Join the ARC Raiders Server Slam from October 17–19! Learn how to download, play, and explore the Dam Battlegrounds on PC, PS5, and Xbox.
Discover early quests, crafting tips, and earn the exclusive Server Slammer Backpack before the full launch.
The ARC Raiders Server Slam is your final opportunity to experience the high-stakes world of ARC Raiders before its full release on October 30, 2025. Taking place from October 17 to 19, this open beta is completely free for players on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Whether you are a veteran Raider or brand new to the Rust Belt, this event lets you test combat mechanics, loot progression, scavenging, and survival strategies in one of the most anticipated looter-shooter games of 2025.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play ARC Raiders Server Slam, from setup and gameplay to rewards and strategic tips. For a detailed walkthrough on downloading and accessing the Server Slam.
What is ARC Raiders Server Slam and Why You Should Participate
The Server Slam is more than just a beta; it is a full-scale open playtest hosted by Embark Studios. The event allows players to explore the Dam Battlegrounds, complete early quests, and engage in PvPvE combat while helping the developers stress-test servers, improve matchmaking, and fine-tune gameplay for launch day.
Unlike previous closed tests, the Server Slam is open to everyone, requiring no sign-up or access code. Participants get a first-hand experience of new content, environmental hazards, and early crafting systems, providing an authentic preview of what to expect in the full release.
ARC Raiders Server Slam Start Times Across All Regions
Knowing the exact start times ensures you can jump into the action at the right moment. Here is the complete global schedule:
Global Start Times Table
| Region | Start Time | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, US | 6:00 AM PDT | Oct 17 |
| Chicago, US | 8:00 AM CDT | Oct 17 |
| New York, US | 9:00 AM EDT | Oct 17 |
| London, UK | 2:00 PM BST | Oct 17 |
| Paris / Berlin, EU | 3:00 PM CEST | Oct 17 |
| Cape Town, South Africa | 3:00 PM SAST | Oct 17 |
| Dubai, UAE | 5:00 PM GST | Oct 17 |
| Mumbai, India | 6:30 PM IST | Oct 17 |
| Beijing, China | 9:00 PM CST | Oct 17 |
| Tokyo / Seoul | 10:00 PM JST/KST | Oct 17 |
| Sydney, Australia | 12:00 AM AEDT | Oct 18 |
| Auckland, New Zealand | 2:00 AM NZDT | Oct 18 |
The Server Slam ends on October 19 for most regions. Some players may experience gradual server access during launch, which is normal due to the stress test nature of the event.
How to Join ARC Raiders Server Slam and Ensure Smooth Access
Participating is straightforward, but a few steps ensure you avoid common access issues:
Step 1: Create or Link Your Embark ID
- Sign up at Embark’s official portal and link your account.
- Confirm your email to qualify for the Server Slammer Backpack.
Step 2: Choose Your Platform
- Steam: Search for “ARC Raiders – Playtest”. Restart Steam if it doesn’t appear immediately.
- Epic Games Store: Search “ARC Raiders – Server Slam”.
- PS5/Xbox: Check the store listings on your console.
Step 3: Prepare Your System
- Ensure 35 GB of free storage for PC installations.
- PS5 players require an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
- For cloud gamers, GeForce NOW may work, though support on platforms like Shadow PC may be limited.
Step 4: Launch and Play
- Open the game once servers are live and follow on-screen instructions to join the Server Slam.
- For a full step-by-step guide on downloading and playing, refer to Download ARC Raiders Server Slam Playtest guide.
Exploring the Dam Battlegrounds Map: Challenges and Opportunities
The Dam Battlegrounds is the main map of the Server Slam and offers a variety of environments for testing skills:
- Flooded lowlands and deserted research centers provide diverse terrain for strategic movement.
- Dark forests and misty swamps create tense moments for ambushes and PvPvE encounters.
- Environmental hazards such as Electromagnetic Storms, Night Raids, and potential Queen appearances affect visibility and combat strategy.
Players can choose to explore solo or with a squad, which emphasizes teamwork, resource management, and tactical decision-making.
Early Quests, Trading, and Progression Systems
Survival in Speranza relies on interaction with NPC Traders and completing early quests:
- Traders offer quests and trading opportunities to build trust and gather resources.
- Server Slam quests include introductory missions; advanced storylines unlock at full release.
- Weapons and Gear: Early to mid-tier equipment is available for testing; high-tier items remain locked.
- Crafting Stations: Basic weapon, equipment, and medical crafting stations are accessible; upgrades are disabled.
- Raider Deck & Feats: Complete daily challenges (Feats) to earn Cred, which unlocks items in the Raider Deck.
Some in-game systems like Projects, Trials, and Codex are visible but inactive. They give insight into long-term progression without impacting balance during the beta.
Facing ARC Machines: Understanding Your Enemies
The Rust Belt is populated with hostile ARC Machines:
ARC Machines Table
| Enemy Type | Description | Threat Level |
|---|---|---|
| Wasps | Flying units with precise ranged attacks | Medium |
| Ticks | Small, fast scuttlers lurking in dark areas | High |
| Bastions | Heavy armored tanks with devastating firepower | Medium |
| Leapers | Agile jumpers that close distance quickly | High |
| Bombardiers | Mortar-firing Bastion variants | Low-Medium |
Survival Tip: Pay attention to audio cues like buzzing, mechanical skittering, or spinning sounds to anticipate enemy behavior.
Strategic Tips for Maximizing Your Server Slam Experience
- Plan Loadouts: Bring only necessary tools; breaching creates noise and attracts enemies.
- Manage Extraction: Weigh the risk of staying longer for better loot versus potential loss.
- Squad Play: Teaming up improves survival chances and resource efficiency.
- Craft Strategically: Use workshops to maintain essential supplies.
- Adapt to Conditions: Weather effects and night raids require flexibility and quick decision-making.
Exclusive Server Slammer Backpack: How to Earn Your Reward
Participating in the Server Slam rewards players with the Server Slammer Backpack, which unlocks automatically at full game launch on October 30, 2025.
To claim the reward:
- Play at least once during the Server Slam.
- Ensure your Embark ID is linked and email confirmed.
- Note that all other progress and loot resets after the event. Focus on practice, exploration, and testing mechanics rather than grinding.
Technical Notes and Community Insights
- Expect queue times, minor lag, and matchmaking delays, as the event is designed to test server stability.
- Feedback is encouraged via Embark’s official Discord and forums.
- Verify download size and platform readiness ahead of time for seamless access.
Pro Tip: Restart your client or switch platforms if access is delayed, especially on Steam during launch.
Why the ARC Raiders Server Slam is a Must-Play Event
The Server Slam offers a unique chance to experience PvPvE combat, scavenging, and survival mechanics in a fully immersive looter-shooter environment. It provides:
- Hands-on practice for the Dam Battlegrounds map.
- Opportunity to experiment with weapons, gear, and crafting stations.
- Access to early quests and progression mechanics.
- A guaranteed exclusive Server Slammer Backpack reward.
Whether testing strategies with friends or exploring solo, the event is an essential precursor to the full ARC Raiders launch. Prepare your Embark ID, gather your squad, and dive into the Server Slam this weekend — the Rust Belt is waiting.
For complete details on downloading and accessing the Server Slam, visit this guide.
Visit Our Post Page: Blog Page