Unlock the free loadout in Arc Raiders quickly with this easy guide. Learn how to access the free kit, what gear you get, and the best situations to use it for safe farming and early-game progress.
Jumping into Arc Raiders can feel intense, especially when you’re trying to survive with limited gear or recovering from a tough run. That’s where the game’s free loadout system steps in. It’s designed to give you a risk-free way to explore, gather resources, and complete objectives without dipping into your valuable stash.
Many players overlook this feature or aren’t exactly sure how it works, which often leads to unnecessary losses or stalled progress. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “How do I play when I’ve got nothing left?” — this guide will help you move forward confidently.
In the sections ahead, you’ll learn how to access a free starter kit, what it typically includes, and how to use it strategically so every run stays productive, even on your off days.
What Is a Free Loadout in Arc Raiders?
A free loadout is the game’s built-in safety net—an option that lets you jump into a mission without risking anything from your own stash. Instead of using your carefully crafted gear, the game gives you a set of basic, randomized equipment that’s enough to keep you moving, even if you’re starting from scratch.
Think of it as a zero-risk setup made for players who want to explore, farm materials, or recover after a tough loss. You won’t get high-tier weapons or advanced augments here, and you won’t have the protection of a safe pocket, but the system ensures you always have what you need to get back out there.
This mode is especially helpful for new players, anyone dealing with “gear fear,” or those simply wanting to complete lighter objectives without putting their best equipment on the line. It’s a simple and reliable way to keep progressing—no matter what happened in your last run.
How to Get a Free Loadout (Step-by-Step)
Accessing a free loadout in Arc Raiders is straightforward once you know where to look, but many players miss it because the option isn’t highlighted clearly. Here’s a clear walkthrough to make sure you can grab it every time without confusion.
Step 1: Select Play
Start by choosing Play from the main menu. This brings you to the mission setup area where you prepare for your next run.
Step 2: Pick Your Map
Choose the map you want to explore. It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning a quick scavenger run or aiming to complete a specific task—the free loadout option is available across all locations.
Step 3: Open the Loadout Screen
Once the map is selected, you’ll land on the Loadout screen. This is the same place where you normally customize your gear, check your weight limit, and adjust your augments.
Step 4: Switch to the Free Loadout Tab
At the top of the loadout menu, you’ll notice two main tabs: your Custom Loadout and the Free Loadout.
- On controllers, this is accessed with R1 on PlayStation or RB on Xbox.
- On PC, you’ll simply click the tab at the top.
Switching to this tab reveals an empty-looking layout with a special Free Loadout Augment. Don’t worry if it looks incomplete—this is normal.
Step 5: Ready Up
After selecting the free loadout, hit Ready Up. The actual items won’t appear on the screen yet, which can make the menu feel unclear for first-time players.
The important thing to remember is this: your free gear only generates after you enter the match.
Why This Process Matters
Finding the free loadout button early makes the game far more forgiving. Whether you’re running low on supplies, avoiding the risk of losing crafted weapons, or simply testing new routes, having this option at your fingertips keeps your progress moving without putting pressure on your main inventory.
By following these steps, you’ll always have a way to jump back into action with a no-risk setup, even if your stash is empty or you’re rebuilding after a tough extraction.
What You Get in a Free Loadout (Full Contents Breakdown)
A free loadout might look simple at first glance, but it actually gives you a solid set of essentials that can carry you through early missions, farming runs, and low-risk objectives. Everything you receive is randomized, but the overall structure stays the same, ensuring you always have the basics needed to survive a run.
Core Items You Can Expect
Each free loadout includes a mix of lightweight gear designed to help you move quickly and stay safe:
- A basic weapon – usually a Common or Mk.I option such as the Kettler I, Rattler I, Stitcher I, or other entry-level firearms. These won’t melt ARC machines, but they’re reliable enough for scavenging and avoiding trouble.
- One stack of ammo – just enough to keep you protected without weighing you down.
- An Uncommon Light Shield – a dependable defensive tool that gives you a bit of breathing room during unexpected encounters.
- Bandages – essential for patching up light damage while exploring.
- A Shield Recharger – useful when your shield takes a hit and you need a quick boost.
- Random gadgets – this is where the loadout feels different each time. You might get grenades, a barricade kit, or a small utility item that helps in tight situations.
The Free Loadout Augment
One of the key features is the Free Loadout Augment, which shapes how your inventory functions during the run:
- 14 backpack slots
- 4 quick-use slots
- Loadout weight capped at 35.0
- No Safe Pocket
- No custom augment slot
This setup keeps the loadout lightweight and balanced, but it also comes with trade-offs. Without a safe pocket, any rare item you find is at risk unless you extract safely. This limitation is intentional—it encourages careful decision-making during each run.
What Makes This Loadout Useful
Even though the gear isn’t high-tier, the free loadout provides enough tools to help you stay active in the game without dipping into crafted weapons or valuable augments. It’s perfect for players who want to farm materials, complete simple objectives, or rebuild after losing gear, all while keeping their main setup untouched.
Every run with a free loadout feels slightly different, and understanding what each item offers helps you use this no-risk kit more effectively.
Pros & Cons of Using a Free Loadout
Choosing a free loadout in Arc Raiders comes with its own set of strengths and limitations, and understanding both sides helps you decide when this option truly works in your favor. It isn’t just a backup plan—it’s a strategic tool that can support different playstyles, especially when you want to protect your valuable gear or explore with minimal pressure.
Pros of Using a Free Loadout
- A Completely Risk-Free Way to Play: The biggest advantage is that you aren’t risking anything from your stash. If you’re low on resources, rebuilding after multiple defeats, or simply feeling cautious, this setup lets you continue progressing without fear of losing crafted items or rare augments.
- Perfect for Scavenger and Farming Runs: Since the equipment is basic but functional, it’s ideal for runs where your goal is gathering materials, searching for crafting items, or exploring areas you haven’t visited before. You can take chances, push into new zones, and learn routes without worrying about losing valuable gear.
- Great for Completing Low-Risk Objectives: Certain tasks—like delivering crates or finishing quests that don’t require extraction—don’t need high-tier weapons. A free loadout gives you enough tools to get these done efficiently, helping you advance missions even on slower days.
- Unlimited Uses Anytime You Need Them: There’s no cooldown, meaning you can take a free loadout repeatedly. Whether you had a rough night or want to experiment with new strategies, you can always rely on it to get back into the field.
- Helps Overcome “Gear Fear”: Many new players struggle with the fear of losing items they’ve worked hard to earn. This no-risk option removes that anxiety, allowing you to practice movement, enemy awareness, and extraction routes with confidence.
- Useful for Testing Enemy Patterns and New Routes: If you want to explore Topside or test approaches to ARC-heavy zones, a free loadout gives you the freedom to learn without consequences. It’s a practical way to refine your survival instincts.
Cons of Using a Free Loadout
- No Safe Pocket Means High-Risk Looting: The biggest drawback is the lack of a safe pocket. Any valuable item you find is at full risk, and if you go down, it’s gone. This makes high-tier looting risky and discourages deep dives into dangerous zones.
- Limited Inventory Space: With only 14 backpack slots and a capped loadout weight, you can’t carry much. This limits what you can bring back, especially if you stumble upon multiple useful materials in a single run.
- Basic Weapons and Low Power Output: The weapons you receive—usually Common or Mk.I—are reliable for light encounters but lack the damage needed for tougher areas or aggressive ARC machines. They’re not meant for extended fights or high-danger missions.
- Minimal Healing and Utility Tools: You only receive a small selection of support items, such as a few bandages and a single shield recharger. If you take too much damage or get cornered, you won’t have enough tools to recover.
- Not Suitable for Build-Based Gameplay: There’s no custom augment slot, and the Free Loadout Augment locks you into a fixed structure. This means you can’t optimize builds or utilize specialized augments during your run.
When the Trade-Off Is Worth It
Despite the limitations, many players rely on free loadouts because they make progression smoother, especially on days when resources are tight or confidence is low. They’re built for survival, practice, and smart risk management, not high-intensity combat.
Knowing both sides of the system helps you decide when the free loadout supports your goals—and when it may hold you back from fully exploring what the game has to offer.
Best Situations to Use a Free Loadout
A free loadout shines the most when you approach Arc Raiders with a clear purpose. While it isn’t built for high-pressure encounters, it opens up a surprising number of opportunities where you can make steady progress without dipping into your valuable stash. Here are the situations where this no-risk setup truly delivers.
Farming Materials and Resources
If your goal is to stack up crafting materials, explore lesser-known areas, or gather items scattered around Topside, a free loadout is one of the safest choices you can make. Since you’re not risking any premium gear, you’re free to roam, experiment, and push your luck without thinking twice about every fight.
This approach is especially helpful when:
- You’re rebuilding after losing gear
- You want to stock up before crafting
- You’re scouting for new farming spots
The lightweight setup makes you move faster, which is perfect for hit-and-run resource collection.
Completing Tasks That Don’t Require Extraction
Some objectives—such as delivering a Field Crate or finishing simple map-based quests—don’t depend on bringing items back safely. In these cases, a free loadout gives you everything you need without any risk.
These runs are all about efficiency, and the basic gear is more than enough to get the job done.
Practicing Routes, Movement, and Enemy Patterns
If you’re still learning the game’s layout or enemy behavior, a free loadout lets you practice freely. You can:
- Test new paths
- Learn spawn locations
- Explore dangerous zones without consequences
Because there’s no penalty for failure, this becomes a great training tool for new players and veterans alike.
Recovering From Multiple Deaths or a Gear Wipe
Losing everything can hit hard, especially when your stash is nearly empty. That’s where the free loadout becomes a lifeline. It lets you keep playing, gather essentials, and rebuild your inventory without feeling stuck.
This is one of the most common moments when players turn to the free kit to regain momentum.
Running Missions That Feel Too Risky for Your Main Gear
Some missions are simply tougher than they look. If you’re heading into a route that might overwhelm your current setup, using a free loadout can save you from losing your best items. Even if you don’t make it out alive, you’re not losing anything important.
It’s a smart choice when:
- You want to experiment
- You’re unsure what dangers lie ahead
- You’re attempting a mission above your gear level
Low-Stakes Exploration and Casual Play
Sometimes you just want to jump in, explore, or enjoy the world without stressing over loadout management. The free kit works perfectly for these relaxed sessions. You get enough tools to survive, but nothing you’d regret losing.
Why These Situations Matter
Understanding when to lean on a free loadout helps you manage risk, protect your gear, and keep progressing even on tougher days. It’s not meant for every mission, but in the right situations, it becomes one of the most practical systems in the entire game—helping you move forward confidently with zero pressure.
When You Should Avoid Using Free Loadouts
A free loadout gives you plenty of flexibility, but it’s not the right choice for every mission. There are moments in Arc Raiders when relying on basic gear can hold you back or cost you valuable progress. Knowing when to switch back to your custom setup helps you stay efficient, prepared, and fully equipped for tougher challenges.
Hunting ARC Machines or High-Tier Enemies
If you’re planning to take on strong ARC units, the free kit simply won’t keep up. The limited firepower, basic shield, and lack of advanced gadgets make these encounters risky. Tougher enemies often demand:
- Higher damage weapons
- Better shields
- Specialized augments
This is where a custom loadout becomes essential.
Searching for Rare or Valuable Loot
Free loadouts come with no safe pocket, which means anything you find is at full risk. If your goal is to extract rare materials, high-value items, or special gear, losing it all to a single mistake can feel devastating.
For high-value runs, always bring:
- A reliable loadout
- Better healing options
- A safe pocket for protection
Long or High-Difficulty Missions
Extended missions require durability, healing, and adaptability. A free loadout offers only minimal supplies, leaving little room for error when:
- You face multiple waves
- You explore deep into Topside
- You engage in prolonged firefights
A stronger kit keeps you alive longer and gives you more ways to handle problems.
Runs That Rely on Build Synergy
If your playstyle depends on:
- Custom augments
- Special perks
- Specific weapon combinations
the free loadout won’t support that. Since it offers a fixed Free Loadout Augment with no customization slot, it can’t match a build that’s tailored for your preferred approach.
Team Missions Where You Need to Pull Your Weight
In coordinated group runs, teammates may depend on you for support, damage output, or utility. The basic gear in free loadouts can limit how much you can contribute, especially in high-pressure fights.
Bringing a stronger kit helps your team maintain:
- Better damage balance
- Greater survivability
- Smoother mission flow
Why Avoiding Free Loadouts Matters Here
Free loadouts are designed for safety, recovery, and exploration, not high-stakes combat. Using them in the wrong situations can slow your progress, limit your efficiency, and increase the difficulty of tasks that require stronger gear.
By recognizing when the free kit isn’t enough, you’ll make smarter choices, protect your hard-earned resources, and stay prepared for the most demanding parts of the game.
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