ARC Raiders offers a free loadout option you can use before starting a run, which provides random basic gear without dipping into your stash. It’s a handy way to raid without risking your own equipment, and you can swap it for a common loadout later if you extract successfully. What a free loadout typically includes

• Free Loadout Augment (14 backpack slots and four quick-use slots)
• Random basic items such as an Uncommon Light Shield, a common weapon, ammo, bandages, shield rechargers, and grenades or other quick-use items
• No safe pocket, so items aren’t preserved if you die

How to access the free loadout

• On the main loadout screen, there is a tab labeled Free Loadout next to Custom Loadout. Switch to Free Loadout to deploy with that preset.
• The free loadout cannot be customized with your stash items; it’s a separate, randomized starter kit for that run.
• If you extract with the free loadout, you can trade the Free Loadout Augment for an Uncommon Augment at Lance (the medical trader) at no cost.

Tips for using free loadouts effectively

• Use free loadouts when you’re new to the game or when you want to preserve your stash for longer, risk-free missions.
• Since the augments and items are random, plan around getting minimal guaranteed protection (like shields) and quick-use items to survive early engagements.
• If you perform well and extract, consider swapping the Free Loadout Augment for a more favorable weapon or augment by trading at Lance.

If you want more details or up-to-date tweaks, I can summarize the latest community guidance or patch notes.