Should You Do an Expedition in ARC Raiders?

ARC Raiders introduces a unique system called Expeditions, a wipe-style progression feature that allows players to reset their characters in exchange for long-term rewards. For both new and experienced players, deciding whether to participate in an expedition can be daunting. This article breaks down what expeditions are, what you gain and lose, and whether they’re worth your time.

What Is an Expedition?

An Expedition in ARC Raiders is essentially a self-imposed reset system, similar to prestige modes in other games. It becomes available when your character reaches level 20. The system operates on a cycle:

• Preparation Phase (~60 days): Players gather resources and build a caravan for the expedition. This involves collecting items across four construction stages and donating resources to complete the caravan.
• Departure Window (~7 days): The final phase, when you can officially reset your character and claim the associated rewards.

This structured approach makes progression predictable compared to random loot systems and gives players clear goals to work toward.

Important upcoming date: The first voluntary reset, or “wipe,” for ARC Raiders through the Expedition Project is set for December 22, 2025. Players can choose to reset their progress rather than it being mandatory, with the cycle occurring roughly every eight weeks—the first window runs from December 17 to 22. The developer clearly outlines what progress and items are retained versus lost after the wipe. For more insights, check out the article “ ARC Raiders Expedition Project Guide: Exploitation of the Wipe System.”

What You Lose

Choosing to go on an expedition comes with significant costs. The following progress resets:

• Character level and skill points
• Inventory items and gear
• Stash upgrades
• Blueprints and workshop progress
• Quests and event progress
• Coins and other resources

Essentially, your character starts over in terms of progression. This can feel discouraging, especially if you have invested heavily in your current build.

What You Keep

Not everything disappears. Expeditions provide permanent, account-wide rewards that carry over to future cycles:

• Unlocked maps and workshop stations
• Raider tokens, currency, and deck progress
• Access to leaderboards and trials
• Specialized cosmetics and event rewards
• Bonus skill points and stash space slots

Importantly, items in your stash at the time of departure contribute to earning up to five bonus skill points for your next Raider. Careful preparation and resource management can significantly enhance your future runs.

Temporary Buffs

During the current Expedition cycle, players may also receive temporary benefits, such as:

• Slight XP boosts
• Increased material gains
• Repair buffs

These bonuses expire if you don’t continue with future expeditions, but they do not give a direct combat advantage over other players—they are quality-of-life and progression-oriented.

Reasons to Participate

Expeditions are ideal for dedicated players who want:

• Extended replayability: Start over with a fresh perspective and redo content.
• Early advantages: Bonus skill points and +12 stash expansions make progression faster.
• Improved game knowledge: Learn efficient strategies for farming, crafting, and maximizing resources.
• Optional challenge: A structured, rewarding way to engage with content beyond the endgame.

Veteran players often recommend starting expeditions early, as bonuses stack across multiple cycles, maximizing long-term account growth.

Reasons Not to Participate

Expeditions may not be suitable for everyone:

• Time investment: Restarting can feel tedious if you play casually.
• Loss of progression: Regrinding blueprints, skills, and quests may be discouraging.
• Low interest in rewards: If cosmetic items or stash expansions aren’t motivating, the reset may feel unrewarding.

Casual players often find the cost—losing gear, blueprints, and progression—too high relative to the benefits.

Final Verdict on Expeditions

Whether to embark on an expedition in ARC Raiders depends on your playstyle and goals. For those who enjoy grinding, optimizing, and progressing over multiple cycles, expeditions provide meaningful rewards and a fresh gameplay experience. For casual players, the reset may feel unnecessary or frustrating. For more insights into complementary systems that enhance your expedition experience, see “ ARC Raiders Trials: Complete Explanation of the Trials System.”

Ultimately, expeditions are optional and evolving, offering freedom and strategic choice. By understanding the mechanics, planning ahead, and noting key dates like the first voluntary wipe from December 17 to 22, 2025, you can make the most of this unique system and enjoy the rewards it offers.