Last updated: 2025-12-02 – based on the current live version of ARC Raiders.
If you've seen the Expedition Project appear in your menu and thought "Wait, does this delete my character?", you're right to be cautious. This system is the heart of ARC Raiders' long-term progression—a voluntary "prestige" system that trades your current gear for permanent account power.
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.
The 8-Week Expedition Cycle
The Expedition isn't just a button you press; it's a seasonal event that runs on a schedule. Understanding this cycle is key to timing your reset correctly.
Phase 1: Preparation
Weeks 1-7
Gather materials, complete contracts, and prepare your raider. This is the main gameplay loop where you build up your strength.
Phase 2: Construction
Ongoing Project
Donate resources to build your caravan. From foundations to outfitting, this is a multi-stage project that persists across sessions.
Phase 3: Departure
Week 8 (Final Window)
The departure window opens. Load your final supplies, confirm the reset, and send your raider on Expedition to claim permanent rewards.
The Trade-Off: Reset vs. Reward
The core question of "expedition arc raiders" gameplay is simple: Is the permanent power boost worth losing your current gear?
What You Lose
- •Character Level & Skill Points
- •Inventory (Gear, Weapons, Ammo)
- •Stash Contents (Resources, Items)
- •Blueprints & Base Upgrades
- •Current Quest Progress
What You Keep & Gain
- ✓Permanent Account Bonuses (XP, Efficiency)
- ✓Bonus Skill Points (Based on Stash Value)
- ✓Cosmetics & Premium Currency
- ✓Map Unlocks & Codex Entries
- ✓Extra Stash Space (Permanent)
Key Takeaway: You are trading temporary power (guns, armor, level) for permanent power (account bonuses, stash size, skill points).
How to Unlock the Expedition Project
You won't see this option immediately. It is a mid-game milestone.
Reach Level 20
Play the game normally to level up your raider.
Check Projects
Go to Menu > Raider > Projects.
Start Construction
Activate the Expedition Project to begin.
Why does this matter? ARC Raiders is designed as a loop. Normal gameplay is "Loot → Extract → Upgrade". Expedition expands this to "Play for weeks → Reset → Play stronger". Without Expedition, you would eventually max out your account and run out of meaningful progression.
Why Do Players Reset?
Long-Term Power
Bonus skill points and stash slots stack forever. A player who has reset 3 times is mathematically stronger than one who hasn't.
Faster Progression
With permanent XP boosts, your next character flies through the early game, reaching endgame status in half the time.
The Fresh Start
The early game survival struggle is often the most fun part. Resetting lets you experience that tension again with new stakes.
Is Expedition For You?
You Should Reset If...
- •You plan to play ARC Raiders for months.
- •You've hit a wall with upgrades and have a full stash.
- •You want to optimize your account for the long run.
Skip It For Now If...
- •You play casually or only on weekends.
- •You're still learning the basic mechanics.
- •You haven't reached Level 20 or finished the main questline.
Common Questions
Is Expedition mandatory?
No. It is technically optional. You can ignore it and keep playing your current raider, but you will miss out on permanent bonuses.
Does it reset everything?
No. It wipes raider-level progress (level, stash, gear) but keeps account-level progress (cosmetics, currencies, maps).
How often can I reset?
Expeditions follow an 8-week cycle. You can only depart during the final window of each cycle.
Is Expedition the same as a server wipe?
Not exactly. It’s a character wipe tied to your account. It doesn’t reset the entire game world or other players—only your raider within the rules of the Expedition system.