I’ve been keeping my eye on ARC Raiders ever since Embark Studios first announced it, and let me tell you – the hype is real! As someone who spent countless hours in The Finals (another fantastic game from Embark), I couldn’t wait to see what they’d do next. And now, with the game just around the corner, I know I’m not the only one wondering: is ARC Raiders coming to Game Pass?
Let me break down everything I’ve learned about this highly anticipated extraction shooter and whether you’ll be able to play it through Microsoft’s gaming subscription service.
What We Know So Far?
First things first – I want to give it to you straight. After digging through all the official announcements and talking with fellow gamers, the short answer is: no, ARC Raiders won’t be on Xbox Game Pass at launch.
I know, I know – that’s probably not what you wanted to hear. But don’t close this tab just yet! There’s actually a lot more to this story, and I think you’ll want to stick around for the details.
The Official Word (or Lack Thereof)
Here’s something interesting I noticed while researching this article: there’s been absolutely no mention of Game Pass availability in any of ARC Raiders’ official marketing materials. Now, I’ve been covering games long enough to know that when a major multiplayer title is coming to Game Pass, Microsoft and the developers usually shout it from the rooftops.
The fact that Embark Studios hasn’t said anything about Game Pass inclusion tells me they’re either keeping it as a surprise (unlikely, but possible) or, more probably, it’s just not happening at launch.
What This Means for Your Wallet?
So, if you’re like me and you’ve been saving your Game Pass subscription for the next big thing, you’ll need to adjust your plans. ARC Raiders is launching as a premium title, which means you’ll need to purchase it outright.
Here’s the breakdown I found:
- Standard Price: $40
- Current Discount: You can grab it for $34.39 on Fanatical (that’s a 14% saving!)
- Deluxe Edition: Available for pre-order with exclusive Astro Bundle
I know $40 might seem steep compared to the “free with Game Pass” model we’ve all gotten used to, but honestly? After spending some time with the game during the Server Slam beta, I can tell you it’s worth every penny.
The Silver Lining: Why Game Pass Might Still Happen
Now, before you get too disappointed, let me share some hope. While ARC Raiders won’t be on Game Pass at launch, there are several reasons why it could join the service later:
1. Embark’s Track Record
Remember The Finals? That other awesome game from Embark Studios? Well, guess what – it eventually made its way to Game Pass! This shows that Embark has a working relationship with Microsoft and isn’t opposed to their games joining the service.
2. Industry Patterns
I’ve been watching the gaming industry for years, and there’s a clear pattern here. Most major multiplayer games that don’t launch on Game Pass often join the service 3-6 months after release. It’s almost like Microsoft waits to see how successful a game is before adding it to the lineup.
3. Business Sense
From a business perspective, it makes perfect sense. ARC Raiders is already generating massive buzz, and by launching as a premium title first, Embark can maximize initial sales. Then, once the initial rush dies down, adding it to Game Pass gives the game a second wind and brings in a whole new wave of players.
When Might It Come to Game Pass?
I know you’re probably wondering, “But when, exactly?” While I can’t give you an exact date (I wish I could!), I can make some educated guesses based on industry patterns:
Most Likely Timeline: 3-6 months after launch (so roughly January-March 2026) Optimistic Timeline: 2-3 months after launch (December 2026-January 2026) Pessimistic Timeline: 6-12 months after launch (April 2026-October 2026)
My money’s on the 3-6 month window. That seems to be the sweet spot for most multiplayer games these days.
What Makes ARC Raiders Worth the Wait (and Money)
I’ve played my fair share of extraction shooters, from Escape from Tarkov to Hunt: Showdown, and I can honestly say that ARC Raiders brings something fresh to the table. Here’s why I’m so excited about it:
1. More Approachable Than Most Extraction Shooters
Let me be real with you – I love extraction shooters, but they can be intimidating. ARC Raiders feels different. It’s intense and challenging, but not punishing. You can actually make progress and have fun even if you’re not a hardcore gamer.
2. The Robot Factor
The PvE elements in this game are seriously impressive. The ARC robots aren’t just background decoration – they’re legitimate threats that can wreck your day if you’re not careful. Fighting these building-sized bots with friends is an absolute blast.
3. That Embark Studios Polish
If you’ve played The Finals, you know what I’m talking about. Embark has this incredible ability to make games that feel polished and professional right out of the gate. The movement, the gunplay, the visual effects – everything just feels right.
Release Date and Platforms
Just to make sure we’re all on the same page, here are the key details:
- Release Date: October 30, 2025
- Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
- Price: $40 standard edition
- Pre-order: Available now with exclusive bonuses
My Personal Take
I’ve been thinking a lot about whether to wait for a potential Game Pass release or just buy the game at launch. And honestly? I’m probably going to buy it day one.
Here’s why: I’ve been following this game since its early announcements, I participated in the Server Slam beta, and I was genuinely impressed with how much fun it was. The $40 price tag feels reasonable for the amount of content and polish on display.
Plus, let’s be real – if it does come to Game Pass later, I’ll have already gotten my money’s worth by playing it for months before that happens.
What Other Gamers Are Saying
I’ve been browsing forums and Discord servers, and the community seems split on this issue. Some folks are holding out for Game Pass, while others are ready to dive in day one. The general consensus seems to be:
- Most people expected it wouldn’t be on Game Pass at launch
- There’s hope it will join the service eventually
- Many are planning to buy it anyway, given Embark’s track record
The Bottom Line
So, is ARC Raiders coming to Game Pass? Not at launch, but there’s a good chance it will eventually. Should you wait for that? That depends on how excited you are for the game and whether $40 feels like a reasonable price to you.
Personally, I think it’s worth it. But hey, that’s just my two cents!
Quick Reference Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Pass at Launch | ❌ No |
| Potential Game Pass Timeline | 3-6 months after launch |
| Release Date | October 30, 2025 |
| Standard Price | $40 |
| Current Best Deal | $34.39 on Fanatical |
| Platforms | PC, Xbox Series X |
| Developer | Embark Studios (The Finals creators) |
Final Thoughts
I know it’s disappointing that ARC Raiders won’t be on Game Pass at launch, but honestly? I think it’s going to be worth the investment. Embark Studios has proven they know how to make fantastic multiplayer games, and everything I’ve seen so far suggests ARC Raiders will be their best work yet.
Whether you decide to buy it day one or wait for a potential Game Pass release, one thing’s for sure – this is going to be one of the biggest games of 2026. I’ll definitely be there day one, and I hope to see you in the Rust Belt!
FAQ: ARC Raiders and Game Pass
Will ARC Raiders ever come to Game Pass?
While there’s no official confirmation, it’s likely that ARC Raiders will join Game Pass eventually, following the pattern of other multiplayer games and Embark Studios’ own history with The Finals.
How much does ARC Raiders cost?
The standard edition costs $40, but you can currently get it for $34.39 on Fanatical (14% off).
Can I play ARC Raiders on Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming?
No, ARC Raiders is not available on any Game Pass tier at launch, including Cloud Gaming.
When is the best time to buy ARC Raiders?
If you’re excited about the game, buying it at launch is great. If you’re patient, waiting 3-6 months might get you either a discount or Game Pass inclusion.
Is ARC Raiders worth buying without Game Pass?
Based on the beta and Embark Studios’ track record, many players (including myself) believe it’s worth the $40 price tag for the quality and content offered.
Remember to bookmark this page for future updates on ARC Raiders’ Game Pass status! I’ll be keeping this article updated with the latest news and information as it becomes available.