Many new Arc Raiders players see the Free Loadout Augment early on and are not sure whether it is worth using, upgrading, or replacing later. On paper, the stats look simple. In practice, this augment shapes how most rookie players survive their first real raids. This article breaks down what the Free Loadout Augment does, how players actually use it, and when it starts to fall off.

What Is the Free Loadout Augment in Arc Raiders?

The Free Loadout Augment is a basic augment designed for rookie Raiders. Most players unlock or receive it early, and it often becomes the first augment they actively notice affecting gameplay.

In general, it focuses on inventory comfort, not combat power. It slightly increases backpack space and carry capacity, making early scavenging less punishing. It does not boost damage, defense, or abilities.

Key practical traits players usually care about:

• Light weight

• Small but noticeable carry capacity boost

• No energy cost

• No advanced requirements

This makes it easy to equip without changing the rest of your loadout.

What Do the Stats Mean in Real Gameplay?

Looking at the raw values helps, but how they feel in a match matters more.

• Backpack Space: 14 Most players feel this as “one or two extra items per run.” It does not turn you into a hoarder, but it reduces the number of times you must choose between ammo and loot.

• Carry Capacity: 35kg This is the biggest quality-of-life gain. In general, early players hit weight limits fast. With this augment, you can usually carry an extra weapon or a few heavy components before slowing down.

• Energy Cost: 0 This is important. New players often do not manage energy well. Zero cost means no trade-off.

• Slot Cost: 4 This is affordable early, but later becomes expensive compared to stronger augments.

• Weight Class: Light Light augments are easier to fit into beginner builds and do not push you toward heavy movement penalties.

• Nil Requirements No special progression or unlock conditions.

In practice, the augment is designed to be safe and forgiving, not powerful.

Why Most New Players Use This Augment

Most players use the Free Loadout Augment for one simple reason: it reduces stress.

Early Arc Raiders gameplay is about learning maps, enemies, and extraction timing. Inventory pressure makes mistakes feel worse. With this augment:

• You usually extract more often

• You panic less about picking up “wrong” loot

• You can recover from small mistakes without dumping gear

Many experienced players remember using it for their first 10–20 raids simply because it lets you focus on learning, not optimizing.

How It Changes Common Player Behavior

In general, players behave differently with this augment equipped.

Without it:

• Players avoid heavy loot

• Players extract early

• Players leave crafting materials behind

With it:

• Players usually stay longer in raids

• Players experiment with different weapons

• Players loot more containers per run

This does not increase skill, but it increases experience gained per match, which matters early.

Is It Worth Using After the Early Game?

Usually, no.

Most players replace the Free Loadout Augment once they unlock:

• Combat augments

• Survival augments

• Mobility upgrades

As you improve, you learn:

• What loot is actually valuable

• How to manage weight better

• When to extract efficiently

At that point, the augment’s benefits feel too small for its slot cost. Advanced augments offer stronger effects that directly affect survival or PvP outcomes.

Can You Build Around It?

In general, players do not build around this augment. It is a support piece, not a core mechanic.

That said, some players keep it longer if they:

• Focus on pure scavenging runs

• Avoid combat-heavy zones

• Play solo and value consistency

For loot-focused routes, the extra carry capacity still has value even later on.

How It Compares to Other Early Augments

Compared to other beginner augments, the Free Loadout Augment is:

• More reliable

• Less impactful

• Easier to understand

Combat augments feel stronger but punish mistakes. This one never backfires. That is why many players recommend it to friends starting Arc Raiders.

Crafting, Trading, and Blueprint Questions

Some players ask whether it is worth crafting upgrades or dealing with blueprints related to loadout augments. In general, early players do not need to worry about complex economy systems.

That said, as players progress, they often look into options to buy and sell ARC Raiders blueprints on U4N when managing inventory space and progression more efficiently. This usually happens after the Free Loadout Augment is already phased out.

Common Mistakes Players Make With This Augment

Most mistakes are about overvaluing it.

• Keeping it too long

• Using it instead of survival augments

• Assuming carry capacity equals safety

Extra space does not help if you lose fights or misjudge extraction timing. Many experienced players say the augment teaches comfort, not discipline.

When Should You Stop Using It?

Most players stop using the Free Loadout Augment when:

• They consistently extract with unused space

• They stop hitting weight limits

• They unlock augments that improve survivability

In general, this happens naturally. You do not need to force the transition.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Augment Really For?

The Free Loadout Augment is for:

• New players

• Learning-focused runs

• Low-risk exploration

It is not meant to scale into late-game builds. Its job is to smooth the early experience and reduce frustration.

In practice, it does exactly that. Once you no longer need it, that is usually a sign you are improving as a Raider.