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The start time for the Arc Raiders server slam playtest is imminent, and it is the final opportunity to play the game for free before its full launch. It is essentially a free weekend, and it will be open for players to download on all available platforms with rewards included for participating.
What Time Does the Arc Raiders Server Slam Playtest Start?
The start time for the Arc Raiders server slam playtest is 6AM PT/9AM ET/2PM BST on October 17th. These hours aren’t included in Embark’s blog post, but they are listed on the game’s Discord page for events.
According to Embark’s Discord, the playtest will only last until 8AM PT/11AM ET/4PM BST on October 19th. Basically, it’s a free weekend allowing you to experience the multiplayer shooter without needing to commit to pre-ordering.
Unfortunately, the full launch will not be free-to-play as originally intended until Gamescom 2024. It is scheduled to release on October 30th, and the Standard edition costs £32.99/$39.99. However, Embark has reduced the game’s price in select regions.
How to Download Arc Raiders Server Slam Playtest
You can download the Arc Raiders server slam free weekend when the playtest begins at the aforementioned start times. There’s no option to preload, and it will be available to download from the PSN store for PS5, the Microsoft store for Xbox Series X/S, plus the Steam and Epic Games store for PC.
Embark has confirmed you do need to pre-order any edition of the game as access to the server slam is entirely free. No codes are required, and you can play on any platform.
Rewards for Participating in Playtest
As shared by Embark in their server slam info overview, there will be rewards given for participating in the playtest. This reward is an exclusive backpack named The Server Slammer. You will only be able to claim this backpack with the full game, and you will need an Embark ID.
Aside from the free backpack, you can also get the following bonuses by pre-ordering:
Standard edition – £32.99/$39.99:
- Lucky Duck Bundle
- Hatchling Backpack
- Golden Rubber Duck Backpack Charm
Deluxe edition – £49.99/$59.99:
- Lucky Duck Bundle
- Astro Bundle
- G-suit Outfit
- Salvager Backpack
- Spaceship Souvenir Backpack Attachment
- Outfit color variants
- The Wanderer Bundle
- Valente Outfit
- Pathfinder Backpack
- Blanket Roll Backpack Attachment
- Lip Scar Character Cosmetic
- Legendary Emote
- Scrappy Skin
- 2, 400 Raider Tokens
Content and Maps
Lastly, it’s worth discussing what is included in the Arc Raiders server slam playtest. To begin with, you will be playing on a map called The Dam Battlegrounds. This is a wasteland of flooded lowlands and forgotten structures, and it is stuffed with dark forests, overgrown research centres, and swamps thick with mist.
Alongside expeditions on The Dam Battlegrounds, you will be able to experience the following content:
- Weapons and Gear: Early and mid-tier equipment will be available for you to experiment with, but some things will be locked until launch.
- Blueprints: Blueprints expand your Raider’s ability to make and modify weapons and gear. All blueprints can be found, but those of the highest-tier will not be craftable during the Server Slam.
- Raider Deck: You’ll be able to test out the Raider Deck functionality with one page of items to unlock.
- Workshop: Basic crafting stations (Weapon, Equipment, and Medical) are available, but upgrades aren’t possible for this limited test.
In other Arc Raiders news, the developers have confirmed that they are ditching “mandatory wipes” in favor of a player-driven reset system.
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