Arc Raiders Confirmed as Free-to

Embark Studios has announced the official release date for its new team-based shooter, Arc Raiders. The game will launch on October 30, 2025. It will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This news comes alongside a major shift in the game’s business model.

The developers confirmed that Arc Raiders will be a premium, paid title. This decision marks a significant departure from their previous hit, The Finals, which was free-to-play. Pre-orders for the game are now live across all platforms.

Breaking Down The Arc Raiders Price Tag

The standard edition of Arc Raiders is priced at $39.99 in the United States. A Deluxe Edition is also available for $59.99. This upfront cost is required to play the game after its October launch. According to Reuters, Embark Studios decided a premium model better suited their vision for the game’s experience.

Embark is implementing regional pricing in many countries. This makes the game more affordable in specific markets. For example, the effective USD price is around $28 in India, China, and Indonesia. Players in Brazil and Chile will also see a near 20% discount. This strategy aims to broaden the game’s global accessibility.

The Strategic Shift From Free-to-Play

Arc Raiders was initially conceived as a free-to-play title. The developers at Embark Studios later reversed this decision. They concluded a premium model would allow for better game balance and a more focused player experience. This move separates it from the crowded free-to-play extraction shooter market.

The premium price point helps avoid the intense monetization pressure common in free games. It gives the developers more creative freedom for post-launch content and features. However, the game will still include optional microtransactions and a seasonal battle pass.

The bottom line is that the Arc Raiders price is a deliberate choice for long-term quality. Players can expect a complete experience without a pay-to-win structure. The game arrives on October 30th.

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Info at your fingertips

Is Arc Raiders free-to-play?

No, Arc Raiders is not free-to-play. It is a premium title that requires an upfront purchase to play upon its full release in October 2025.

How much does Arc Raiders cost?

The standard edition costs $39.99. A Deluxe Edition is available for $59.99. Regional pricing applies, making it cheaper in many countries outside the United States.

Will Arc Raiders be on Xbox Game Pass?

There is no confirmation that Arc Raiders will be available on subscription services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus at launch. You must purchase the game to play it.

Does the paid game have a battle pass?

Yes, Arc Raiders will feature a seasonal battle pass and cosmetic microtransactions. The battle pass can be purchased with a currency earned in-game or bought with real money.

Why did Embark make Arc Raiders a paid game?

The developers stated that a premium model better serves their vision for the game. It allows for more balanced gameplay and avoids the pressures of free-to-play monetization.