ARC Raiders PC Requirements – Can I Run It?
The official ARC Raiders PC requirements include hardware that many older gaming PCs may already have, but the minimum and recommended lists describe two noticeably different levels of capability. A PC with a Core i5-6600K or Ryzen 5 1600, 12 GB of RAM, and a GTX 1050 Ti, RX 580, or Intel Arc A380 meets the minimum requirements. This hardware should get the game running, although limited graphics settings and occasional performance drops may be part of the experience.
The recommended ARC Raiders system requirements are a better reference if you want consistent performance rather than just being able to launch the game. Embark recommends a Core i5-9600K or Ryzen 5 3600, 16 GB of RAM, and an RTX 2070, RX 5700 XT, or Intel Arc B570. Your experience will still depend on the resolution, graphics settings, GPU memory, cooling, and whether you are playing on a desktop or laptop.

Official ARC Raiders PC Requirements
The minimum list represents the hardware needed to run the game, while the recommended list gives the game more room to handle combat, environmental effects, and busy outdoor areas without relying as heavily on reduced settings.
| Component | Minimum Requirements | Recommended Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 or later, 64-bit, with the latest update | Windows 10 or later, 64-bit, with the latest update |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 | Intel Core i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 |
| Memory | 12 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| NVIDIA graphics | GeForce GTX 1050 Ti | GeForce RTX 2070 |
| AMD graphics | Radeon RX 580 | Radeon RX 5700 XT |
| Intel graphics | Intel Arc A380 | Intel Arc B570 |
These specifications come from the official Embark PC system requirements and the game’s PC store listing. Embark does not connect these two tiers to a confirmed resolution, graphics preset, or frame-rate target. It would therefore be inaccurate to assume that the minimum hardware guarantees 60 FPS at 1080p or that the recommended configuration is intended for 1440p at high settings.
What the Minimum Requirements Mean
The minimum ARC Raiders system requirements are relatively accessible for a modern Unreal Engine 5 game, but some of the listed components are now several generations old. The Core i5-6600K has four cores and four threads, while the Ryzen 5 1600 offers six cores and twelve threads. Both qualify for the minimum tier, although they may respond differently when the game is processing other players, ARC machines, physics, and background applications at the same time.
The minimum graphics options also cover different hardware classes. The GTX 1050 Ti normally has 4 GB of VRAM, while many RX 580 models have 8 GB. The Intel Arc A380 is newer and supports more recent graphics features, but its performance can depend more heavily on driver support and whether Resizable BAR is enabled. Being included in the same official tier does not mean these cards will deliver identical frame rates or image quality.
A system with 12 GB of RAM meets the stated minimum, but that amount leaves less memory available once Windows, the game launcher, voice chat, browser tabs, and other background programs are running. Players using minimum-level hardware should close unnecessary applications and begin with conservative graphics settings rather than expecting the game to select an ideal configuration automatically.
What the Recommended Requirements Mean
The recommended ARC Raiders PC requirements provide a more practical target for someone buying or upgrading hardware for the game. The Core i5-9600K and Ryzen 5 3600 have enough processing capacity to offer more headroom than the minimum processors, while 16 GB of RAM is better suited to the game and normal background activity.
The graphics upgrade is more substantial. An RTX 2070 or RX 5700 XT is considerably stronger than the minimum GTX 1050 Ti and RX 580. Intel’s Arc B570 is a newer alternative with more graphics memory and modern media and rendering capabilities. These cards should allow better visual settings than minimum-class hardware, but the final result will still change with resolution, drivers, cooling, and the exact scene being rendered.
Meeting the recommended ARC Raiders system requirements is a good sign that the major components are suitable. It doesn’t guarantee you can set every graphics option to its highest value. A recommended-level PC should still be configured around the monitor’s resolution and the frame rate the player wants to maintain.
Can Your PC Run ARC Raiders?
You can judge whether your PC can run ARC Raiders by comparing its processor, graphics card, and installed memory with the official requirements. The graphics card will usually have the greatest influence on resolution and visual settings, while the processor becomes more important during active encounters involving other Raiders, environmental activity, and multiple ARC machines.
Start by opening Task Manager in Windows Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Select the Performance tab to find the exact names of your CPU and GPU, along with your installed RAM. If the computer has integrated and dedicated graphics, both may appear in this section. Use the dedicated GPU for comparison because that is the processor ARC Raiders should use while playing.
Compare Performance, Not Just Product Names
A component does not qualify simply because its name contains Core i5, Ryzen 5, GeForce, Radeon, or Intel Arc. These product families include several generations and performance levels. A recent low-power Core i5 laptop processor, for example, may behave differently from the desktop Core i5-9600K listed in the recommended ARC Raiders PC requirements.
The same rule applies to graphics cards. An RTX model is not automatically faster than every GTX model, and a laptop GPU may be slower than the desktop card carrying a similar name. Cooling, power limits, graphics memory, and the manufacturer’s laptop configuration can all change performance. The full model number is needed for a useful comparison.
If you do not want to compare model numbers manually, select ARC Raiders in the CheckCanIRunIt game checker to view its recommended specifications and game information. The tool provides a clear reference for comparison, but it does not scan the hardware inside your computer.
What Your Hardware Comparison Means
| Your PC Configuration | What to Expect | Sensible Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Meets or exceeds the recommended requirements | The main components are suitable, with better room for visual adjustments | Start with balanced settings and adjust them for your monitor |
| Falls between minimum and recommended | The game should run, but demanding settings may reduce consistency | Lower GPU-heavy settings and avoid excessive background programs |
| Only meets the minimum requirements | The game may require noticeable visual compromises | Begin with Low settings and monitor performance during busy encounters |
| Has less than 12 GB of RAM | The system is below the official memory requirement | Upgrade the memory before judging other performance problems |
| Uses a GPU below the listed minimum | Launch problems or poor performance are more likely | Upgrade the graphics card or test only if reliable results exist for that exact GPU |
| Uses integrated graphics | Compatibility depends on the exact integrated GPU and memory configuration | Do not assume it qualifies without model-specific evidence |
Meeting the minimum ARC Raiders system requirements means the hardware reaches Embark’s entry point, not that every part of the game will feel equally smooth. A quiet indoor area can place less pressure on the system than an outdoor fight containing several machines, players, particles, and distant scenery.
Your monitor also changes the workload. Running the game at 1440p requires the GPU to render about 78 percent more pixels than at 1080p, while 4K contains four times as many pixels as 1080p. A PC that performs comfortably at 1080p may need lower settings or upscaling when connected to a higher-resolution display. This is why the ARC Raiders PC requirements should be treated as the starting point for compatibility rather than a guarantee of one fixed experience.
ARC Raiders CPU Requirements
The processor requirements show that ARC Raiders can run on older desktop hardware, but the minimum and recommended CPUs should not be viewed as equal performance pairs. Embark lists both Intel and AMD options to identify an acceptable processor class, not to promise that every listed CPU will produce the same frame rate.
The minimum ARC Raiders PC requirements include the Intel Core i5-6600K and AMD Ryzen 5 1600. The Core i5-6600K has four cores and four threads, while the Ryzen 5 1600 has six cores and twelve threads. Intel’s processor has stronger performance per core in some older workloads, but the Ryzen processor has more resources for background applications and heavily threaded work.
Both processors can satisfy the official minimum, although they leave less headroom for modern Windows processes, voice chat, game launchers, recording software, and browser tabs. A player using one of these CPUs should avoid running unnecessary programs during the game. If the graphics settings are lowered but frame rates remain inconsistent, the processor may be limiting performance.
Recommended Processor Level
The recommended ARC Raiders system requirements move to an Intel Core i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600. The i5-9600K has six cores and six threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 provides six cores and twelve threads. Both are stronger choices than the minimum processors and give the game more processing capacity during demanding encounters.
The Ryzen 5 3600 remains a useful reference for owners of AM4 systems because many compatible motherboards support faster Ryzen processors after a suitable BIOS update. The Core i5-9600K uses Intel’s LGA1151 platform, where worthwhile upgrades are more limited. Players already using either recommended processor do not need to replace it simply because newer generations are available. A CPU upgrade makes sense when measured processor use, frame times, and GPU utilisation show that the existing chip is holding the system back.
When the CPU Becomes the Limiting Component
ARC Raiders can place a changing load on the processor because it must manage player activity, ARC machines, physics, animation, and data being prepared for the graphics card. The load can rise during active fights even when the same PC appears comfortable in quieter areas.
A common sign of a CPU limit is low or unstable GPU utilisation while one or more CPU cores remain heavily loaded. Lowering the resolution may produce little improvement because resolution mainly changes the burden on the graphics card. Short freezes and uneven frame delivery can also occur when the processor is overloaded, although similar symptoms may come from insufficient RAM, background software, storage activity, or overheating.
Players targeting a high refresh rate need more CPU performance than players satisfied with a lower frame rate. The graphics card can draw frames only after the processor has prepared the necessary game data. For this reason, installing a much faster GPU beside an old minimum-level processor may improve visual quality without producing the full frame-rate increase the new card could deliver.
Laptop Processors Need Separate Evaluation
Laptop owners should compare the complete processor model rather than relying on the Core i5 or Ryzen 5 label. Mobile processors are designed around different power limits, cooling systems, and battery requirements. Two laptops with the same processor can also perform differently when one model allows more power or has better cooling.
ARC Raiders should be played with the laptop connected to its charger and set to the appropriate performance mode. Battery operation often lowers CPU and GPU power to extend running time. Persistent performance loss after several minutes may point to thermal throttling, where the processor reduces its speed because the cooling system cannot keep temperatures under control.
The CPU portion of the ARC Raiders PC requirements is not demanding by current desktop standards, but minimum-level processors can still become a weak point when paired with a faster graphics card or used for high-frame-rate play. The recommended six-core class is the more dependable reference for a balanced system.
ARC Raiders Graphics Card Requirements
The graphics card has the greatest influence on how ARC Raiders looks and which resolution you can use comfortably. It renders the environments, lighting, effects, characters, and ARC machines shown on the screen. A weak GPU may still launch the game, but lowering graphics settings becomes necessary when it cannot render each frame quickly enough.
The minimum ARC Raiders PC requirements list the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, AMD Radeon RX 580, and Intel Arc A380. These cards belong to different generations and do not have identical features, memory capacities, or driver behaviour. Embark groups them together as minimum options, so they should be treated as the entry point rather than the preferred level for long-term use.
Minimum Graphics Card Level
The GTX 1050 Ti normally comes with 4 GB of VRAM. That capacity is limited for a modern game, which means texture quality and resolution may need careful adjustment. Increasing graphics settings beyond the card’s available memory can cause stuttering, delayed texture loading, or sudden performance drops.
The RX 580 was sold in both 4 GB and 8 GB versions. The 8 GB model has more room for textures, but additional VRAM does not make the GPU itself faster. Its age, power consumption, and driver condition also matter. Anyone buying a used RX 580 should confirm the memory capacity and physical condition rather than judging it by the model name alone.
Intel’s Arc A380 normally includes 6 GB of VRAM and supports newer graphics technologies than the GTX 1050 Ti or RX 580. However, Intel Arc cards work best in systems with Resizable BAR enabled. An A380 installed in an older motherboard without this feature may not deliver the performance expected from its specifications.
These minimum cards are better suited to modest settings than high visual presets. Lowering shadows, effects, reflections, and resolution can reduce the graphics load, but no settings adjustment can fully compensate for a GPU that falls well below the official minimum.
Recommended Graphics Card Level
The recommended ARC Raiders system requirements list the GeForce RTX 2070, Radeon RX 5700 XT, and Intel Arc B570. This is a considerable step up from the minimum tier and provides more processing performance and graphics memory for demanding scenes.
The RTX 2070 and RX 5700 XT generally include 8 GB of VRAM. The Arc B570 has 10 GB, giving it more capacity for textures and higher resolutions. Memory capacity is only one part of graphics performance, however. Architecture, memory bandwidth, drivers, upscaling support, and the game’s optimisation for each GPU can all affect the final result.
A graphics card in this recommended class is a sensible starting point for players who value consistent performance over simply getting the game to run. The monitor resolution still matters. The same card has a lighter workload at 1080p than at 1440p, so owners of higher-resolution displays may need to reduce selected settings or use a supported upscaling option.
How Much VRAM Does ARC Raiders Need?
Embark names specific graphics cards but does not publish a separate VRAM requirement. Based on the listed models, 4 GB appears within the minimum hardware range, while the recommended cards provide at least 8 GB. This does not mean every 4 GB graphics card qualifies or that any 8 GB card meets the recommended level. The GPU itself must also have enough processing performance.
VRAM stores textures, geometry, frame data, and other resources needed by the graphics processor. Higher resolutions and texture settings consume more of it. When the game needs more graphics memory than the card provides, it may move data through slower system memory, which can produce stuttering even when the average frame rate appears acceptable.
Players using a 4 GB card should begin with conservative texture settings and avoid increasing several memory-heavy options at once. Cards with 8 GB or more provide more flexibility, but available VRAM should still be monitored when playing at higher resolutions.
Can Integrated Graphics Run ARC Raiders?
Integrated graphics are not included in the official ARC Raiders PC requirements. Most integrated GPUs share system memory with the processor and offer less graphics performance than the dedicated GTX 1050 Ti, RX 580, or Arc A380 listed as minimum options.
Some recent integrated GPUs may launch the game, but compatibility must be judged by the exact model and a reliable test under documented settings. A laptop described only as having Intel UHD Graphics, Radeon Graphics, or an Intel Core processor does not provide enough information to confirm that ARC Raiders will run properly.
Increasing system RAM can help an integrated GPU when memory capacity or bandwidth is restricted, particularly with a dual-channel configuration. It cannot transform a weak integrated graphics processor into the equivalent of a supported dedicated card.
Desktop and Laptop GPUs Are Not the Same
A laptop GPU carrying an RTX model name may operate at a lower power limit than its desktop counterpart. Cooling design, manufacturer settings, memory configuration, and the laptop’s performance mode can create substantial differences between two machines that appear similar on paper.
Laptop players should check the complete GPU name and its configured power limit. They should also connect the charger, select the laptop’s performance mode, and confirm that ARC Raiders is using the dedicated GPU rather than the integrated processor graphics.
For most systems, the graphics card will determine whether the ARC Raiders system requirements can be met with acceptable image quality. Minimum-class GPUs may require visible compromises, while recommended-class hardware offers more room to balance resolution, clarity, and performance.
RAM, Storage, Windows, and Internet Requirements
The supporting ARC Raiders PC requirements are just as important as the processor and graphics card. The official specifications call for 12 GB of RAM at minimum, 16 GB for the recommended configuration, a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or later, and DirectX 12. Because ARC Raiders is an online multiplayer game, an internet connection and the required platform and Embark accounts are also necessary.
Is 12 GB of RAM Enough?
Twelve gigabytes meets the official minimum and is intended to support the stated target of 1080p, 60 FPS at Low settings when paired with the other minimum components. The problem is that the game does not receive all 12 GB. Windows, Steam or the Epic Games Launcher, voice chat, security software, browser tabs, and overlays also consume memory.
A PC with exactly 12 GB may run ARC Raiders correctly, but it has less room for background activity. If memory use reaches its limit, Windows begins moving data between RAM and the storage drive. This can cause short freezes, delayed responses, or uneven frame delivery even when the CPU and graphics card meet the minimum requirements.
Memory configuration also matters. Two matched modules operating in dual-channel mode can provide more bandwidth than a single module. This difference is most noticeable on integrated graphics, but it can also help general system responsiveness on a PC with a dedicated GPU.
Why 16 GB Is the Better Target
The recommended ARC Raiders system requirements call for 16 GB of RAM. This amount provides enough capacity for the game, Windows, the launcher, and common background applications without placing the system as close to its memory limit.
Players who stream, record gameplay, keep several browser tabs open, or run other software while playing may benefit from 32 GB. However, increasing memory from 16 GB to 32 GB will not automatically improve the frame rate if the game is already operating within the available RAM. Additional memory helps only when capacity is the problem.
For most players building or upgrading a PC specifically for ARC Raiders, 16 GB in a matched dual-channel kit remains the sensible starting point. Moving from 8 GB to 16 GB is a meaningful upgrade because 8 GB falls below the official minimum.
Does ARC Raiders Require an SSD?
Embark’s current system-requirements page does not state a required storage capacity or specify whether the game must be installed on an SSD. Any page presenting a fixed storage figure should therefore be checked against the current download size rather than treated as an official permanent requirement. Patches and new content can also increase the installation size over time.
An SSD is still the better place to install ARC Raiders. It can reduce loading time and help the system retrieve game data more quickly than a mechanical hard drive. It may also reduce storage-related interruptions when the game loads assets during play.
An SSD cannot correct weak processing or graphics performance. Moving the game from a hard drive to an SSD may improve loading and data access, but it will not turn a GTX 1050 Ti into an RTX 2070 or remove a CPU bottleneck. The drive should be considered part of a balanced system rather than a replacement for the core ARC Raiders PC requirements.
Windows and DirectX Support
ARC Raiders requires a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or later with current updates. Windows 11 is included by the phrase “or later,” so players using an updated 64-bit Windows 11 installation meet the operating-system requirement.
The PC version also requires DirectX 12. The graphics cards listed in the minimum requirements support DirectX 12, but the operating system, graphics driver, and GPU must all work together correctly. Installing an older version of Windows or an outdated driver can cause launch and rendering problems even when the graphics card itself is supported.
Players should install current Windows updates and a stable driver from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel before troubleshooting poor performance. A driver update can correct compatibility problems, but the newest driver cannot make hardware below the minimum specification perform like a supported card.
Internet and Account Requirements
ARC Raiders cannot be played as a fully offline game. Its matches depend on communication with online servers because the game combines human players, team activity, progression, and server-managed encounters.
The official Epic Games Store listing states that an internet connection, an Embark ID account, a third-party platform account, and acceptance of Embark’s user terms are required. Players purchasing through Steam or Epic should have access to the corresponding platform account as well as their Embark account.
Connection quality affects a different part of the experience than PC performance. A weak graphics card causes low rendering performance, while an unstable connection can produce delayed actions, rubber-banding, matchmaking failures, or disconnections. Lowering graphics settings will not fix packet loss, just as faster internet will not correct low GPU frame rates.
The complete ARC Raiders system requirements therefore involve more than matching a CPU and graphics card. A practical setup needs sufficient RAM, updated 64-bit Windows, DirectX 12 support, suitable storage, and a dependable internet connection.
Best ARC Raiders Settings for Lower-End PCs
A lower-end PC should not be configured by setting every option to Low and accepting the result. Some graphics settings have a much greater performance cost than others, while a few can be kept at Medium without causing the same level of strain. The better approach is to reduce the demanding options first and preserve the settings that keep enemies, loot, and distant movement easy to see.
Players using hardware close to the minimum ARC Raiders PC requirements should begin at 1920 × 1080 with the Low preset. This matches Embark’s official minimum performance target. Play through an active outdoor encounter before raising anything because a quiet area may not reveal the system’s actual limit.
| Graphics Option | Suggested Starting Point | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Display resolution | 1920 × 1080 | Avoids the much heavier workload of 1440p or 4K |
| Overall preset | Low | Matches the official minimum target |
| Shadows | Low | Shadows can place a substantial load on both GPU rendering and the CPU |
| Global illumination | Low | Advanced lighting can be expensive on minimum-level hardware |
| Effects quality | Low | Helps during explosions, smoke, particles, and busy fights |
| Post-processing | Low | Reduces the cost of several screen effects |
| Reflections | Low | Reflections add GPU work without being essential to gameplay |
| Foliage | Low | Reduces environmental detail and can improve clarity |
| Textures | Low or Medium | Depends mainly on available VRAM |
| View distance | Medium where possible | Helps preserve visibility across open areas |
| Motion blur | Off | Produces a clearer image while moving |
| V-Sync | Off initially | Avoids added latency, but screen tearing may require it |
| Upscaling | Quality or Balanced | Improves performance with a smaller clarity loss than Performance mode |
| Frame generation | Off during initial testing | Allows the native performance and latency to be judged first |
Lower the Expensive Settings First
Shadows are one of the first options to reduce because they affect more than simple character outlines. Shadow quality can change resolution, filtering, dynamic shadows, and the way volumetric effects are shaded. Low is a sensible choice for a GTX 1050 Ti, RX 580, or Arc A380.
Global illumination controls how light moves through the environment and reacts to surfaces. It contributes to the atmosphere of ARC Raiders, but it can also place a heavy load on the graphics card. Minimum-level systems should keep it at Low before reducing settings that have a smaller performance cost.
Effects quality becomes more important during combat. Explosions, weapon effects, smoke, debris, and ARC attacks can make an already demanding scene harder to render. Lowering this option can improve consistency when the screen becomes busy, which is more useful than gaining extra performance only while exploring an empty area.
Post-processing covers visual effects applied after the main image has been rendered. Setting it to Low can improve performance, although the image may lose some depth and polish. This is usually an acceptable compromise on a PC that is trying to maintain the official 1080p target.
Keep Textures Within the Available VRAM
Texture quality should be adjusted according to graphics memory rather than changed blindly. A GTX 1050 Ti with 4 GB of VRAM has less room for high-resolution textures than an 8 GB RX 580. If the game exceeds the card’s memory capacity, it may stutter while moving through the map even when the average frame rate appears reasonable.
Begin with Low textures on a 4 GB card. Medium may be practical if monitoring software shows that VRAM is not close to its limit and gameplay remains stable. An 8 GB card has more flexibility, but the GPU still needs enough processing power for the rest of the settings.
Texture quality often has a smaller effect on frame rate while sufficient VRAM is available. For that reason, reducing shadows, lighting, effects, and reflections before making textures look unnecessarily poor can produce a better balance.
Use Upscaling Without Making the Image Unclear
ARC Raiders supports performance technologies including NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR. Upscaling renders the game at a lower internal resolution and reconstructs the image at the selected output resolution. This reduces the GPU workload, although the result can look softer or less stable when aggressive modes are used.
At 1080p, Quality mode should be tested first. Balanced mode is useful when Quality does not provide enough performance. Performance mode uses a much lower internal resolution and can make distant objects, fine geometry, and moving details harder to read, so it should be reserved for systems that still struggle after other settings have been reduced.
NVIDIA confirms that ARC Raiders supports DLSS Super Resolution, Frame Generation, Multi Frame Generation, and Reflex, but availability depends on the graphics-card generation. DLSS Super Resolution works across GeForce RTX cards, normal Frame Generation requires supported RTX hardware, and Multi Frame Generation is intended for newer RTX generations.
AMD also lists ARC Raiders among its supported FSR games. The exact FSR features available can depend on the Radeon generation, current game version, and installed driver.
Test Native Performance Before Using Frame Generation
Frame generation can increase the number shown by an FPS counter, but it does not remove weak native performance. It inserts generated frames between traditionally rendered frames, so controls and game simulation still depend on the underlying frame rate.
A PC that feels slow or inconsistent without frame generation may continue to feel unresponsive after the displayed FPS increases. Test ARC Raiders with frame generation disabled first. Once the system produces a stable base frame rate, frame generation can be enabled and compared for smoothness, image stability, and latency.
This distinction matters in an extraction shooter, where aiming and quick reactions affect survival. A higher displayed frame count is useful only when the game still responds properly to input.
Reduce Stutter Before Chasing a Higher Average FPS
Stuttering is not always caused by an inadequate GPU. Insufficient RAM, exhausted VRAM, background applications, driver problems, thermal throttling, or slow storage can interrupt frame delivery. Reducing the resolution will not solve every one of these problems.
Close browser tabs, recording software, and unnecessary overlays before testing. Install a current stable graphics driver, allow the game time to complete any first-run processing, and check CPU and GPU temperatures during play. If VRAM use is near the card’s limit, lower textures. If system memory is full, close background programs or upgrade the RAM.
The best settings for minimum-level ARC Raiders system requirements are those that remain stable during combat, not those that produce the highest FPS while standing in an empty location. Start with 1080p Low, use Quality or Balanced upscaling if needed, and raise individual settings only after the game remains consistent in demanding scenes.
What Should You Upgrade First for ARC Raiders?
The first upgrade should address the component that prevents your PC from meeting the ARC Raiders PC requirements. Replacing a part simply because it is old can waste money when a different component is causing the actual problem. Check CPU, GPU, RAM, VRAM, and storage use while playing before deciding what to buy.
| Current Problem | Most Useful Upgrade | Why It Should Come First |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 12 GB of RAM | Upgrade to at least 16 GB | The system is below the official memory requirement |
| Integrated or below-minimum graphics | Install a supported dedicated GPU | Graphics performance is unlikely to reach the minimum target |
| GTX 1050 Ti-level GPU with a suitable CPU | Upgrade the graphics card | The GPU limits resolution, effects, and visual quality |
| Old four-core CPU with a stronger GPU | Upgrade the processor and possibly the platform | The CPU may restrict frame rate and frame delivery |
| Game installed on a mechanical hard drive | Move it to an SSD | Faster storage can improve loading and asset access |
| Recommended hardware with poor performance | Diagnose software, temperatures, and settings first | The PC may not need a hardware replacement |
Upgrade the Graphics Card for Low FPS
The graphics card should be the priority when it falls below the GTX 1050 Ti, RX 580, or Arc A380 listed in the minimum requirements. It is also the likely upgrade target when lowering the resolution produces a clear performance improvement, but the desired graphics settings remain too demanding.
Moving from a minimum-level GPU to the recommended RTX 2070, RX 5700 XT, or Arc B570 class provides more rendering performance and additional VRAM in most cases. This gives the game more room for textures, lighting, effects, and higher resolutions.
A replacement card should be evaluated as part of the complete PC. Check the power-supply capacity, available power connectors, case clearance, motherboard compatibility, and processor performance before buying. Installing a powerful graphics card in an old system may produce an unbalanced build where the CPU prevents the new GPU from reaching its potential.
Buying another 4 GB graphics card is difficult to justify unless the budget is very limited. ARC Raiders can operate within the minimum 4 GB class, but 8 GB or more provides better room for textures and future updates. VRAM capacity alone does not determine performance, so a slow 8 GB card should not be assumed to outperform every faster 6 GB model.
Upgrade the CPU for Unstable Frame Delivery
A processor upgrade is worth considering when the graphics card is not fully utilised, one or more CPU cores remain heavily loaded, and lowering the resolution produces little improvement. These signs suggest that the processor cannot prepare frames quickly enough for the GPU.
Owners of a Ryzen 5 1600 may have a practical upgrade path because many AM4 motherboards support newer Ryzen processors after a BIOS update. Compatibility depends on the exact motherboard model and firmware, so the manufacturer’s CPU support list must be checked before purchasing.
Upgrading from a Core i5-6600K can require a motherboard replacement because its LGA1151 platform has limited useful options. In that situation, the cost of a newer CPU, motherboard, and possibly memory should be considered together. Spending heavily on another old processor for the same socket may provide poor value.
A CPU upgrade is less likely to help when the graphics card already stays close to full utilisation. In that case, the GPU is completing frames as quickly as it can, and a faster processor may make little difference at the same resolution and settings.
Upgrade to 16 GB of RAM When Memory Is Limited
A PC with 8 GB of RAM sits below the official ARC Raiders system requirements and should be upgraded before making detailed performance judgments. Sixteen gigabytes provides enough capacity for the game, Windows, and ordinary background applications.
If the computer already has 12 GB, an upgrade to 16 GB can provide a cleaner memory configuration and more headroom. The benefit will be greater when the current setup uses unmatched modules or operates in single-channel mode.
Choose a matched pair of memory modules when possible. The modules must also be compatible with the motherboard and processor. DDR4 and DDR5 are physically different and cannot be installed in the same slots, while supported speeds depend on the platform.
Moving from 16 GB to 32 GB is mainly useful for streaming, recording, editing, or heavy multitasking. It should not take priority over a weak graphics card when gaming performance is the main goal.
Install the Game on an SSD
Moving ARC Raiders from a mechanical hard drive to an SSD can improve loading and reduce delays when the system retrieves game data. It is a sensible upgrade for a PC that still uses a hard drive as its main game storage.
A SATA SSD is already much faster than a mechanical drive for common game-loading tasks. An NVMe SSD offers greater transfer speeds, but the difference between SATA and NVMe may be smaller in gameplay than the difference between a hard drive and any reliable SSD.
Storage should not be confused with rendering performance. An SSD may improve loading behaviour, but it will not raise GPU processing power or correct a weak CPU. It becomes the first upgrade only when the rest of the system meets the ARC Raiders PC requirements and storage activity is contributing to interruptions.
Diagnose the PC Before Replacing Recommended Hardware
A computer that meets the recommended configuration should target 1440p at 60 FPS using High settings according to Embark. If it performs far below that level, new hardware should not be the first response.
Confirm that ARC Raiders is using the dedicated graphics card, particularly on a laptop. Update the GPU driver, verify the game files, close unnecessary overlays, and check CPU and GPU temperatures. A processor or graphics card that overheats may reduce its clock speed even though its model appears suitable on paper.
Memory should also run in the correct channel configuration, and Intel Arc users should confirm that Resizable BAR is enabled where supported. Power-saving modes can restrict both desktop and laptop performance, so Windows and manufacturer power settings should be reviewed.
A sensible upgrade improves the component that is actually limiting the game. For most below-minimum systems, that will be the graphics card or RAM. For older PCs paired with a newer GPU, the processor and platform may deserve attention first. Systems already meeting the recommended ARC Raiders PC requirements should be diagnosed before any part is replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ARC Raiders run with 8 GB of RAM?
No. The official ARC Raiders PC requirements specify at least 12 GB of RAM.
A system with only 8 GB does not leave enough memory for the game, Windows, and necessary background processes. Upgrading to 16 GB in a matched dual-channel configuration is the more practical choice.
Is 12 GB of RAM enough for ARC Raiders?
Yes. Twelve gigabytes meets the official minimum and is included in Embark’s 1080p, Low settings, 60 FPS target.
Background programs can consume part of that memory, so close unnecessary browser tabs, overlays, and recording software when playing with 12 GB.
Can a GTX 1050 Ti run ARC Raiders?
Yes. The GTX 1050 Ti is one of the graphics cards named in the minimum ARC Raiders system requirements.
Embark targets 1080p, Low settings, and 60 FPS with minimum-level hardware, although the processor, RAM, driver, cooling, and condition of the complete PC can affect the result.
Can an RX 580 run ARC Raiders?
Yes. The Radeon RX 580 is officially listed as a minimum graphics option.
Both 4 GB and 8 GB versions exist, and the 8 GB model has more room for textures. Additional VRAM does not guarantee a higher frame rate because the GPU’s processing capability also matters.
Can an RTX 3050 run ARC Raiders?
An RTX 3050 should meet or exceed the minimum graphics level.
Its position relative to the recommended RTX 2070 depends on whether it is a desktop or laptop version and on its power configuration. Start at 1080p and adjust the settings according to measured performance.
Can integrated graphics run ARC Raiders?
Integrated graphics are not included in the official ARC Raiders PC requirements.
Some recent integrated GPUs may launch the game, but most older Intel UHD and basic Radeon integrated solutions fall below the listed dedicated cards. Compatibility must be checked using the exact GPU and memory configuration.
Does ARC Raiders require an SSD?
Embark’s published requirements do not state that an SSD is mandatory.
An SSD is still recommended because it provides faster loading and asset access. It cannot compensate for an unsupported CPU or graphics card.
How much storage space does ARC Raiders need?
Embark’s current system-requirements page does not provide a fixed storage figure.
Check the current download information in Steam or the Epic Games Store before installation and retain additional free space for updates, temporary files, and future content.
Does ARC Raiders support Windows 11?
Yes. The official requirement is a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or later, which includes Windows 11.
Install current Windows updates and a stable graphics driver before playing.
Does ARC Raiders require DirectX 12?
Yes. The PC version requires DirectX 12.
A supported graphics card, updated driver, and compatible 64-bit Windows installation are all needed for DirectX 12 to work correctly.
What are the recommended ARC Raiders system requirements?
The recommended configuration includes an Intel Core i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 16 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, or Intel Arc B570.
Embark targets 1440p, High settings, and 60 FPS with this hardware tier.
Can ARC Raiders run on a gaming laptop?
Yes, provided the laptop has a suitable dedicated GPU, enough RAM, and a compatible processor.
Laptop components can use different power limits from desktop versions. Compare the complete model numbers, connect the charger, and use the laptop’s performance mode.
Is ARC Raiders more demanding on the CPU or GPU?
The limiting component depends on the graphics settings, resolution, and performance target.
Higher resolutions, lighting, effects, and visual quality place more load on the GPU. Busy encounters and high-frame-rate targets can increase the importance of the CPU.
Why does ARC Raiders stutter when my PC meets the requirements?
Stuttering can result from exhausted VRAM, insufficient free system memory, driver problems, background applications, thermal throttling, or slow storage.
Check memory use, temperatures, GPU utilisation, and storage activity before replacing hardware. Meeting the ARC Raiders system requirements does not prevent configuration or software-related problems.
Can ARC Raiders be played offline?
No. ARC Raiders is an online multiplayer extraction game and requires an internet connection.
An Embark ID, the relevant platform account, and acceptance of the applicable user terms are also required to play.
