The Arc Raiders Playtest Has Ended: What You Need To Know About The Full Game Launch

For anyone searching for the definitive answer to "when does the Arc Raiders playtest end," the most crucial update as of today, December 17, 2025, is that the final public playtest has already concluded, and the full game has officially launched. This highly anticipated co-op third-person shooter from Embark Studios successfully completed its last major pre-release event, known as the "Server Slam," paving the way for its full release shortly thereafter. The game is now available for purchase and play on all major platforms.

The period of technical tests and limited beta access is over, meaning players no longer need to worry about sign-ups, invites, or end dates for temporary servers. Instead, the focus has shifted entirely to the full-fledged, premium gaming experience, where you can now enlist as a Raider to defend the remnants of humanity against the relentless, mechanized threat of the ARC.

The Definitive End Date of the Final Arc Raiders Playtest

The final, widely accessible test phase for the game, officially titled the ARC Raiders Server Slam, concluded in October 2025. This event was a critical stress test for the game’s infrastructure, designed to simulate a high volume of players hitting the servers simultaneously just before the official launch. It served as the last opportunity for prospective players to get hands-on with the game and provide final feedback to the developers at Embark Studios.

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Key Dates and Times for the Server Slam

The "Server Slam" was a short but intense weekend event that allowed the developers to fine-tune the game’s performance and stability. The official end of this crucial pre-launch phase was explicitly communicated across all official channels.

• Playtest Start Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
• Playtest End Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
• Official End Time (PDT): 8:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
• Official End Time (EDT/UTC): 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) / 4:00 PM British Summer Time (BST)

Since the Server Slam was billed as the "final playtest before the game's official release," its conclusion marked the end of all scheduled beta and test windows. Players who missed this window did not have another chance to try the game for free, but they were able to jump directly into the full release shortly after.

Arc Raiders: From Playtest to Premium Launch

The swift transition from the Server Slam to the full release was a clear sign of Embark Studios' confidence in the game’s readiness. The question of when the playtest would end has been definitively replaced by the fact that the full game is now live. This launch is a significant event, as Arc Raiders is the second major title from the Swedish developer, following the success of the competitive shooter, The Finals.

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Official ARC Raiders Release Details

The game’s full launch introduced the complete vision of the co-op extraction shooter, offering a deep, persistent world where players scavenge for gear, fight massive mechanical foes, and attempt to extract valuable resources. The release details are as follows:

• Official Release Date: October 30, 2025
• Developer: Embark Studios
• Publisher: Nexon
• Platforms: PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S
• Genre: Co-op Third-Person Shooter / Extraction Shooter

The game is set in a desolate, futuristic Earth, where the remnants of humanity must defend themselves against a terrifying orbital threat: the ARC. Players take on the role of RAIDERS, highly skilled resistance fighters, using creative gadgetry and powerful weaponry to take down colossal enemy machines and secure crucial gear for their colony.

Is Arc Raiders Free-to-Play? Clarifying the Pricing Model

One of the most common questions following the playtest was about the game’s monetization model, especially since Embark Studios’ other hit, The Finals, is a free-to-play title. The developers made a clear decision regarding Arc Raiders, which is crucial for new players to understand.

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A Premium Co-op Experience

ARC Raiders is a premium, paid game, not a free-to-play title. This decision by Embark Studios was a deliberate choice to ensure a focused, high-quality co-op experience without the pressures and design constraints often associated with the free-to-play model. The base game is priced at $40, with a Deluxe Edition also available for those seeking additional in-game cosmetic items and rewards.

The premium pricing model suggests a commitment to a complete, content-rich experience from day one, with a focus on core gameplay loops, enemy variety, and long-term post-launch support through major content updates rather than relying heavily on cosmetic microtransactions or a battle pass system to drive revenue, though these elements may still be present.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords for Arc Raiders

To fully understand the world and context of Arc Raiders, players should familiarize themselves with the key concepts and entities driving the game's narrative and design. These elements highlight the game’s unique position in the extraction shooter genre:

• ARC (Artificial Reconnaissance Carrier): The relentless, mechanized threat from orbit that has devastated Earth.
• RAIDERS: The player characters, part of the resistance fighting against the ARC threat.
• Embark Studios: The critically acclaimed developer behind the game, known for their focus on technical innovation and dynamic destruction.
• Nexon: The publisher overseeing the global launch and marketing efforts.
• Extraction Shooter: The core gameplay loop, where players must gather resources and successfully escape the map.
• Co-op Third-Person Shooter: The game's primary perspective and player interaction style, emphasizing teamwork.
• Technical Test: The earlier, more limited testing phases that preceded the final Server Slam.
• Post-Launch Content: The expected stream of new maps, weapons, and enemy types that will keep the game fresh following the October 30th launch.

In summary, the time for asking "when does Arc Raiders playtest end" is over. The game is here, offering a robust, premium co-op experience for players on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. If you enjoyed the playtest, or are looking for a fresh take on the extraction shooter genre, the full launch is now waiting for you.