What to know

  • Server Slam test stressed ARC Raiders servers and gathered player feedback from October 17-19.
  • Several stability issues across all platforms have been identified and addressed for smoother launch.
  • Key gameplay tweaks include Nerfs to Flying ARCs awareness, more challenging Dam Tower access, and visual tuning.
  • Full game launch scheduled for October 30, 2025, on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Embark Studios ran a Server Slam from October 17 to 19, 2025, as a public stress-test of ARC Raiders' servers and gameplay systems. The event was open to all players, including those without pre-orders, offering a preview of the core game mechanics. With the feedback in, developers have revealed a few crucial changes to the game.

Key feedback from players, and developer response

The Server Slam revealed several important areas for improvement:

  • Stability issues: Crashes and disconnects were reported on all platforms, though concentrated more heavily among some streamers. Developers promptly addressed many crashes with hotfixes and locked in further stability solutions before launch.
  • Flying ARCs nerf: Players noted the Flying ARCs (enemy drones) had excessively high awareness, allowing them to unrealistically see through foliage. Embark significantly toned down their vision to ensure fairer combat encounters in the game.
  • Dam Tower adjustment: The Dam Control Tower on the Dam Battlegrounds map was too easily accessed in the test, diminishing the challenge for this prime loot spot. The developers adjusted this to restore intended difficulty in raid gameplay.
  • Visual tuning: Some noticed a visual difference between the Server Slam and earlier tests, largely due to default settings adjusted to prioritize performance on various hardware. Further tuning is ongoing to better balance visuals and performance.

The Server Slam was more than a technical test, it also served as a crucial feedback forum, allowing players to voice concerns and help shape the game’s final form. Developers praised the community’s role in identifying bugs, balance tweaks, and quality-of-life improvements, acknowledging their input as “vital” for a successful launch.

ARC Raiders is scheduled for full release on October 30, 2025, available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms.