You've learned what Expedition is. You know what you'll lose, keep, and gain. Now the real question is:
"When is the best time to start an Expedition in ARC Raiders so I don't regret it later?"
Expeditions in ARC Raiders run on a roughly 60-day preparation period plus a 7-day departure window. That means timing matters a lot: go too early and you may feel you wiped for almost nothing; go too late and you might feel like you wasted weeks of potential bonus power.
This guide focuses on Expedition ARC Raiders timing:
- How the Expedition cycle works
- What factors actually matter for "good timing"
- Early vs late resets – pros and cons
- Concrete suggestions for hardcore / steady casual / weekend players
- A simple checklist you can use before hitting the button
If you still aren't clear on what Expedition is, read: What Is Expedition in ARC Raiders?
If you want to know exactly what is lost or kept, see: What You Lose, Keep & Gain from Expedition
Looking for everything in one place?
Visit the Expedition ARC Raiders complete guide hub for every overview, deep-dive, and FAQ in a single spot.
How the Expedition Cycle Works
Before talking about "best time," you need to understand the basic rhythm of Expeditions. Expeditions work on a repeating cycle of roughly 60 days of play followed by about 7 days of departure window.
The Expedition Cycle
You can build your caravan anytime during the Preparation Phase, but you can only reset during the Departure Window.
If you've completed the Expedition Project but don't hit "Depart" during that 7-day window, you don't reset and you don't get Expedition rewards yet. Your progress is simply carried forward into the next cycle.
So from a timing perspective, you're juggling two things:
- Personal timing – when you feel ready to say goodbye to this raider
- System timing – whether you are close to or inside a departure window
Remember: You do not need to finish the Expedition Project right before the departure window. You can complete the caravan weeks early, keep playing as normal, and when the window opens decide to depart or skip that cycle. Timing isn't purely about the system clock; it's also about your own progress and goals.
What Makes a “Good Time”?
Instead of thinking "which week is best," think about conditions. A good time to start an Expedition usually aligns with four factors:
If you specifically want to understand how stash value and wallet cash convert into bonus skill points, read our focused stash value & bonus skill points guide.
Playtime & Commitment
Hardcore players benefit most from compounding bonuses. Casuals feel it slower.
Stash & Wallet Value
Higher value at departure = more permanent bonus skill points for the next run.
Feeling "Done"
Reset when you've achieved your goals and are ready for a fresh start.
Patch Context
Watch for balance changes. It's okay to wait if the meta is unstable.
If you don't play much, resetting might delay your fun more than it improves it.
Early vs. Late Expedition
One of the biggest timing decisions is whether to Expedition early or late. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Early Expedition
Lower level, less complete build
✓ Pros
- • Start stacking bonuses sooner
- • Learn the system with less sunk cost
- • Good for long-term compounding
✕ Cons
- • Low stash value = fewer bonus points
- • Reset before full potential reached
- • Re-unlocking things feels repetitive
Late Expedition
High level, endgame build
✓ Pros
- • High stash value = max bonus points
- • Squeezed full value from current run
- • Psychologically ready to move on
✕ Cons
- • Missed early cycle bonuses
- • Might fall behind in permanent power
- • Risk of boredom before resetting
Early Expedition is mostly for hardcore players who are confident they'll do multiple cycles anyway.
Late Expedition is ideal for steady casual players and also works well as a first Expedition for many hardcore players.
Extremely Late / Never Expedition
Some players choose to never reset, or wait until the game feels final. You keep continuity and never lose your raider, but you also never see permanent skill/stash bonuses and your account power stays lower than players who Expedition often. This is still valid if you're very casual or hate the idea of a reset.
Recommendations by Player Type
Here are practical suggestions based on how you play.
Don't Rush First Reset
Wait until mid-late game for your first reset to maximize stash value. After that, cycle regularly as long as you reach a satisfying "end of chapter".
Skip First Window
Use the first cycle to learn and build wealth. Treat Expedition as a late-game goal when you're truly done with your current journey.
No Pressure
Only reset if your stash is overflowing and you crave a fresh start. You might not play enough to notice the bonuses, so don't force it.
Timing Checklist
✓ Signs it’s a GOOD time
- I understand exactly what I'll lose, keep, and gain.
- I've done most of the content I care about on this raider.
- I'm more excited about a fresh start than attached to my current stash.
- My stash and wallet feel substantial, not empty.
- I realistically plan to play a lot in the next Expedition cycle.
✕ Signs it’s a BAD time
- I still don't fully understand what is lost vs kept.
- I'm still unlocking core systems, weapons, or outfits I haven't enjoyed yet.
- The thought of losing my stash makes me anxious or annoyed.
- I won't be able to play much in the next cycle.
If you tick more boxes under “bad,” your best timing is probably: “not this cycle.”
Timing FAQ
“Is it better to Expedition as soon as I unlock it at level 20?”
Usually no. At level 20, your stash is small and your build is immature. It's generally better to unlock Expedition, start preparing the project, and wait until later before you depart.
“Should I always Expedition every single cycle once I start?”
Not necessarily. Even if you're hardcore, it's okay to skip a cycle if you're behind on materials, still enjoying your current raider, or just burnt out on the Caravan grind. Expedition is meant to be voluntary.
“Is it bad to wait until I’m very high level before my first Expedition?”
Not bad—just a different strategy. You miss early cycles' permanent bonuses, but your first Expedition will likely be strong: big stash value, more bonus skill points, and you've fully explored your raider. For many casual players, this is the safest way to try Expeditions.
“What if I finished the caravan, but I’m not sure I want to reset this window?”
You can wait. Your caravan progress remains, and you can depart in the next cycle's window. You're not wasting the project—just delaying the payoff, which is better than forcing a reset you aren't ready for.
What to Read Next
Losses & Rewards
Get a clear picture of what the reset actually does.
Is It Worth It?
Decide if Expedition matches your playstyle and goals.
How to Start
Double-check you know the practical steps.
"I know what I'm giving up, I know what I'm getting, and this is the right Expedition timing for me."