Arc Raiders is free to play next weekend

Arc Raiders: A character wearing what looks like a space helmet, crouched behind cover holding a gun in their left hand and a rubber duck in their right hand. — (Image credit: Embark)

Want to play Arc Raiders but don't want to pay for it? Sorry to say, this is not your lucky day—but October 8 will be. From then until October 12, Arc Raiders will be free to play on all platforms to mark the launch of Frozen Trail, the biggest Arc update since the game's launch in 2025.

The freebie offers full access to the game, including the new content added in Frozen Trail—a new map, enemies, weapons, gadgets, and more—with no limits beyond the calendar. If you dig it enough that you decide you do want to pay for it (and I'd say there's a good chance you will, it's pretty great), Arc Raiders is also on sale for half-price—that's $30/£26/€30—during the Steam Autumn Sale, which also ends October 8.

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Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.