Picking a loadout in ARC Raiders comes down to a simple tradeoff: use your own gear and take risks to keep valuable loot, or grab a free loadout and run with a basic, disposable kit. The free option hands you a random set of second-hand items, no safe pocket, and the ability to try it again as many times as you like.
How to use a free loadout in ARC Raiders
After you choose a map, switch between the Custom Loadout and Free Loadout tabs at the top of the loadout screen. The Free Loadout gives a random set of entry-level gear you can keep if you extract, but you cannot add items from your own stash when you select it.
A typical free loadout usually includes:
- Free Loadout Augment, which gives 14 backpack slots and four quick-use slots
- An Uncommon Light Shield
- A Common weapon and matching ammo
- Bandages and limited shield rechargers
- One or two grenades or other quick-use items
The important caveat is the Free Loadout Augment does not have a safe pocket. If you die, everything in that augment is gone. The upside is the augment is free and unlimited while in the lobby, and if you manage to extract with it you can trade the Free Loadout Augment at Lance for any Uncommon Augment at no cost.
When to choose a free loadout
Free loadouts are best for scavenger runs where the goal is to grab materials and resources rather than hunt ARC machines or other players. With limited healing and no safe pocket, you should avoid prolonged fights and heavy engagements. They also fit well for simple quest tasks that don’t require extraction, such as delivering a Field Crate.
If you need to stalk high-value targets, secure a rare drop, or carry a mission-critical item, bring your own gear. Custom loadouts give you a safe pocket to stash important items and more supplies to keep you alive during fights.
For more on related objectives, see our guide on how to find and use Field Crates in Arc Raiders, which walks through the steps for those delivery quests. If the free loadout sounds like a sensible trade in your next run, try one on for size and accept the chaos. If you prefer banking loot, stick with custom kits and a safe pocket.
Please share thoughts and screenshots on X, Bluesky, YouTube.
