How Expeditions Work in ARC Raiders

Expeditions in ARC Raiders are a core voluntary progression system designed to keep the game fresh while rewarding dedicated players. Unlike mandatory progress wipes, expeditions let you choose when to reset your character in exchange for permanent account benefits and temporary buffs. Unlocked at level 20, this feature requires time and resource investment but offers long-term value for those willing to commit.

Prerequisites to Start an Expedition

Before diving into expedition steps, you must meet one key requirement: reach level 20 with your Raider. This ensures you have enough experience with the game's core mechanics-looting, crafting, and surviving-to tackle the resource demands of the expedition project.

Once level 20, navigate to the "Projects" tab in the Raider screen to access the expedition. Here, you'll track progress, view required resources, and check the schedule for the next departure window.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing an Expedition

Expeditions follow a repeating cycle of roughly 8 weeks (60 days), split into construction phases and a final departure window. There are 5–6 key steps to complete, each with fixed material requirements that must be met before moving forward.

Step 1: Foundation

The first step focuses on building the caravan's basic frame, requiring large quantities of common scrap materials. You'll need 150 Metal Parts, 200 Rubber Parts, 80 Arc Alloy, and 15 Steel Springs-all obtainable by looting industrial, medical, and electrical zones, or recycling junk ARC Raiders Items.

Step 2: Core Systems

Next, you'll wire the caravan with essential electronics. This stage demands advanced components like batteries, gears, and electrical parts, which are abundant in industrial zones and security outposts. Plan your looting runs to prioritize these refined materials.

Step 3: Framework

This step involves reinforcing the caravan's structure with rare components. You'll need items like Advanced Mechanical Components and Steel Springs, which drop from heavy machinery in industrial areas or ARC enemies across maps like Dam Battlegrounds and the Spaceport.

Step 4: Outfitting

Equip the caravan with advanced gear to handle the journey beyond the Rust Belt. This stage requires weapon parts, armor plates, and crafting materials-looted from security outposts or crafted at your workshop in Speranza, your underground hub.

Step 5: Load Stage & Departure

The final preparation step involves loading your caravan with supplies. Commit your hard-earned loot, coins, and resources-note that once committed, these items are non-refundable. After completing this, wait for the 7-day departure window to send your Raider on the expedition.

If you miss the departure window, don't worry-your progress carries over to the next cycle, so you can continue working on the project until the next 7-day window opens.

Expedition Rewards: Permanent & Temporary

Completing an expedition unlocks both permanent account benefits and temporary buffs for your next Raider, making the time investment worthwhile. The rewards scale based on the value of your stash at departure.

Permanent Rewards

These benefits apply to your entire account and never reset. They include up to 5 bonus Skill Points (1 per 1 million coins/loot value in your stash), 12 permanent Stash Spaces, and exclusive seasonal cosmetics like the Patchwork Raider Outfit or Scrappy Janitor Cap.

You also keep all previously unlocked maps, workshop stations, Codex entries, Raider Tokens, and cosmetic items-ensuring your long-term progress is preserved.

Temporary Buffs

Temporary buffs last until the next expedition cycle and stack up to 3 times with repeated participation. They include a 5% XP Boost, 10% Weapon Repair Buff, and extra materials from Scrappy (your pet rooster) at the start of each session.

Reset Details: What You Keep & Lose

Expeditions trigger a soft reset of your current Raider, but not all progress is lost. This balance ensures the game stays competitive while respecting your time investment.

What Resets

Your Raider's level, Skill Points, inventory items, gear, coins, and workshop levels all reset. Blueprints, stash upgrades, and quest progress are also wiped, requiring you to rebuild these elements with your new Raider-though the process is faster with temporary buffs.

What You Keep

All account-level progress is preserved, including unlocked maps, workshop stations, and Codex entries. You also keep Raider Tokens, Cred, trial progress, leaderboard standings, and all cosmetics. Bonus Stash Spaces and Skill Points from past expeditions remain permanently unlocked too.

Key Tips for a Smooth Expedition

Save resources intentionally-focus on looting industrial and security zones for expedition cheap ARC Raiders Materials. Use free loadouts to practice maps without risking valuable gear, and prioritize recycling junk to stockpile Metal and Rubber Parts.

Monitor the departure window (announced on Embark Studios' social media) to avoid missing your chance to reset. Remember: the more valuable your stash at departure, the better your rewards will be.

Expeditions are ARC Raiders' unique take on progression resets-voluntary, rewarding, and designed to keep both new and veteran players engaged. By following these steps, you'll maximize your rewards and build a stronger account over time.