Your squad is split. One friend is on PS5, another just bought it on Steam, and you have no idea if the invite is even going to work. Or worse, you added a PC player to your console squad, crossplay is on, and now everyone is in a mixed lobby getting beamed by mouse and keyboard. Yes, Arc Raiders crossplay. But it works differently than most guides explain, and the gaps will cost you matches if you miss them.
Is Arc Raiders Crossplay? Quick Answer
Yes. Arc Raiders is crossplay across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC whether you play via Steam, the Epic Games Store, or GeForce Now. All players share one unified matchmaking pool. Crossplay is on by default. If your squad is already on mixed platforms, you are already in the same pool.
| Platform Combo | Crossplay Available? |
|---|---|
| PS5 and Xbox Series X/S | Yes, same pool |
| PS5 or Xbox and PC via Steam or Epic | Yes, unified |
| Console only pool without PC | Not available |
| GeForce Now and all platforms | Yes | PS4 or Xbox One | Not supported |
The Input Matchmaking Trap Nobody Explains
By default, Arc Raiders uses input based matchmaking. Controller players are matched with other controller players, and mouse and keyboard players are matched with other M&KB players. That sounds fair. It is, until you squad up with one PC friend.
When you are in a mixed input squad, you get placed in mixed input lobbies. Your three console friends, all on controllers, land in a mixed lobby the moment one PC player joins the group. Your input protection disappears because of someone else's setup, and the game never warns you.
The fix is simple. If you want controller only lobbies, keep your squad on console. The moment a PC player joins, everyone moves to mixed. Decide before you queue, not after.
How to Enable or Disable Crossplay in Arc Raiders
- On PS5: Settings → Gameplay → Online section → toggle Crossplay Off.
- On Xbox Series X/S: Settings → Gameplay → toggle Crossplay Off.
- Xbox system level block: Settings → Account → Privacy and online safety → Xbox privacy → View details and customize → Communication and multiplayer → Set "You can join cross network play" to Block.
- On PC: No crossplay toggle is recommended. Turning it off leads to sparse lobbies and long wait times.
What Crossplay Off Actually Does on Console
With crossplay off, you will only be matched with players on the same platform as you who also turned crossplay off. This pool is very small. During off peak hours, you may wait several minutes for a match or start with just two or three players in the lobby. For regular squad play, keep it on.
The PC Cheater Problem and Why It Matters Less Than You Think
Arc Raiders is a full loot extraction game. Embark’s loot refund system restores gear lost to cheating. The game uses Easy Anti Cheat with kernel drivers plus AI monitoring to catch hacks in real time. One gap is Linux support for Steam Deck, but refunds reduce the risk for console players.
Cross Progression and Embark ID: Set It Up Before You Launch
Arc Raiders has full cross progression. Your progress saves and syncs across platforms via your Embark ID.
- Create your Embark ID before opening the game.
- Link PSN, Xbox, Steam, or Epic accounts.
- Launch only after linking.
- Add friends using Embark ID, not PSN or Gamertag.
That last point breaks more squads than anything else. Embark ID looks nothing like a PSN handle or Xbox Gamertag, so players send requests to the wrong address constantly. Get the exact Embark ID from your friend directly.
What syncs across all platforms via your Embark ID:
- Inventory, gear, and blueprints
- Character level and overall progression
- Cosmetics and skins
- Battle Pass progress and quests
Xbox Play Anywhere: The Buying Advantage Nobody Mentions
If you are deciding which platform to buy Arc Raiders on, this changes the math. If you buy the digital version on the Xbox Store, you get the PC version through the Windows Store for free, and your progress syncs perfectly between both. One purchase, two platforms, same Embark ID running across both. This does not apply to the disc version. Digital only. But if you play Arc Raiders on Xbox in your living room and want PC access for when you switch setups, one purchase covers both. Before you launch on PC, run your setup through our Bottleneck Calculator to make sure your hardware handles Arc Raiders without bottlenecking, and confirm your FPS target before your first raid.
How to Add Crossplay Friends in Arc Raiders
Both players need an Embark ID. From the main menu → Social → Add Friend → enter Embark ID exactly. It is case sensitive. Do not use PSN names or Gamertags.
If your loadout needs a check before jumping into crossplay lobbies, run it through our DPS Calculator to see how your build holds up against other players. You can also confirm your hardware targets with our FPS Calculator before your first session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arc Raiders crossplay between PC and PS5?
Yes. Arc Raiders crossplay is fully enabled between PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S by default.
Can PS5 and Xbox play Arc Raiders without PC players?
No. Arc Raiders does not offer a console only crossplay pool. Your only options are full crossplay on or platform only matchmaking with crossplay off.
Do Arc Raiders have cross progression?
Yes. Arc Raiders supports full cross progression through your Embark ID.
What happens if I turn crossplay off in Arc Raiders?
You will only be matched with players on your exact platform who also disabled crossplay. This leads to longer wait times and sparse lobbies.
Does Arc Raiders have input based matchmaking?
Yes. Controller players are matched with controllers, M&KB with M&KB. Mixed squads go into mixed lobbies.
Is Arc Raiders on Xbox Game Pass?
No. Arc Raiders is not on Xbox Game Pass. It launched October 30, 2025 as a paid title at $39.99 and has sold over 14 million copies.
Conclusion
Arc Raiders supports crossplay, allowing players on different platforms to team up and play together. This feature makes matchmaking faster and helps friends enjoy the game regardless of their preferred device. Before launch, check official updates, as crossplay features can change. Overall, crossplay is a valuable addition that improves the multiplayer experience in Arc Raiders.