Slam will be reset afterward — levels, cosmetics, and rewards will not carry over. However, participants will receive an exclusive Server Slammer Backpack at release. To claim it, players need to connect their Embark ID to their game account.

How to Join the Test

Joining the Server Slam is simple. Download ARC Raiders from Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Store. Then create or log into your Embark ID account. Once the test begins on October 17, you can immediately jump into the action.

No invitation or purchase is required — the event is completely open to everyone.

What Happens After the Test

After the test concludes, Embark Studios will analyze data related to server stability, weapon balance, squad coordination, and the in-game economy. Based on this feedback, the team will make final adjustments before the official release on October 30, 2025.

The full version will include complete systems such as Expeditions, Trials, and the Codex, as well as new regions like Blue Gate and Stella Montis, additional enemy types, and enhanced crafting and skill trees.

Server Slam Summary

The Server Slam serves as the final rehearsal before the launch of ARC Raiders. It’s an important chance for players to experience the game’s technical state, combat system, and world, while giving the developers the data they need to ensure a smooth release.

Although the event won’t show all content, it will allow players to understand the tone and pacing of ARC Raiders — a world where teamwork, resourcefulness, and survival are key.

For those planning to play at launch, taking part in the Server Slam is the best way to get a feel for the mechanics and prepare for what awaits in the full version.