Gamers have been eagerly waiting for the launch of ARC Raiders, the upcoming PvPvE extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios. After months of anticipation, the developers have now announced one last surprise before the official release — a full-scale open beta called the Server Slam. This event will be open to everyone and will give players across multiple platforms a chance to experience the game before it officially launches on October 30, 2025.

When Will the Open Beta Take Place?

The open beta, dubbed the Server Slam, is scheduled to run from October 17 to October 19. Unlike earlier closed tests that required access codes, this one is open for all. Players on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) can freely join in without restrictions.

All that’s required is creating an Embark ID and linking it with your preferred platform. Registration is already open through the official Embark Portal, so you can set up your account ahead of time for a smooth entry when the beta goes live.

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What to Expect During the Server Slam

This large-scale playtest aims to push the game’s servers to their limits. The developers want as many players as possible to participate, ensuring they can fine-tune stability before launch. With everyone invited, expect a much larger turnout than previous sessions — which already attracted tens of thousands of players.

It’s important to note that progress made during the beta will not carry over to the full release. However, to reward participants, Embark Studios is offering a special cosmetic backpack exclusive to this event. By simply joining the beta, you’ll secure this limited-time item for use in the main game.

A Glimpse Into the World of ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders is set in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi universe where deadly machines called ARCs have taken control of the Earth’s surface. Humanity has been forced underground, and only scavengers known as Raiders venture to the surface to fight these machines and compete for valuable loot. This mix of player-vs-environment (PvE) and player-vs-player (PvP) action makes it one of the most exciting new entries in the extraction shooter genre.

Players will complete missions, gather resources, and battle both AI enemies and rival squads while managing survival. With progression systems tied to perks in Survival, Mobility, and Conditioning skill trees, the game offers deep customization for different playstyles.

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Why This Beta Matters

Previous closed playtests already showcased the game’s popularity, with Steam reporting over 21,000 concurrent players despite the limited access. Now that the open beta removes those restrictions, the player count is expected to surge dramatically. For the developers, this event is not just about marketing but about ensuring server performance, matchmaking stability, and overall gameplay balance before the official release.

However, players should be aware that large-scale betas like this can come with server hiccups. Lag, crashes, or connection issues might happen during the stress test — but that’s the very point of the exercise. These findings will help make the launch smoother and more stable for everyone.

Final Release and Preorders

Once the Server Slam wraps up, all eyes will turn to the official release on October 30. ARC Raiders will be available for $39.99 in its standard edition, while a $59.99 Deluxe Edition will also be available, including extra cosmetics and bonuses for dedicated fans.

For those who have not yet had the chance to try ARC Raiders, this beta is the perfect opportunity to dive in and see why so many players are excited. Whether you’re interested in testing the servers, exploring the sci-fi world, or simply unlocking that exclusive cosmetic, the Server Slam promises to be a key moment ahead of the full launch.

Don’t Miss Your Chance

The ARC Raiders Server Slam is the last free chance to experience the game before it goes live. Mark your calendars for October 17–19 and prepare to join thousands of Raiders in testing Embark Studios’ most ambitious project yet.