ARC Raiders just wrapped its final Server Slam open test from October 17 to 19, 2025, letting players dive into progression systems, crafting mechanics, and quests across all platforms. This stress test on Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S was the last chance to squad up before the full launch on October 30, 2025. While your progress won't carry over, confirming your email during the test scores you an exclusive backpack cosmetic if you buy the game.
Pre-Orders and Editions Breakdown
With the test behind us, ARC Raiders pre-orders are now open. The Standard Edition runs $40 and gets you the base game, while the Deluxe Edition at $60 packs in extra bundles like unique outfits and resources to kickstart your resistance fighter build. These bonuses could give you an edge in early raids against the mechanized ARC threats dropping from orbit.
What Does the Server Slam Mean for Launch?
This test wasn't just about servers— it highlighted how crafting and quests integrate with extraction gameplay. Players got hands-on with building gear that adapts to the escalating destruction from ARC's responses. Expect these systems to shape team strategies, where coordinating loadouts becomes key to surviving missions in the ravaged world.
Matchmaking Updates Address Player Feedback
Developers at Embark Studios tackled community talks around matchmaking, especially concerns over loot and gear disparities. They're sticking to a system that separates solo players from squads, ensuring fairer drops into the action. This keeps the focus on teamwork without punishing lone Raiders facing the faceless invasion.
Is ARC Raiders Worth Pre-Ordering Now?
If you're into cooperative shooters with survival twists, these pre-order perks might tip the scale. The exclusive backpack from the Server Slam adds a nice touch for participants, and with launch just days away, grabbing it early means you're ready to fight back against ARC's orbital assaults from day one.
