ARC Raiders Crossplay & Multiplayer Guide (How It Works + Should You Use It?)

ARC Raiders is built around squads, but it doesn’t force you into one. You can run solo, as a duo, or as a full team. Either way, you’ll be dropped into the same world as players from different platforms.

That’s because the game has full crossplay enabled by default. You’re not just playing with your platform. You’re playing with everyone.

Here’s how it works, how to manage it, and whether it’s actually worth keeping on.

Is ARC Raiders cross-play?

Yes. ARC Raiders supports full crossplay across:

• PC (Steam, Epic Games Store)
• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X/S

Everyone shares the same matchmaking pool. If crossplay is on, platform doesn’t matter.

There’s also no platform filter. Turning on crossplay means you’re opting into the full mix, including PC players.

How to Add Friends (Crossplay)

To play with friends on other platforms, you’ll need their Embark ID.

Format looks like this:

Name#1234

Steps:

1. Open the party menu (press the + icon above Play)
2. Select Manage Your Embark ID
3. Link your account (if you haven’t already)
4. Copy your ID or grab your friend’s

Then:

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• Hit ADD FRIEND in the party menu
• Enter their Embark ID
• Send the request

Once added, you can squad up regardless of platform.

How to Enable or Disable Crossplay

Crossplay is on by default, but you can turn it off if you want a more controlled lobby.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to the Gameplay tab
3. Scroll to Online
4. Toggle Crossplay on or off

With crossplay disabled:

• You’ll only match with players on your platform
• Queue times will be longer
• Lobbies may feel less active

So yes, you get a cleaner experience… at the cost of actually finding matches.

How Matchmaking Works in ARC Raiders

Matchmaking in ARC Raiders is simple, but not always fair.

• Raids last around 30 minutes
• You usually join matches already in progress
• Players constantly join and leave mid-raid
• Backfilling slows near the end, but never fully stops

So even if things feel quiet, assume someone is still out there waiting to ruin your run.

Party Size Matters (Sort of)

• Solo players are usually matched with solos
• Duos and trios exist in the same lobby
• Full squads will often face other squads

It tries to balance things, but it’s not strict. Expect mixed lobbies.

Is There Input-Based Matchmaking?

No.

Controller and keyboard/mouse players are mixed together. There’s no separation.

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Also:

• A keyboard/mouse isn’t supported on console
• But PC players will still be in your lobby if crossplay is on

If you want to avoid that entirely, your only option is turning crossplay off.

Should You Enable Crossplay?

Short answer: depends on what you care about.

Why You Should Keep It On

• Faster matchmaking
• More populated raids
• Easier to play with friends
• More varied encounters

Basically, the game feels alive.

Why You Might Turn It Off

• PC players may have aiming advantage
• Higher chance of running into cheaters
• No input-based matchmaking
• The console UI can feel slower in intense moments

Also, fights can feel less “even” depending on who you run into.

Is Crossplay Unfair?

Not exactly. But it’s not perfectly balanced either.

• Mouse aiming is more precise
• Controllers rely on aim assist
• PC performance (FPS, smoothness) can be better

On the flip side:

• Cheating is more common on PC
• Console players sometimes get stronger aim assist

So it’s less “unfair” and more “inconsistent.”

What Happens If You Disable Crossplay?

You get:

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• Smaller matchmaking pool
• Longer queue times
• More predictable fights

You lose:

• Fast matchmaking
• Cross-platform squads
• Active lobbies during off-hours

In quiet hours, you might wait minutes just to get into a half-empty raid.

Does ARC Raiders Have Cross-Progression?

Yes. And this part actually works well.

Your progress carries across all platforms through your Embark ID.

What Syncs:

• Character progression
• Weapons and gear
• Inventory and stash
• Cosmetics and Battle Pass
• Quests and achievements

Setup:

1. Go to the Embark ID website
2. Link your platform accounts
3. Launch the game

Everything loads automatically.

Important Notes:

• You’ll replay the intro on a new platform
• There’s no cross-buy (you need to purchase the game again)
• Exception: Xbox Play Anywhere supports shared access

Final Thoughts

Crossplay in ARC Raiders isn’t perfect, but it’s practical.

It keeps matchmaking fast, lobbies active, and makes playing with friends easy. Turning it off gives you more control but also shrinks your experience.

If you’re playing casually or with friends, leave it on.
If you’re chasing cleaner fights and don’t mind waiting, turn it off.

Either way, the game doesn’t change. These are just the kind of players you run into.