ARC Raiders is a high-stakes extraction shooter where every raid risks losing valuable gear from your personal stash. For new players learning the ropes, veterans who've suffered a costly wipe, or anyone needing a low-pressure scouting mission, the thought of gambling their top gear can be daunting.Fortunately, the game offers a vital safety net: the
Free Loadout system. This option allows you to drop into the Rust Belt with a randomized set of basic gear, removing the risk associated with your personal inventory. It's a fundamental part of the gameplay loop that facilitates practice, recovery, and stress-free exploration.Here is a complete guide on how the Free Loadout system works, what you can expect to receive, and the best ways to utilize it to your advantage in
ARC Raiders.
ARC Raiders: How to Get Free Loadout
Accessing the Free Loadout
Accessing the Free Loadout is a simple process that bypasses your personal inventory management.
- Initiate the Raid: From the main menu, select "Play" to begin setting up a raid.
- Select Destination: Choose your desired map on the selection screen.
- The Loadout Screen: You will be taken to the preparation screen where you typically assemble your custom loadout from your stash.
- Choose "Free Loadout": Look for the tab or option labeled "Free Loadout." Select this option instead of manually selecting gear.
- Ready Up: Once selected, click "Ready Up." The game will then automatically deploy you with a randomized, balanced set of equipment.
Crucially, you will get to see the randomized kit before you commit to the raid. However, once you choose the Free Loadout, you cannot replace any of the items with your personal gear until after a successful extraction.
What a Standard Free Loadout Provides
A Free Loadout ensures you have the essentials for basic survival andengagement, providing a well-rounded kit suitable for an initial forayinto the map.
| Gear Category | Expected Contents | Purpose |
| Weaponry | One primary piece of equipment (e.g., a basic rifle) with corresponding ammunition. | Immediate offense and defense against ARC and Raiders. |
| Offense | One or two basic throwable items (e.g., a simple grenade). | Immediate utility for clearing rooms or pressuring targets. |
| Healing | Two Medkits. | Essential health restoration during an encounter. |
| Defense | A light shield. | A small layer of immediate defense against damage. |
| Utility | A Free Loadout Augment (randomized). | A minor, randomized performance boost for the current run. |
This setup is sufficient for fighting low-tier enemies, scouting, andpracticing basic maneuvers without relying on your hard-earned raregear.
The Strategic Role of Free Loadouts
Free Loadouts are more than just a consolation prize; they are a keystrategic tool for every player, regardless of experience level.
Recovery and Practice
- Post-Wipe Recovery: The Free Loadout is particularly useful after a gear wipe, when you’ve lost your entire stash. It gives you the gear needed tosafely loot and start rebuilding your personal inventory without havingto spend valuable currency on basic weapons.
- Warm-up Runs: Use it when you need to warm up or familiarize yourself with a new map section. By removing the pressure of losing good gear, you can focus entirely on learning routes, enemy patterns, and points of interest.
- Solo Scouting: If you want to solo scout a risky area or try a dangerous route, a Free Loadout minimizes the consequence of failure.
Limitations and Risks
While the gear is free, the run itself is still a full-risk venture:
- No Personal Gear: Since you can't bring personal equipment, any missions requiringspecialized tools (like certain keycards or explosives) may beimpossible to complete on a Free Loadout run.
- Full Risk Looting: You won't have as much carrying capacity as a fully geared Raider, and there are no safe places to stash gear. Everything you pick up is vulnerable.
- The Ultimate Consequence: If you die during a Free Loadout run, you lose everything you acquired during that specific raid.
However, the major benefit is that anything you successfully extract—whether it's a new weapon, extra medkits, or high-value loot—is yours to keep forever. It immediately becomes part of your personal, permanent inventory,making the Free Loadout the perfect way to turn zero risk into maximumgain.
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
▶
Other Articles Related
How to Complete the A Symbol of Unification Quest In ARC RaidersComplete the A Symbol of Unification quest in ARC Raiders easily! Find the Raider Flag at the Formical Outpost on the Dam Battlegrounds map and learn exactly where to raise it.
How to Get Leaper Pulse Unit in ARC RaidersLearn the most efficient way to dismantle scrap in The Last Caretaker. Maximize your material yield and get the components you need to craft, upgrade, and survive.
How To Complete Doctor's Orders in ARC RaidersUnstuck on the 'Doctor's Orders' quest in ARC Raiders? This detailed guide walks you through every step to complete the mission, find the required items, and earn your rewards!
How to Get Dam Control Tower Key in ARC RaidersDiscover the precise steps for obtaining the Dam Control Tower Key in ARC Raiders. Follow our guide to unlock the tower, access crucial resources, and progress through the game!
Where to Find Hidden Bunker In ARC Raiders"Discover where to find the hidden bunker in ARC Raiders with our step-by-step guide. Learn key locations, tips, and strategies to uncover secret areas and maximize your gameplay experience."
How to Get Blue Gate Confiscation Key in ARC RaidersUnlock the mystery! Learn exactly how to get the Blue Gate Confiscation Key in ARC Raiders. Follow our step-by-step guide to locate, acquire, and use this crucial key to access valuable loot and resources behind the locked gate. Dominate the ARC threat with the best gear!
How to Get Fireball Burners in ARC RaidersLearn exactly how to get the powerful Fireball Burners in ARC Raiders. We detail the specific enemies, raid locations, and blueprint requirements needed to craft this top-tier incendiary weapon.
Where To Find Cracked Bioscanners in ARC RaidersDiscover the confirmed locations to find Cracked Bioscanners in ARC Raiders. Upgrade your Medical Lab fast with this essential guide to farming medical loot in Buried City, Dam Battlegrounds, and more.
How to Destroy ARC Surveyors in Arc RaidersLearn the best strategies and weapons for destroying ARC Surveyors quickly in Arc Raiders. Maximize your damage and complete objectives efficiently with this essential guide.
How to Complete Medical Merchandise Quest in Arc RaidersLearn how to complete the Medical Merchandise Quest in Arc Raiders quickly and efficiently. Find the exact quest location, get tips for defeating the Lurkers, and secure the required items to earn your reward.
How to Get Scarf King Token & Coffee Signature Dice in Monopoly GOUnlock fun with Monopoly GO! Discover the Scarf King Token and Coffee Signature Dice for an exciting twist on classic gameplay.
Best DRS IAR Loadout in Battlefield 6the ultimate DRS IAR loadout for Battlefield 6. Enhance your gameplay with top strategies and tips for dominating the battlefield!
All Chucky Event Pass Rewards in Black Ops 6 & WarzoneUnlock exclusive rewards in Black Ops 6 & Warzone with the Chucky Event Pass! Discover all the exciting items and enhance your gaming experience today!
How to Increase Happiness in Pokemon Legends Z-Ahow to increase happiness in Pokemon Legends Z-A with our expert tips and strategies. Enhance your gameplay
How to Find the Lost Ainu Items in Ghost of YoteiUncover the secrets of Hokkaido. Our guide reveals the exact locations andmethods to find all lost Ainu items in Ghost of Yotei and complete thiscrucial cultural quest.