You’ve probably heard the rumors. Maybe you saw that flashy trailer years ago and thought, "Great, another free-to-play shooter I can jump into for nothing." Well, honestly, things changed. Big time. If you’re sitting there wondering exactly how much you need to set aside to get your boots on the ground in Speranza, you aren't alone.
The short answer? It’s not free. Not anymore.
How Much Will Arc Raiders Be? The Price Tag Explained
For a long time, Embark Studios (the folks behind The Finals) had everyone convinced this was going to be a free-to-play (F2P) title. But in a move that shocked a lot of the community, they pivoted. To get your hands on the standard version of Arc Raiders, you’re looking at a $39.99 entry fee.
Why the change? Basically, the devs realized that F2P comes with a lot of "un-fun" baggage. Think endless timers, aggressive microtransactions, and a grind that feels like a second job. By charging $40 upfront, they could actually focus on making the game good rather than making it "sticky."
If you want the extra bells and whistles, there is also a Deluxe Edition priced at $59.99. This version usually bundles in things like the "Astro" or "Valente" outfits, special backpacks, and a chunk of premium currency—usually around 2,400 Raider Tokens—to spend in the shop.
Why the $40 Price Point Matters
It’s a middle-ground price. It isn't the $70 "AAA" tax we’ve seen from giants like Activision or Sony, but it isn't $0 either. Embark's leadership mentioned they were inspired by the success of Helldivers 2. They saw that players are actually happy to pay a fair price if it means the game isn't trying to nickel-and-dime them every five minutes.
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- Standard Edition: $39.99
- Deluxe Edition: $59.99
- Platform availability: Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Is Arc Raiders Still Worth It at That Price?
Honestly, the value depends on what you want from an extraction shooter. Since the game launched in October 2025, it has moved over 12 million copies. That’s a massive number for a new IP. People are clearly voting with their wallets.
The real "value" comes from what the $40 removes. In the old F2P builds, crafting items often had real-time wait clocks. You’d have to wait hours for a piece of gear to finish, or pay to skip the line. In the retail version, that's gone. If you have the materials, you make the item. Simple.
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There’s also the "cheater tax" to consider. In free games, if a cheater gets banned, they just make a new account. When a game costs $40, getting banned actually hurts. It’s a barrier to entry that keeps the community a bit cleaner, which, if you've ever played Escape from Tarkov or Warzone, you know is a huge deal.
What Do You Get for Your Money?
When you buy the game, you aren't just getting a launcher. You’re getting a pretty dense package:
- Multiple Maps: At launch, the game featured four distinct zones, including the Rust Belt.
- Progression: A full skill tree and trader quest system that isn't gated by paywalls.
- The Experience: A mix of high-stakes PvP and intense PvE against the ARC machines.
Some people were worried that Embark would still push heavy microtransactions on top of the $40. They do have a shop for cosmetics—the "Abyss" set is a popular one—and they sell "Raider Tokens." However, these are strictly for looks. You can't buy a gun that shoots faster or armor that makes you invincible.
Regional Pricing and Sales
Don't forget about sales. While the base price is $39.99, we’ve already seen it dip. During the 2025 holiday season, some retailers had it as low as $30.99. If you’re on PC, keep an eye on Steam sales or sites like Green Man Gaming. If you’re on console, it's worth checking if it’s included in any "Buy 2 Get 1" deals, though it hasn't officially hit Game Pass for "free" yet (you still have to buy the license).
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Final Thoughts for Potential Raiders
If you're waiting for a price drop to $0, don't hold your breath. Embark seems committed to this premium model because it allows them to respect your time. They’d rather you play for 100 hours because you’re having fun, not because you’re trying to finish a Battle Pass before it expires.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your platform: Ensure you have an Xbox Series X/S, PS5, or a decent PC; this game isn't on old-gen consoles.
- Compare Editions: If you don't care about skins, stick to the $39.99 version. You can always upgrade to the Deluxe content later if you fall in love with the game.
- Watch a Live Stream: Since it's a paid game, watch 30 minutes of gameplay on Twitch first. It’s less punishing than Tarkov but way more intense than The Finals.