ARC Raiders is a thrilling cooperative sci-fi shooter set in a dystopian future where humanity fights for survival against a ruthless alien threat. Developed by Embark Studios, this third-person, open-world experience throws you and your squad into intense battles across PC and current-gen consoles. You'll need to master the unique Raider archetypes and coordinate your efforts to overcome overwhelming odds, conquer enemy factions, and survive the relentless onslaught of the ARC.
This guide is your essential companion to mastering ARC Raiders. We'll cover everything you need to know, from getting started with installation and understanding the core mechanics to advanced combat strategies and effective weapon usage. Prepare to tackle challenging mission objectives and achieve victory, whether you're playing on PC or PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X.
Getting Started
New to ARC Raiders? This guide breaks down the basics, from surviving in Speranza to venturing into the dangerous surface. Learn about ARC, raiders, and extraction.
Getting Started
New to ARC Raiders? This guide breaks down the basics, from surviving in Speranza to venturing into the dangerous surface. Learn about ARC, raiders, and extraction.









Controls & UI — ARC Raiders Guide
Learn the essential controls and user interface elements of ARC Raiders. Master movement, combat, and inventory management with our comprehensive guide.
This guide covers the controls and user interface for ARC Raiders. Understanding these elements is crucial for effective gameplay, from movement and combat to managing your inventory and interacting with the world.
| Action | Button |
|---|---|
| Move Forward | W |
| Move Backward | S |
| Move Left | A |
| Move Right | D |
| Jump | Spacebar |
| Crouch | Ctrl |
| Sprint | Shift |
| Interact | E |
| Reload | R |
| Primary Fire | Left Mouse Button |
| Secondary Fire / Aim Down Sights | Right Mouse Button |
| Melee Attack | F |
| Use Ability 1 | 1 |
| Use Ability 2 | 2 |
| Use Grenade | G |
| Weapon Wheel / Inventory | Tab |
| Map | M |
| Ping | Q |
| Open Menu | Esc |
Installation & First Launch
Get ARC Raiders up and running with our easy-to-follow installation guide. Learn how to download, install, and launch the game for the first time, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure.
This guide covers the initial steps for getting ARC Raiders installed and ready to play. Follow these instructions to begin your journey as an Arc Raider.
- 1Download the Game: Access the game through your chosen platform's store (e.g., Steam, Epic Games Store).
- 2Installation: Once purchased or claimed, initiate the download and installation process. Ensure you have sufficient disk space and a stable internet connection.
- 3First Launch: After installation, launch ARC Raiders from your game library. The game may perform a final setup or download additional files on the first launch.
- 4Account Setup: You may be prompted to create or log in to an account. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete this step.
- 5Tutorial: Upon successfully launching the game, you will likely be guided through an introductory tutorial to familiarize yourself with the basic controls and mechanics.
- Ensure your system meets the minimum or recommended hardware requirements for ARC Raiders before installation.
- Keep your graphics drivers updated for optimal performance.
- If you encounter any issues during installation or launch, consult the game's official support channels or community forums.
Beginner Tips
New to ARC Raiders? Master the basics with our beginner tips guide. Learn about quests, looting, combat, and essential early-game strategies to survive and thrive.
Welcome to ARC Raiders! This guide provides essential tips for new players to get started. Learn about quests, how to gather resources, and basic combat strategies to help you survive the harsh world.
- Quests: Available from traders, quests guide your progression and offer rewards.
- Looting: Containers and specific items marked with a yellow glow are quest-related. Items needed for quests are not consumed.
- Combat: Use explosive grenades to take down ARC enemies and learn enemy weaknesses.
- Progression: Quest progression is shared with teammates, and the order can vary.
- Exploration: Key locations include Field Depots, Raider Hatches, and various buildings across different maps like Dam Battlegrounds and Spaceport.
Similar guides you might like
100% Human-Written. AI Fact-Checked. Community Verified. Learn how AntMag verifies content