ARC Raiders platforms include the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, ensuring that every current-gen gamer can jump into the mechanical chaos.
Since its highly anticipated launch in late 2025, Embark Studios has been very clear about where you can fight the ARC machines.
If you were hoping to play this on a dusty old PS4 or an Xbox One, you might want to consider an upgrade.
The game was built from the ground up to utilize the power of modern hardware and Unreal Engine 5, which means the technical demands are quite high.
By early 2026, the game has already established a massive player base across all these systems. Whether you are a console loyalist or a member of the PC master race, you have a seat at the table in Speranza.
The transition from a free-to-play model to a premium $40 buy-to-play experience has also influenced how the community views these platforms, as players expect (and receive) high-level optimization and consistent content updates regardless of where they play.
What are the supported platforms for ARC Raiders in 2026?
ARC Raiders is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC through both Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Embark Studios decided to focus exclusively on the latest hardware to ensure the extraction shooter mechanics and the physics-heavy world of the Rustbelt functioned without compromises.
If you are looking to purchase the game, you can find it on the official digital storefront for each respective system.
On PC, you have the choice between the two biggest launchers. Both versions offer identical content and are fully integrated into the game's ecosystem.
For console players, the experience is tailored to the specific capabilities of the PS5 and the Xbox Series family.
While the Xbox Series S runs the game at a lower resolution compared to its beefier brother, the Series X, the gameplay remains fluid thanks to some clever optimization by the developers.
Can you play ARC Raiders on consoles like PS4 or Xbox One?
No, ARC Raiders does not support PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, as the game’s technical requirements are far beyond what that decade-old hardware can handle. T
his might be a bit of a bummer for those who haven't made the jump to the current generation yet, but it was a necessary move.
The destruction physics, the sheer number of ARC machines on screen, and the atmospheric effects like the "Cold Snap" blizzards require the SSD speeds and processing power found in the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Trying to run a game of this scale on a PS4 would likely result in frame rates that look more like a slideshow than a fast-paced extraction shooter.
By cutting off the "cross-gen" anchor, Embark Studios was able to push the visual fidelity much further.
If you are still on last-gen, 2026 is definitely the year to look into a hardware refresh if you want to experience the best that modern gaming has to offer.
Is ARC Raiders crossplay between PC and consoles?
Yes, ARC Raiders features full, mandatory crossplay between PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
This means that the matchmaking pool is unified, allowing you to squad up with your friends regardless of what device they are using. This is a massive win for the community because it keeps queue times incredibly short, even during off-peak hours.
The game uses a unified account system called the Embark ID. When you first boot up the game, you are prompted to create or link an Embark ID, which acts as your primary identity across all platforms.
This ID is what allows the game to find your friends on different networks. You can read more about how to set this up on the https://id.embark.games/ support page.
It is worth noting that there is no "console-only" matchmaking pool, so console players will be in the same matches as PC players.
This might worry some due to the precision of mouse and keyboard, but the game's focus on PvE and tactical positioning often levels the playing field.
Does the game support cross-progression and cross-save?
Yes, ARC Raiders supports complete cross-progression and cross-save functionality via your Embark ID.
If you start your journey as a Raider on your PlayStation 5 and later decide to move to PC, all your character levels, blueprints, weapons, and cosmetics will be waiting for you.
This is a seamless process that synchronizes your data every time you finish a raid or make a change in the cantina.
However, there is a catch you need to keep in mind: there is no "cross-buy" feature. Even though your progress follows you, the license for the game does not. If you want to play on both PS5 and PC, you will have to buy the game twice.
Considering the $40 price point, this is an investment, but for many players who split their time between a living room console and a dedicated gaming rig, the convenience of having synced progress is worth it.
How much does ARC Raiders cost on each platform?
ARC Raiders is priced at $40 across all platforms, including PS5, Xbox, and PC.
This move to a premium model happened during development to ensure that the game didn't have to rely on aggressive microtransactions or "pay-to-win" mechanics that often plague free-to-play extraction shooters.
While the initial cost might be a barrier for some, the community has largely praised the decision because it results in a more balanced and fair gameplay experience.
The game also features a seasonal Battle Pass and a cosmetic shop, but these are strictly for looks.
You won't find any weapons or tactical advantages locked behind a paywall. By 2026, the game has sold over 12.4 million copies, proving that players are willing to pay for a high-quality, polished experience.
What are the PC system requirements for ARC Raiders?
The PC system requirements for ARC Raiders are quite manageable for most mid-range builds from the last few years, but you will still need a decent GPU to see the world of the Rustbelt in all its glory.
Since the game uses Unreal Engine 5, it scales well across different hardware, but having an SSD is practically mandatory for the fast loading times required in an extraction setting.
Minimum Specifications:
- OS: Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen R5 1600
- Memory: 12 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, AMD Radeon RX 580, or Intel Arc A380
- DirectX: Version 12
Recommended Specifications:
- OS: Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, or Intel Arc B570
- DirectX: Version 12
For those wanting to play at 4K or with high refresh rates, you will likely need something in the neighborhood of an RTX 4070 Ti or an RX 7900 XTX.
Does ARC Raiders support cloud gaming platforms?
Yes, ARC Raiders is available on NVIDIA GeForce Now, which is a lifesaver for players who don't have a high-end gaming PC or a current-gen console.
As long as you own the game on Steam or the Epic Games Store, you can stream it to almost any device, including older laptops, MacBooks, or even tablets.
This expands the "platforms" list significantly in a practical sense, even if the game isn't natively running on those devices.
The experience on GeForce Now is surprisingly good, especially if you have a stable internet connection.
However, since ARC Raiders is an extraction shooter where every millisecond counts, any bit of input lag can be the difference between a successful extraction and losing all your loot.
If you are playing via the cloud, having a tool to stabilize your connection is even more important than it is for native players.
Why does connection quality matter across these platforms?
Connection quality is the invisible backbone of the ARC Raiders experience because the game is entirely server-side.
Everything from the movement of the ARC machines to the bullets fired by other Raiders is handled by the servers.
If you are experiencing high latency (ping) or packet loss, you will notice "rubber-banding" where your character snaps back to a previous position, or your shots simply won't register on enemies.
In a game where the stakes are this high, losing a 30-minute raid because of a lag spike is heartbreaking.
This is especially true in 2026 with the introduction of high-intensity events like "Shared Watch," where cooperation and timing are vital.
No matter which of the ARC Raiders platforms you choose, your internet route to the game servers determines your success just as much as your gear does.
This is where NoPing comes into play, as it optimizes the path your data takes to reach the game servers, reducing the number of "hops" and minimizing jitter.
Here’s how to use NoPing to fix high ping in online games:
- Sign-up through the website and download NoPing (you can test it for free).
- Open NoPing and search for your game inside the software
- Once you find it, click on it and, on the next screen, select “Choose automatic” or “Choose manual” and click “Continue”. We recommend choosing automatic, as NoPing’s technology analyzes all routes on a global scale and automatically selects the best option for you.
- On the next screen, click on “Optimize Game”.
- And that’s it, you can start playing with optimized ping!
You can test different servers within NoPing to see which gives you the lowest latency.
How to optimize your connection for ARC Raiders?
Optimizing your connection is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your survival rate in the Rustbelt.
While some players try to fix things by changing their DNS or restarting their routers, using a dedicated gaming VPN or optimization tool is often the most effective route. Here is how you can set things up to ensure you have the lowest possible ping:
- Use a Wired Connection: Whenever possible, avoid playing on Wi-Fi. A LAN cable provides a much more stable signal, which is crucial for the constant data stream required by ARC Raiders.
- Close Background Applications: Programs like Chrome, Discord (if not used for chat), and various launchers can hog your bandwidth and increase your latency.
- Install NoPing: Download and install the NoPing software on your PC.
- Search for ARC Raiders: Open the application and type "ARC Raiders" in the search bar.
- Select the Best Server: Choose a server that is closest to the game's actual server location (usually indicated by the lowest MS value in the app).
- Click Optimize: Let the software create a dedicated tunnel for your game data.
- Launch the Game: Open ARC Raiders through Steam or Epic and enjoy a smoother, lag-free experience.
If you are a console player, you can still benefit from these optimizations by using a PC as a hotspot or configuring your router to work with optimization services.
What is the current state of ARC Raiders in early 2026?
The current state of ARC Raiders in early 2026 is very healthy, with Embark Studios following a dense roadmap known as "Escalation."
We are currently seeing monthly updates that add new map conditions, like the returning "Cold Snap," and new limited-time events like "Shared Watch," which encourages players to work together against the machines instead of just hunting each other.
With over 12 million copies sold and a peak concurrent player count reaching nearly a million in January 2026, finding a match is faster than ever.
The developers have also been quick to address bugs, such as the recent item duplication glitch, showing a strong commitment to the game's long-term health.
The community is currently looking forward to the "Shrouded Sky" update, which promises to change the gameplay loop even further.
ARC Raiders has truly come into its own as a premier extraction shooter. By focusing on the right platforms and building a robust crossplay system, Embark has made sure that no matter where you play, you are part of a massive, thriving world.
Just remember that in the Rustbelt, the machines aren't your only enemy: a bad connection can be just as deadly.
Play ARC Raiders without lag. Download NoPing now and start your free trial!
