ARC Raiders defines itself through the constant tension of the extraction experience. In the desolate expanse of the Rust Belt, the difference between a successful haul and a total loss often comes down to the reliability of your squad. Fortunately, the game is built on a foundation of unified connectivity. Whether you are navigating the Shrouded Sky on a high-end PC or a home console, the barriers between platforms are virtually non-existent. ARC Raiders supports full crossplay and cross-progression across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

The core of connectivity: Understanding Embark ID

To make crossplay work seamlessly, developer Embark Studios bypassed traditional platform-specific friend lists in favor of a proprietary system called the Embark ID. This serves as a universal account that acts as the glue for your entire experience. When you first launch the game, you are prompted to create or link an Embark account. This account generates a unique display name followed by a four-digit numerical discriminator (e.g., Raider#1234).

This system is essential for the crossplay ecosystem because it allows the game to recognize you as the same entity regardless of where you log in. If you started your journey on PC but decided to move to the couch for a session on Xbox, your Embark ID ensures that every piece of scavenged gear, every unlocked skill, and every completed quest is waiting for you. It removes the friction of platform silos, turning the player base into one massive, healthy community.

How to add and invite friends across platforms

Setting up a cross-platform squad is straightforward, though it requires moving beyond your console's native friend list. Since PlayStation Network and Xbox Live don't natively communicate, the social tab within the game menu becomes your primary hub for management.

  1. Locate your ID: Open the social panel from the main menu. Your Embark ID is visible at the top or within the "Manage Embark ID" section. You will need the full name and the #xxxx tag.
  2. Sending Requests: Use the "Add Friend" button in the social menu. You must enter your friend’s exact Embark ID. Once the request is sent, they will receive a notification in-game to accept.
  3. Forming the Squad: After your friend appears on your in-game friend list, you can select their name and send a squad invite. The game supports squads of up to three players.
  4. Managing Visibility: If you prefer to play incognito or want to manage how others find you, the social settings allow you to toggle your online status and visibility to friends across different networks.

The cross-progression reality: Gear, levels, and currency

One of the most significant advantages of the current ARC Raiders architecture is that cross-progression is not just an optional feature—it is baked into the account structure. Everything tied to your character is stored on Embark’s servers rather than locally or on platform-specific clouds.

  • Loot and Stash: Every weapon, gadget, and resource you extract from the surface is tied to your account. If you find a rare weapon on PS5, it will be in your stash when you log in on PC.
  • Character Progression: Your Raider’s level, skill tree unlocks, and mission progress sync instantly.
  • Cosmetics and Currency: Raider Tokens and items earned through the Battle Pass are universal. However, it is important to note that while progress transfers, the base game license might not. If you own the game on Steam, you will generally need a separate license for PlayStation, with one notable exception for Xbox users.

The Xbox Play Anywhere advantage

For players who split their time between a console and a PC, the Xbox ecosystem offers a specific benefit. ARC Raiders supports Xbox Play Anywhere. If you purchase a digital copy through the Microsoft Store, you own it on both Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC. This is a cost-effective strategy for those who want the flexibility of high-fidelity PC gaming and the convenience of console play without paying for the game twice.

Matchmaking logic: The PC and Console divide

While crossplay is enabled by default to ensure fast queue times and populated lobbies, it brings up the inevitable debate regarding input methods. ARC Raiders does not currently utilize input-based matchmaking. This means that by default, controller users on console will find themselves in the same raids as mouse-and-keyboard users on PC.

This unified matchmaking pool is a deliberate choice to keep the player count high and the "unpredictability" of the Rust Belt intact. However, it presents a challenge for console players who feel at a disadvantage against the precision of a mouse. Currently, there is no "console-only" crossplay toggle that allows PlayStation and Xbox players to play together while excluding PC. You are either in the full crossplay pool or restricted to your specific platform.

Should you disable crossplay?

Within the gameplay settings, you have the option to toggle crossplay off. While this might seem like a solution for those wanting to avoid PC snipers, there are significant trade-offs to consider:

  • Queue Times: Disabling crossplay drastically reduces the pool of available players. This can lead to significantly longer wait times, especially during off-peak hours.
  • Lobby Density: In an extraction shooter, the number of other Raiders in the map dictates the tension. Empty or near-empty lobbies can make the game feel hollow and less rewarding.
  • Matchmaking Quality: With a smaller pool, the game may struggle to find players of your specific skill level, potentially matching you against highly experienced local players instead of a broader range of opponents.

For most, keeping crossplay enabled is the recommended approach. The faster matchmaking and more vibrant world usually outweigh the occasional frustration of facing a different input method.

The Anti-Cheat safety net: Loot refunds

One of the biggest fears for console players entering a PC-inclusive pool is the presence of cheaters. In a high-stakes extraction game where dying means losing everything on your person, a single encounter with a cheater can be devastating. Embark Studios has implemented a proactive solution to mitigate this frustration: the Loot Refund system.

If the game’s anti-cheat detection or manual review confirms that you were eliminated by a player using unauthorized software, the system will automatically restore the gear and items you lost during that specific raid. You will receive an in-game notification, and your items will be returned to your stash. This policy effectively removes the "material cost" of cheating, making the prospect of unified crossplay much more palatable for the community.

Squad size and matchmaking balance

ARC Raiders attempts to balance the playing field not just through platforms, but through squad sizes. The matchmaking algorithm tries to prioritize matching solo players with other solo players, and trios with trios. However, it is not a hard wall. You will occasionally encounter duos or trios as a solo player. When crossplay is active, the game has a much easier time finding the right balance of squad sizes across its diverse player base, leading to fairer encounters overall.

Communication across the gap

Coordination is vital when facing the ARC drones and rogue Raiders. The game features an integrated VoIP (Voice over IP) system that works across all platforms. This allows you to communicate with your squad regardless of their hardware. If you prefer to avoid the game's native voice chat, many players use third-party communication apps that are now natively supported or easily accessible on both modern consoles and PC. Clear communication is often the deciding factor in whether you reach the extraction point or end up as another scrap pile in the wasteland.

Final thoughts on the crossplay ecosystem

ARC Raiders is designed to be a social, high-stakes experience that thrives on a large and active population. By implementing a robust Embark ID system and universal cross-progression, the developers have ensured that the game remains accessible and connected. While the lack of a console-only filter is a point of discussion for some, the benefits of fast matchmaking and the security of the loot refund system create a compelling environment for all players.

In the Rust Belt, the environment is your primary enemy, and having a squad you can rely on—no matter what hardware they own—is your greatest asset. Keeping crossplay enabled is currently the best way to experience the game as intended: fast-paced, unpredictable, and always populated.