Oh hey, ARC Raiders is getting an open beta “Server Slam” playtest after all — here’s its release date, and how to sign up early before start time

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ARC Raiders, the new PvPvE extraction shooter from Embark Studios, will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5 on October 30th. The game has been highly anticipated by players, and its full release is just over a month away.

ARC Raiders, created by the developers of the hit 2023 free-to-play shooter The Finals, is shaping up to be a major multiplayer game when it launches in 2025. It’s already gained a large and enthusiastic community, with many players getting a chance to test it out in closed playtests last year and earlier this spring.

As a researcher following the development of Embark’s game, I initially reported last month that they weren’t planning any more public tests before launch, which many in the community were disappointed to hear. However, it seems they’ve had a change of plans! I’ve just learned they’re preparing one last playtest, and it’s going to be their biggest one yet. It’s great news for fans who were hoping for another chance to try the game before release.

Developers announced a free public beta test called “Server Slam” for Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 5, running from October 17th to 19th. Anyone playing on any of these platforms can participate without needing a special code or invitation.

You’ll need to create an Embark ID and connect it to your account. You can actually do this beforehand on the Embark Portal, which the developers have provided.

Great news – you don’t need any special codes to join the upcoming Server Slam test! Everyone is invited to play on Steam, Epic Games, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S from October 17th to 19th. This is your last opportunity to experience the ARC before the full game launches.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE0y_K8-iSQ

ARC Raiders is set in a future where Earth has been taken over by powerful, mysterious robots called ARCs. These dangerous machines have forced people to live underground in a society called Speranza. Only “Raiders” venture to the surface, scavenging for resources while battling both the ARCs and rival groups.

Like many extraction shooters, this game combines fighting AI enemies with player-versus-player combat. You’ll explore the world to complete missions and collect valuable items before heading to a safe zone. As you play, you can unlock abilities in three areas – Survival, Mobility, and Conditioning – allowing you to customize your character and play the way you prefer.

Like many games in the extraction shooter style, this title combines fighting AI enemies with player-versus-player combat. Players will explore the world to complete missions and collect valuable items before heading to a safe zone.

Although previous ARC Raiders playtests had limited access – requiring codes or invites – they were still well-received. The spring trial this year was particularly successful, reaching a peak of 21,515 players at the same time, according to SteamDB.

That’s a really impressive number for a closed test, and it only counts players on Steam. The beta was also available on Xbox, PlayStation 5, and the Epic Games Store.

The game became incredibly popular, even starting to draw players away from Marathon, and impacting the beta test Bungie was running for their new extraction shooter.

Considering that, I’m confident many more players will try out ARC Raiders now that it’s available to everyone. It seems Embark Studios is counting on this, as they’re calling this test a “Server Slam,” suggesting they expect a large influx of players.

You might remember “Server Slam” from last year, when Blizzard Entertainment used the same name for the open beta tests of Diablo 4. Just like then, the goal is to have a lot of players join and test how well the game’s servers can handle the load.

Keep in mind that you might experience some server issues during the three-day open beta for ARC Raiders. This is expected, and it’s actually a good thing! Embark will use this test to find and fix any problems before the game officially launches, making the final version much smoother.

Keep in mind that ARC Raiders’ servers might experience some problems during the three-day open beta. However, this testing period will ultimately help make the final game much smoother and more enjoyable.

Just so you know, any progress you make during the beta test won’t be saved when the full game launches. However, if you participate, you’ll receive a special backpack – only available during the Server Slam – as a cosmetic item to customize your character. You can see what it looks like in the image above.

As an analyst, I missed the previous opportunities to playtest this title, so I’m really excited to finally get my hands on it during the October 17-19 event. This will be the last free chance to experience the game before it launches, so if you’re curious about all the buzz, I recommend checking out the Server Slam.

You can now pre-order ARC Raiders! It’s available on Xbox, Steam, Epic Games, and PS5 for $39.99. A Deluxe Edition with extra cosmetic items is also available for $59.99.

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2025-09-22 23:40