If you've just read about the Expedition Project and searched for "expedition arc raiders worth it", you're probably asking:
"Should I actually do this, or am I going to regret wiping my progress?"
The ARC Raiders community is heavily split on this. Some players love Expeditions as a long-term prestige system. Others finish one and say it wasn't worth the grind at all.
This guide won't tell you there's a single right answer. Instead, it will help you decide based on how you play.
If you haven't yet read the basics of how Expedition works, start here first: What Is Expedition in ARC Raiders?
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.
TL;DR – Is Expedition Worth It?
Here's the short version, based on your playstyle.
Hardcore
High Hours / Long-Term
- •Play many hours per week
- •Plan to play for months
- •Enjoy min-maxing & prestige
Verdict: Probably worth it once you've finished your current goals.
Steady Casual
Regular / Few Nights
- •Play regularly, not all day
- •Dislike big setbacks
- •Want steady progress
Verdict: Conditionally worth it. Don't rush the first one.
Weekend Only
Low Commitment
- •1-2 short sessions/week
- •Just hanging out with friends
- •Slow cumulative progress
Verdict: Usually NOT worth it early on. Skip cycles freely.
The Trade: What You Give vs. What You Get
Before judging whether Expedition ARC Raiders is worth it, you need a clear view of the trade.
What You Give Up
- • Character Level & Skills
- • Inventory & Stash Items
- • Coins (Money)
- • Blueprints & Workshop Upgrades
- • Base/Den Progression
- • Current Quest Progress
What You Keep
- • Cosmetics (Skins, Emotes)
- • Premium Currency
- • Map Unlocks
- • Codex & Account Stats
- • Previous Expedition Bonuses
What You Gain
- • Permanent Stash Slots
- • Permanent Bonus Skill Points
- • Next Cycle XP Boosts
- • Material Efficiency Buffs
- • Unique Cosmetic Rewards
Key Insight: You are trading temporary character power for permanent account power. Whether this is "worth it" depends entirely on how long you plan to play the game.
The Pros and Cons (Deep Dive)
Let's summarize the main arguments for and against Expedition ARC Raiders.
Pros – Why Reset?
Permanent Power Growth
Stack extra skill points and stash space. Your account gets stronger forever, not just for one run.
Faster Future Progression
XP and efficiency buffs make re-leveling much faster and less grindy than your first time.
Fresh Run Energy
A clean slate to try new builds with a powered-up starting point.
Cons – Why Skip?
Huge Resource Cost
The project requires massive amounts of materials and high-value loot to complete.
Losing Blueprints
Re-farming rare weapon blueprints and workshop upgrades is the biggest pain point for most players.
Unclear Thresholds
Exact formulas for bonus points are hidden, making it hard to know if you've "saved enough" to reset.
If you're unsure or play casually, wait for more tuning and information before committing to Expedition.
Detailed Player Breakdown
Hardcore / Long-Session Players
You fit this profile if: You play 10+ hours/week, enjoy min-maxing, and plan to play for multiple seasons.
Recommendation: Expedition is generally worth it, but don't do it too early.
- Wait until you've reached a comfortable endgame level.
- Ensure your stash value is high enough to maximize bonus skill points.
- Accept that re-grinding blueprints is part of the prestige loop.
Steady Casual Players
You fit this profile if: You play a few evenings a week, care about progress, but dislike huge setbacks.
Recommendation: Conditionally worth it. Do not rush.
- Skip the first cycle if you're still learning.
- Only reset when you feel you've "finished a chapter" on your current raider.
- If you're still excited about your current loot, it's too early to reset.
Weekend / Low-Commitment Players
You fit this profile if: You play 1-2 short sessions a week mostly for fun.
Recommendation: Usually NOT worth it early on.
- The cost is too high relative to your playtime.
- It will take you months to feel the benefit of the permanent buffs.
- Ignore the project for now and enjoy your continuous run.
Decision Checklist
Before you press confirm, ask yourself:
- Do I clearly understand what I'm losing vs. keeping?
- Have I finished the content I care about on this raider?
- Am I ready to say goodbye to my current stash?
- Will I play enough in the next cycle to feel the benefits?
If mostly YES:
Expedition is likely worth it for you.
If mostly NO:
Wait. Let the system evolve.