Extraction shooters are taking over the gaming world, and Arc Raiders is the latest hot title everyone’s talking about. But before you jump into this post-apocalyptic adventure, you need to know one crucial thing: Can your PC actually handle it? The good news is that Arc Raiders, despite using Unreal Engine 5, has surprisingly modest system requirements that make it accessible to most gamers. Whether you’re running a budget gaming rig or a high-end powerhouse, we’ve got you covered with complete specs, performance expectations, and optimization tips. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Arc Raiders system requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Minimum Requirements: Surprisingly accessible – Intel Core i5-6600K/AMD Ryzen R5 1600, 12GB RAM, GTX 1050 Ti/RX 580
- Recommended Requirements: Mid-range friendly – Intel Core i5-9600K/AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 16GB RAM, RTX 2070/RX 5700 XT
- Ultra Requirements: High-end but reasonable – Intel Core i7-9700K/AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, 16GB RAM, RTX 5070 Ti/RX 9070 XT
- Download Size: Approximately 30GB for full release (playtest was ~23GB)
- Storage: SSD recommended for better performance, but HDD will work
- Optimization: Well-optimized for Unreal Engine 5, runs better than expected on modest hardware
What Are the Arc Raiders Minimum System Requirements?
Arc Raiders minimum requirements are surprisingly forgiving for a modern Unreal Engine 5 title. The developers at Embark Studios have done an excellent job optimizing the game to run on older and budget gaming PCs. If you have a gaming rig from the last 5-7 years, you’ll likely meet these specs.
Here’s the complete breakdown of Arc Raiders minimum system requirements:
| Specification | Minimum Requirements |
| OS | Windows 10 or later (64-bit, latest update) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-6600K / AMD Ryzen R5 1600 |
| Memory | 12 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 580 / Intel Arc A380 |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
| VRAM | 4 GB |
| Network | Broadband Internet connection |
With these minimum specs, you can expect to play Arc Raiders at 1080p resolution with low to medium settings, targeting around 30-45 FPS. This is perfect for gamers who want to experience the game without investing in expensive hardware upgrades. The game’s extraction shooter gameplay works well even at modest frame rates, so you won’t be at a significant disadvantage.
These minimum requirements are ideal for:
- Budget-conscious gamers
- Players with older gaming laptops
- Those new to PC gaming
- Gamers who prioritize gameplay over graphics
Pro Tip: If you’re close to these minimum specs, consider lowering some in-game settings like shadows and view distance to maintain stable performance during intense firefights.
What Are the Arc Raiders Recommended System Requirements?
The Arc Raiders recommended system requirements represent the sweet spot for most gamers. With these specs, you’ll enjoy smooth gameplay at 1080p with high settings, or even 1440p at medium settings. This is where the game truly shines, offering a great balance between visual quality and performance.
Here’s what you’ll need for the recommended Arc Raiders experience:
| Specification | Recommended Requirements |
| OS | Windows 10 or later (64-bit, latest update) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-9600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT / Intel Arc B570 |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
| VRAM | 8 GB |
| Network | Broadband Internet connection |
With these recommended specs, you can expect solid performance at 1080p with high settings, maintaining 60+ FPS in most situations. The game’s extraction shooter gameplay feels much more responsive at higher frame rates, giving you a competitive edge when facing both ARC machines and other players.
These recommended requirements are perfect for:
- Mid-range gaming PC owners
- Gamers who want 60+ FPS gameplay
- Players who enjoy good visual quality without max settings
- Those planning to play competitively
Real Example: During the playtest, players with RTX 2070 and Ryzen 5 3600 combinations reported smooth 1080p gameplay at 60-80 FPS with high settings, even during intense combat scenarios with multiple players and ARC machines on screen.
What Are the Arc Raiders Ultra Settings Requirements?
For gamers who want to experience Arc Raiders at its absolute best, the ultra settings requirements deliver stunning visual fidelity. These specs are for players who want to push their high-end hardware to the limit and enjoy every graphical detail the Unreal Engine 5-powered world has to offer.
Here are the Arc Raiders ultra settings requirements:
| Specification | Ultra Requirements |
| OS | Windows 10 or later (64-bit, latest update) |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT |
| VRAM | 12 GB or higher |
| Network | Broadband Internet connection |
With ultra settings, you’ll experience the game at 4K resolution with maximum visual quality, including enhanced lighting, detailed textures, advanced particle effects, and ray tracing features where supported. Frame rates will vary depending on your exact hardware, but you can expect 60+ FPS at 1440p or 30-45 FPS at 4K with these specs.
These ultra requirements are ideal for:
- High-end gaming PC owners
- Content creators and streamers
- Gamers with 1440p or 4K monitors
- Players who want the absolute best visual experience
Actionable Tip: If you have ultra-capable hardware but want higher frame rates, consider using DLSS or FSR upscaling technologies. These can boost performance significantly while maintaining excellent visual quality.
How Much Storage Space Do You Need for Arc Raiders?
Storage space is an important consideration for any modern game, and Arc Raiders is no exception. Based on information from playtest builds and developer announcements, here’s what you need to know about Arc Raiders download size and storage requirements.
The Arc Raiders file size on PC is expected to be around 30 GB for the full release. During the invite-only playtest, the game’s download size was roughly 23 GB, with Steam reserving an additional 2 GB, bringing the total to about 25 GB. However, the playtest build didn’t include features like the battle pass or cosmetics, which are expected in the full release.
Considering the added content, the Server Slam playtest will likely require close to 30 GB, but it’s best to keep at least 60 GB of free space ready for the full Arc Raiders download size. This extra space accounts for future updates and patches.
Storage Type Recommendations:
- NVMe M.2 SSD: Best performance, fastest loading times
- SATA SSD: Good performance, noticeable improvement over HDD
- HDD: Works but expect longer loading times
For the smoothest experience, we recommend installing the game on an NVMe M.2 SSD, as performance during earlier tests was noticeably better on solid-state drives. The difference is especially noticeable when fast-traveling between areas or during intense combat sequences with lots of visual effects.
Verified Data Point: Players who tested the game on SSDs reported loading times 40-50% faster than those using traditional HDDs, making a significant difference in the overall gameplay experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What graphics card do I need for Arc Raiders?
The graphics card you need for Arc Raiders depends on your desired performance level. For minimum settings at 1080p, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, AMD Radeon RX 580, or Intel Arc A380 will get you started with 30-45 FPS. For recommended performance at 1080p high settings, you’ll want an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, or Intel Arc B570 to achieve 60+ FPS. If you’re aiming for ultra settings at 1440p or 4K, you’ll need a high-end card like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT. The game scales well across different GPU tiers, so you can adjust settings based on your hardware capabilities.
How much RAM do I need for Arc Raiders?
Arc Raiders requires 12 GB of RAM for minimum settings and 16 GB for recommended and ultra settings. The 12 GB minimum is relatively modest compared to many modern games, making it accessible to gamers with older systems. However, we recommend 16 GB RAM for the best experience, as this provides headroom for the game, background applications, and future updates. Players with 16 GB RAM report smoother performance, especially during intense combat scenarios with multiple players and ARC machines on screen. If you’re currently running 8 GB RAM, you’ll need to upgrade to play Arc Raiders.
Is Arc Raiders free-to-play?
No, Arc Raiders is not free-to-play. The game will be a premium title with a one-time purchase price. In the United States, players can purchase Arc Raiders from Steam or Epic Games Store for $39.99, with the price varying in different countries due to regional pricing. This pricing model means you won’t have to worry about microtransactions, loot boxes, or pay-to-win mechanics affecting your gameplay experience. The one-time purchase gives you access to the full game, including all core features and content planned for launch.
What’s the download size for Arc Raiders?
The download size for Arc Raiders is expected to be around 30 GB for the full release. During the invite-only playtest, the game required approximately 23 GB of storage space, with Steam reserving an additional 2 GB for installation files, totaling about 25 GB. The full release will include additional content like the battle pass, cosmetics, and other features not present in the playtest, which accounts for the increased file size. We recommend keeping at least 60 GB of free space available to accommodate the game, future updates, patches, and any temporary files that may be created during installation or gameplay sessions.
Can I run Arc Raiders on my laptop?
Yes, you can run Arc Raiders on a gaming laptop that meets the minimum system requirements. Many modern gaming laptops from the last 3-4 years should be capable of running the game, especially those with dedicated graphics cards. However, laptop performance comes with some considerations: thermal throttling can reduce performance during extended play sessions, battery power limits GPU performance, and laptop GPUs typically perform 10-15% below their desktop equivalents. For the best laptop gaming experience, ensure your device has adequate cooling, play while plugged into power, and consider using a cooling pad.
Do I need an SSD for Arc Raiders?
While an SSD is not strictly required to run Arc Raiders, we highly recommend using one for the best experience. The game will work on a traditional HDD, but players who tested during the playtest reported significantly better performance with SSDs. Loading times were 40-50% faster on SSDs, making a noticeable difference when fast-traveling between areas or during intense combat sequences. For optimal performance, an NVMe M.2 SSD is ideal, but even a SATA SSD provides substantial benefits over an HDD. If you’re currently using an HDD and experiencing long load times, upgrading to an SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make.
What are the ultra settings requirements for Arc Raiders?
The ultra settings requirements for Arc Raiders are designed for high-end gaming PCs that can handle maximum visual quality. You’ll need an Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor, 16 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card with at least 12 GB of VRAM. With these specs, you can play at 1440p with ultra settings or 4K with high settings, enjoying enhanced lighting, detailed textures, advanced particle effects, and other maximum visual features. Ultra settings are ideal for players with high-refresh-rate monitors, content creators, and those who want to experience the game’s full visual potential.
Conclusion
Arc Raiders represents an exciting entry in the extraction shooter genre, and its accessible system requirements mean many PC gamers can join the action. Whether you’re running a modest budget build or a high-end gaming rig, there’s a configuration that will work for you. Remember to check your specs against our guide, ensure you have enough storage space, and consider upgrading to an SSD for the best experience. Now that you know exactly what you need, you’re ready to jump into the world of Arc Raiders and face the ARC threat head-on!
