Arc Raiders PS5 – Download, Performance & DualSense Features

Is Arc Raiders on PS5?

Yes, Arc Raiders is available on PlayStation 5. It launched as a free-to-play title on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). Arc Raiders is not available on PS4 — it is a current-gen exclusive that takes advantage of PS5 hardware features including the SSD, DualSense controller, and 3D Audio.

How to Download Arc Raiders on PS5

1. Open the PlayStation Store on your PS5
2. Search for “Arc Raiders”
3. Select the game and press “Download” (free-to-play — no purchase required)
4. Wait for the download to complete (approximately 42 GB)
5. Launch the game and create or link your Embark ID

You can also find the game on the PlayStation App and push the download to your PS5 remotely.

Arc Raiders PS5 Performance

Mode	Resolution	Frame Rate	Features
Performance	1440p (upscaled to 4K)	60 FPS	Stable frame rate, recommended for competitive play
Quality	Native 4K (2160p)	30 FPS	Ray tracing, enhanced lighting and shadows
120Hz Mode	1080p	120 FPS	Requires 120Hz display, lowest input lag

Which Mode Should You Use?

Performance Mode (60 FPS) is recommended for most players. It provides smooth gameplay while still looking great at upscaled 4K. If you have a 120Hz TV or monitor, 120Hz Mode gives you the competitive edge with the lowest input lag and highest frame rate — ideal for PvP.

Quality Mode is best for exploration and taking screenshots, but the 30 FPS cap puts you at a significant disadvantage in combat.

DualSense Controller Features

Arc Raiders makes excellent use of the PS5 DualSense controller:

Haptic Feedback

• Weapon recoil: Each weapon type has a unique haptic pattern — you can feel the difference between an assault rifle burst and a shotgun blast
• Terrain feedback: Walking on metal, sand, snow, and grass all feel different through the controller
• Environmental effects: Rain, explosions, and ARC machine proximity create subtle vibrations

Adaptive Triggers

• L2 (Aim): Light resistance simulates weapon weight — heavier weapons like the Torrent LMG have more trigger resistance than the Wasp SMG
• R2 (Fire): Trigger tension changes based on weapon type. Semi-auto weapons have a distinct click point; full-auto weapons have smooth resistance
• Bows and charge weapons: Full draw-back tension (if applicable in future updates)

Speaker & Lightbar

• Controller speaker plays proximity audio cues (ARC detection pings, loot notifications)
• Lightbar changes color based on health status (green → yellow → red)

Recommended DualSense Settings

• Haptic Feedback: Strong (immersive) or Off (competitive)
• Adaptive Triggers: On (personal preference — some competitive players turn this off for faster trigger pulls)
• Controller Speaker: Low volume

PS5 Controller Settings for Arc Raiders

• Look Sensitivity: 6-7
• ADS Sensitivity: 4-5
• Dead Zone: 5% (DualSense sticks are generally tighter than Xbox)
• Aim Assist: High
• Vibration: On (the DualSense haptics are good enough to keep on unlike standard rumble)

PlayStation Plus Requirement

Arc Raiders is free-to-play, but you need PlayStation Plus (any tier — Essential, Extra, or Premium) to play online. Since Arc Raiders is an online-only game, PS Plus is effectively required to play at all.

PS5-Specific Features

• Activity Cards: Jump directly into specific expedition zones from the PS5 home screen
• Game Help: In-game hints available through PS5 Game Help (PS Plus Premium only)
• 3D Audio: Full Tempest 3D Audio support — hear exactly where ARC machines and other players are. Use headphones for the best experience.
• SSD Fast Loading: Expedition load times under 10 seconds
• Trophies: Full trophy set including a Platinum trophy
• Cross-Progression: Link your PSN account to your Embark ID to carry progress to PC or Xbox
• Share Screen & Share Play: Full support for PS5 social features

Crossplay on PS5

Arc Raiders supports full crossplay between PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. You can squad up with friends on any platform using Embark IDs. Input-based matchmaking ensures you play against similar input types by default.

Common PS5 Issues & Fixes

Game Crashes on Launch

1. Check for game updates: highlight the game → press Options → Check for Update
2. Rebuild PS5 database: boot into Safe Mode (hold power button) → option 5
3. Delete and reinstall the game

Controller Drift Affecting Gameplay

• Increase dead zone to 8-10% in game settings
• Reset controller: use the pin hole on the back of the DualSense
• Update controller firmware via PS5 Settings → Accessories → Controllers

Connection Problems

• Check Arc Raiders server status
• Test internet connection: PS5 Settings → Network → Test Internet Connection
• Use a wired LAN connection for the most stable experience
• If NAT type shows “Type 3”, configure port forwarding on your router

Getting Started on PS5

New to Arc Raiders? Start with our beginner guide, plan your skills with the skill tree planner, and check the weapon tier list to know which weapons to prioritize. Use the interactive map to find loot locations before deploying on your first expedition.

PS5 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arc Raiders free on PS5?

Yes, Arc Raiders is free-to-play. Download from the PlayStation Store. You need PS Plus for online multiplayer access.

Is Arc Raiders on PS4?

No. Arc Raiders is a PS5 exclusive that requires current-gen hardware features like the SSD and DualSense controller.

Does Arc Raiders use DualSense features?

Yes. Haptic feedback for weapon recoil and terrain, adaptive triggers per weapon type, controller speaker audio cues, and lightbar health indicators.

What is the best performance mode on PS5?

Performance Mode at 1440p/60 FPS is recommended. If you have a 120Hz display, 120Hz Mode at 1080p/120 FPS gives the lowest input lag.