The Arc Raiders Free Loadout is one of the most useful features in the game, especially for new players or anyone who does not want to risk losing valuable gear. This guide explains what Free Loadouts are, what they include, and how to use them smartly.
What is in ARC Raiders Free Loadout
In ARC Raiders, before you start a raid you normally pick your own gear — weapons, shield, ammo, items. But there’s another option: a Free Loadout. Choosing this gives you a random, basic set of gear — for free. Free Loadout is meant for players who don’t want to risk their valuable gear, or don’t yet own powerful weapons. It’s a safe, low-stakes way to jump into a raid.
What’s in a Free Loadout
When you select Free Loadout at the start of a match, here’s what you typically get:
- A basic weapon (often a starting-tier gun like “Stitcher I”, “Kettle I”, or “Ferro I”).
- Ammo matching the weapon.
- A Light Shield (but not a high-tier one).
- A limited backpack (small inventory space) — usually 14 slots, carry weight limit ~35.0.
- Some basic quick-use items: healing items (bandages), possibly shield rechargers, and sometimes grenades or other throwables — randomly.
But you must know: Free Loadouts do not include a “Safe Pocket” slot. That means if you die before you extract, you lose everything you collected in that run.
When and Why Use a Free Loadout
Free Loadout isn’t for every raid — but it’s great in certain situations. Here are when it shines:
- When you have no good gear or are low on resources. Free loadout gives you something to play with, without spending or risking your stash.
- If you just want to explore maps, learn spawn zones or get familiar with gameplay. Low stakes = less pressure.
- After a wipe or a failed run. You lose nothing and can immediately re-enter with a basic setup.
- For low-risk objectives or quick extraction runs. If you aim only to grab loot or finish a quest — not fight tough enemies — free loadout can be efficient.
As one guide sums up: Free loadout is perfect when you want a “risk-free run”.
Pros and Cons of Free Loadouts
Like any game mechanic, Free Loadouts come with trade-offs.
👍 Pros
- Zero cost / zero risk to your personal stash. You don’t spend resources, and if you die, you don’t lose crafted gear.
- Unlimited use. You can use free loadouts as many times as you want — no cooldown or limit.
- Good for recovery and learning. After tough runs or losses, free loadout helps you rebuild, learn, or just have fun without stress.
👎 Cons / Limitations
- Weak equipment. Starting-tier guns, light shields, limited ammo — you are easily outmatched by well-equipped players. Esports
- Tiny inventory & no safe pocket. Heavy items, rare loot, or valuable finds are risky — if you die, it’s all gone.
- Random loadout. You don’t control what you get — sometimes you may be under-equipped (few meds, bad weapon, etc.).
- Bad for high-stakes raids. If you plan on fighting strong enemies or enemy players, custom loadouts are almost always better.
Tips: How to Use Free Loadout Smartly
If you plan to make good use of Free Loadouts, here are some smart strategies:
- Use it for scavenger or loot-runs, not big fights. Run in, loot what you can, then extract quickly.
- Avoid heavy PvP or late-game battles — you’ll likely be outgunned.
- Don’t treat it like casual mode — because there’s no safe pocket, it’s still risky if you die. Be cautious.
- Use after losses or when your stash is empty, to rebuild without grinding crafting materials.
- If you’re new — free loadout is a great way to learn maps, movement, and basic combat without pressure.
🎯 Best Times to Use a Free Loadout
Free Loadouts shine in certain situations. Use them when:
- You’re new and learning the game
- You recently lost your main gear
- You want to loot quickly and extract fast
- You’re low on crafting materials
- You just want a low-stress match
Avoid using Free Loadouts in high-level or PvP-heavy raids where strong gear is needed.
🧠 Smart Tips for Using Free Loadouts
Here’s how to get the most out of a Free Loadout:
- Stick to quick loot runs instead of heavy fighting
- Avoid areas where well-equipped players usually go
- Move quietly, extract early
- Focus on survivability, not kills
- Treat each run as practice or a chance to gather small loot
Conclusion
Free Loadout in ARC Raiders is a simple but powerful feature — a “no-cost, no-risk” ticket to play when you don’t feel like spending resources or risking your best gear. It’s especially helpful for beginners, recovery after losses, or low-stakes looting runs. But you pay for convenience with weaker gear, small inventory space, and no safety net if you die.
Used smartly — for what it’s best at — Free Loadout can be a great tool in your Raider toolbox.
https://www.videogamer.com/guides/arc-raiders-free-loadout/
