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Arc Raiders is a game where you play as a scavenger on an extraction mission. Your main task is to keep raiding Topside to gather as much loot as possible and upgrade your gear. But beware—if you get eliminated by an Arc or another player, especially early on, you’ll lose all the loot you’ve collected.
Losing all your gear means you won’t have anything to gear up for your next raid. That’s where free loadouts come into play. They give new players a chance to start fresh and succeed on the battlefield. Once you understand how to use them effectively, they can be a huge help.
How To Use a Free Loadout
Using a free loadout in Arc Raiders is simple. You don’t need to lose all your gear first. Start by hitting the play button on the main menu and choosing which map you want to enter.
After selecting the map, you’ll see a screen where you can customize your gear. Instead of adding items here, look for the “Free Loadout” option at the top of the screen and click it. This will take you to a preset loadout that includes only one augment, and you won’t be able to change anything. When you enter the game, the items from this loadout will automatically appear with you.
Note: Make sure there’s enough space in your stash for your main gear if you already have items equipped, as you’ll need room to start a free loadout.
What Do You Get in a Free Loadout?
A free loadout provides a basic, minimal set of items, but it can still be useful. Here’s what comes with it:
- A basic augment that includes a slot for a light shield and can carry up to 35 weight. It does not have a safe pocket.
- A light shield that’s fully durable.
- One random gun, chosen from Stitcher I, Kettle I, or Ferro I.
- Ammunition that matches the gun you receive.
- Two bandages, one shield recharger, and a few random throwables.
Important: If you manage to escape with the free loadout, all the items, including the augment, can be added to your stash for future use.
When to Use a Free Loadout
You might think a free loadout is only for times when you’re out of your usual gear. But it can be useful even when you have some items left. Because it’s weaker than your custom loadouts, using a free loadout can be a good challenge when facing tougher maps. It’s especially helpful for newer players who want to test their skills without risking their best gear.
Additionally, some quests require moving across different areas on the map. Doing this with a full gear loadout can be risky. Starting with a free loadout allows you to complete these quests more safely, without risking valuable items.




