The countdown is on for the full launch of
ARC Raiders, the highly anticipated extraction shooter. Before developer Embark Studios opens the gates on October 30, 2025, they are hosting the
Server Slam—the crucial and final public playtest designed to stress-test the servers before release day.This weekend-long event is your last opportunity to dive into the co-op action, scavenge for gear, and take on the lethal ARC machines for free. The Server Slam is available on nearly every major platform—
Steam, Epic Games, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S—but access requires knowing the exact steps for your preferred store.Here is your complete guide on how to join the ARC Raiders Server Slam, what to expect, and when the test ends.
How to Join the ARC Raiders Server Slam Playtest
The Server Slam is completely free-to-join, and no codes or prior sign-ups are required. The process differs slightly depending on your platform, though the core objective remains the same: find the specific "Server Slam" edition or test application on the digital storefront.
PC (Steam & Epic Games)
| Platform | Access Method | Notes |
| Steam | Visit the official ARC Raiders store page. Look for the dedicated section labeled "Join the ARC Raiders Playtest" and click the "Request Access" button. The game will then appear in your library as "ARC Raiders - Playtest" for download. | Access may roll out in batches. If you previously played the Tech Test, look for an update to your existing file. |
| Epic Games | Search for "ARC Raiders - Server Slam Edition" or "ARC Raiders Server Slam Demo" on the Epic Games Store. Add the free edition to your cart and complete the "purchase" to unlock the download. | This is generally the fastest way to gain immediate access on PC. |
Console (PS5 & Xbox Series X|S)
| Platform | Access Method | Notes |
| PlayStation 5 | Go to the PlayStation Store and search specifically for "ARC Raiders Server Slam." Look for the separate game listing (often under a "demo" or "test" category), add it to your library for free, and download. | A PlayStation Plus subscription is generally not required for the Server Slam. |
| **Xbox Series X | S** | Go to the Microsoft Store and search specifically for "ARC Raiders Server Slam." Select the Server Slam edition under the "Choose Edition" option and download it just like any other game or demo. |
Important Note on Rollout: While the Server Slam is open to all, access may roll out slowly on the first day across different platforms and regions. If you don't see the download immediately, keep checking the store page and your library over the next few hours.
Server Slam Duration and Timing
The ARC Raiders Server Slam is a limited-time stress test designed to gather crucial pre-launch data, so you need to jump in quickly.
- Start Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
- End Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
The end time varies slightly by region, giving players approximately two full days of scavenging and combat:
| Region | End Time (Sunday, October 19, 2025) |
| US East Coast (EDT) | 11:00 AM |
| US West Coast (PDT) | 8:00 AM |
| UK (BST) | 4:00 PM |
| Central Europe (CEST) | 5:00 PM |
What to Expect in the Playtest
Keep in mind that the Server Slam is not the full game. It is a slice of content meant to test server stability and core gameplay loops:
- Content Limits: The playtest is generally limited to one map, the Dam Battlegrounds, and will only feature early-game quests, low- to mid-tier weapons, and gear. Higher-tier blueprints and crafting station upgrades will be disabled.
- Progress Reset: Any progress made during the Server Slam will NOT carry over to the full release of ARC Raiders. The goal is purely testing and feedback.
- Exclusive Reward: Players who participate in the Server Slam and verify their Embark ID are eligible to receive an exclusive Server Slammer Backpack cosmetic item, which will be delivered upon purchasing the full game at launch.
This is the final opportunity to experience the chaos of ARC Raiders before its official release. Ensure you follow the correct download steps for your platform and prepare to put those servers to the ultimate test!
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 PS5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X/S
Genre(s): Third-person shooter
Developer(s): Embark Studios
Publisher(s): Embark Studios
Release date: October 30, 2025
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