Is ARC Raiders Crossplay? PS5, Xbox, and PC Cross-Platform & Cross-Progression Guide
Quick Takeaways / At-A-Glance:
- Yes, ARC Raiders features full crossplay across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam / Epic Games Store).
- Cross-Progression is fully supported via your unified Embark ID, allowing your Raider gear, stash items, blueprints, and unlocked cosmetics to seamlessly sync between platforms.
- Input-based and platform-based matchmaking toggles exist in the settings, allowing console players to opt into console-only lobbies or full multi-platform matchmaking.
- In-game cross-platform squads are formed using the built-in Embark Friends List & Voice Chat system.
1. Complete Overview: Does ARC Raiders Support Crossplay?
As one of the most eagerly anticipated extraction shooters from Embark Studios (the creators of THE FINALS and former Battlefield veterans), one of the most critical questions from players is: Is ARC Raiders crossplay?
The short and definitive answer is YES. Embark Studios has engineered ARC Raiders on Unreal Engine 5 with native multi-platform network architecture. Whether you are surfacing into the dangerous wastelands from a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or a high-end PC rig via Steam or Epic Games, you can form three-player squads with friends regardless of their hardware.
In a high-stakes PvPvE extraction shooter where team coordination, tactical callouts, and firepower synergy are required to defeat both mechanized ARC Titans and greedy rival player squads, crossplay ensures a massive, healthy player pool, lightning-fast matchmaking queues, and zero platform barriers between friends.
2. Cross-Platform Matchmaking & Platform Parity
ARC Raiders is designed with competitive parity in mind. However, because PC players utilize high-precision mouse-and-keyboard inputs and high-refresh monitors, Embark Studios has implemented nuanced matchmaking filters.
How Multi-Platform Matchmaking Works:
- Console-to-Console Default: By default, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players are pooled together in standard console matchmaking.
- Cross-Platform Squads (Mixed Lobbies): If a console player forms a squad with a PC player, their team is placed into the general multi-platform matchmaking pool.
- Optional Crossplay Toggle: Players can manually enable or disable crossplay within the Settings > Gameplay > Matchmaking menu. Note that turning crossplay off may increase matchmaking wait times during off-peak hours.
3. Platform Comparison & Feature Matrix
To understand how ARC Raiders performs and operates across different ecosystems, review the comprehensive platform matrix below:
| Feature / Capability | PlayStation 5 (PS5) | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S | PC (Steam / Epic) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossplay Support | ✅ Full Support | ✅ Full Support | ✅ Full Support | ✅ Full Support |
| Cross-Progression (Stash/Gear) | ✅ Synced via Embark ID | ✅ Synced via Embark ID | ✅ Synced via Embark ID | ✅ Synced via Embark ID |
| Target Framerate | 60 FPS (4K Dynamic) / 120 FPS Performance | 60 FPS (4K Dynamic) / 120 FPS Performance | 60 FPS (1080p Dynamic) | Uncapped (Hardware dependent) |
| Unique Hardware Features | DualSense Haptics & Adaptive Triggers | Quick Resume & Dolby Vision Support | Compact 1080p Rendering | DLSS 3.7 / FSR 3.1 / Ultrawide |
| In-Game Voice Chat | ✅ Cross-Platform Integrated | ✅ Cross-Platform Integrated | ✅ Cross-Platform Integrated | ✅ Cross-Platform Integrated |
4. Does ARC Raiders Have Cross-Progression & Account Sync?
Yes, ARC Raiders features complete cross-progression.
Because player progression in ARC Raiders involves building up your Speranza underground stash, upgrading workshop crafting benches, collecting rare weapon blueprints, and earning seasonal Raider reputation, your entire account is tied directly to your Embark ID.
How Cross-Progression Functions:
- Shared Inventory: Weapons, shields, crafting components (motors, industrial batteries, rusted gears), and currency earned on PS5 immediately appear on your PC or Xbox account upon login.
- Blueprint Schematics: Unlocked weapon attachments, gadget schematics, and crafting formulas remain unlocked across all linked platforms.
- Battle Pass & Cosmetics: Raider skins, weapon wraps, emotes, and title tags purchased or unlocked on one platform transfer universally.
- Paid DLC Limitations: While unlocked in-game items transfer, platform-specific currency bundles (such as raw premium coins bought via PlayStation Network or Steam Wallet) may remain tied to the purchasing platform store due to Sony and Microsoft digital storefront policies.
5. Step-by-Step: How to Add & Play with Friends on Other Platforms
Setting up a cross-platform squad in ARC Raiders takes less than two minutes. Follow this step-by-step checklist:
Step 1: Locate Your Embark ID
Launch ARC Raiders and look at the top-right corner of the main Speranza hub menu. Your Embark ID will look like RaiderName#1234.
Step 2: Open the Social & Squad Menu
Press the designated Social key (Touchpad on PS5, View button on Xbox, or 'O' key on PC) to bring up your Raider Roster.
Step 3: Send an Embark Friend Request
Select "Add Friend", type in your friend's exact Embark ID (including the 4-digit numeric tag), and click "Send Invite".
Step 4: Form the Strike Team
Once accepted, click your friend's name in your Embark Social Tab and select "Invite to Strike Team". Your cross-platform squad is now assembled and ready to deploy to the surface.
6. Pro Survival Tips for Crossplay Squads
Surviving in ARC Raiders requires seamless communication and smart role distribution:
- Leverage Integrated Cross-Platform Voice Chat: Make sure in-game voice chat is set to Open Mic or Push-to-Talk with automatic squad priority so console and PC teammates can communicate without third-party apps like Discord.
- Assign Weapon Roles Based on Input: Console players with DualSense haptics excel at close-to-mid range tracking with SMGs and energy carbines, while PC players can utilize high-precision sniper rifles and anti-materiel artillery against distant Titan weakpoints.
- Use the 3D Ping System Constantly: If you spot an enemy Raider squad lurking near an extraction beacon or a patrolling Leaper probe, use the single-tap ping system to mark exact coordinates on your team's HUD.
- Coordinate Extraction Timing: When activating an extraction beacon, all three teammates must cover separate approach vectors (e.g. rooftops, bunker doors, ridgelines) to prevent enemy squads from wiping you while waiting for the elevator.
- Stick Together within 50 Meters: In crossplay lobbies, lone wolf players are quickly ambushed by coordinated trio squads. Maintain line-of-sight with your squadmates at all times.
7. Troubleshooting & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I disable crossplay if I only want to play against console players?
Yes. You can toggle crossplay off at any time by navigating to Settings > Gameplay > Matchmaking > Cross-Platform Play and setting it to Disabled. This ensures you only encounter players on your specific console network.
Q2: Does ARC Raiders support mouse and keyboard on PS5 and Xbox?
Embark Studios has confirmed native controller support with customized key-remapping and sensitivity curves. Direct mouse and keyboard support on console is subject to playtest balance updates.
Q3: How does anti-cheat work in crossplay lobbies?
ARC Raiders employs robust server-side anti-cheat alongside industry-standard client-side integrity protection (such as Easy Anti-Cheat / proprietary Embark security modules) to ensure fair gameplay across all platforms.
Q4: Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core to play crossplay?
Because ARC Raiders is a premium extraction shooter, online multiplayer subscriptions (PlayStation Plus for PS5, Xbox Game Pass Core/Ultimate for Xbox) are required for console online multiplayer matchmaking.
8. Final Verdict
Embark Studios' commitment to full crossplay and seamless cross-progression makes ARC Raiders one of the most accessible and connected extraction shooters on the market. Form your squad, link your Embark ID, and prepare to conquer the surface wasteland together!