Expeditions are ARC Raiders’ core endgame feature, offering a voluntary soft-reset system that balances fresh gameplay with long-term rewards. Unlocked once your Raider reaches Level 20, these recurring projects task you with building a caravan, meeting stage requirements, and registering for departure-all while earning permanent account perks and temporary buffs. This guide breaks down every step, reward, and reset detail to help you navigate the process smoothly.
1. Prerequisites to Start an Expedition
Before diving into expedition steps, you must meet one non-negotiable requirement: reach Level 20 with your Raider. This ensures you have the experience and ARC Raiders Items to gather the resources needed for the caravan build.
Once Level 20, access the expedition via the “Projects” tab on the Raiders screen. Here, you’ll track progress, view resource needs, and check the next departure window schedule-critical for avoiding missed opportunities.
2. Step-by-Step Expedition Completion
Expeditions follow a fixed 6-stage process, plus a final departure window. Each stage has specific material requirements, and once you commit resources, they are permanently consumed (no refunds or partial undoes).
Stage 1: Foundation
The first stage focuses on building the caravan’s basic frame, requiring common but abundant materials. Typical requirements include 150 Metal Parts (found in medical, commercial, and electrical zones), 200 Rubber Parts (mechanical and industrial areas), 80 Arc Alloy (dropped by Arc enemies in Dam Battlegrounds and Spaceport), and 15 Steel Springs (industrial zones near power plants).
Stage 2: Core Systems
Next, you’ll wire the caravan with essential electrical components. Expect to need 30 Durable Cloths, 25 Wires, 20 Electrical Components, and 3 Industrial Chargers-materials found by looting mechanical and tech-focused areas or recycling junk.
Stage 3: Framework
This stage strengthens the caravan’s structure with more specialized items. Requirements often include 20 Refined Metals, 20 Advanced Components, 5 Arc Cores, and even unique items like a Coffee Pot or Firefly Burner, which drop from specific enemy types or hidden caches.
Stage 4: Outfitting
Now you’ll equip the caravan for the journey, needing high-grade gear and experimental parts. Common needs include 10 Titanium Plates, 10 High-Grade Polymers, 5 Experimental Schematics, and rare items like a Broken Guidance System or Bombardier Cell.
Stage 5: Load Stage
A key update in recent expeditions shifts this stage from stash value to combat performance. You’ll need to deal a set amount of damage to enemies (any weapon or gadget counts) and submit high-value items totaling around 600,000 in value, split across combat, survival, provisions, and materials categories.
Stage 6: Departure
Once all stages are complete, wait for the 7-day departure window (announced by Embark Studios every 60 days via social media). Register your Raider during this window-missing it means your progress carries over to the next cycle, but consecutive buffs reset if you skip a window.
3. Expedition Rewards: Permanent Perks and Temporary Buffs
Expeditions offer two types of rewards: permanent account upgrades and temporary stacking buffs, making the time investment worthwhile for long-term play.
Permanent Rewards
Every completed expedition grants +12 permanent stash slots, increasing your storage capacity indefinitely (e.g., 292 slots after the first expedition, 304 after the second). You also earn up to 5 bonus skill points-now based on combat damage instead of stash value-with a catch-up mechanic for missed expeditions (using stash value for skipped points).
Exclusive cosmetics are another highlight, including the Patchwork Outfit (with helmet, bandolier, and leg toggles) and color variations (white/red, black/green), plus a Scrappy Turban and upgraded expedition indicator icon for each completed cycle.
Temporary Buffs
Consecutive expeditions unlock stacking buffs (reset if you miss a window). These include 5-15% XP boost, 6-18% Scrappy materials boost, and 60-80% increased weapon repair value-all helping your next Raider level up and gather resources faster.
4. Reset Details: What You Keep and Lose
Sending your Raider on an expedition triggers a soft reset, but critical account progress is preserved. Understanding what resets and what stays helps you plan strategically.
What Resets
Your Raider’s level, skill points, and perks reset to Level 1. All inventory items, gear, coins, stash upgrades, workshop levels (reverts to Level 1), cheap ARC Raiders BluePrints, and most crafting progress are lost. Active quests and mission progress also reset to the starting point.
What You Keep
Permanent account assets are safe: unlocked maps, workshop stations, codex entries, Raider tokens, Cred, trials, and leaderboard progress. Cosmetics, personal event progress, bonus stash slots, and bonus skill points from past expeditions also remain intact.
5. Pro Tips for a Smooth Expedition
Start farming materials early-core components like Arc Alloy and Steel Springs are easier to collect over time than in a last-minute rush. Focus on damage builds for the load stage, as skill points now depend on combat performance, not hoarding loot.
Use the “Last Call” feature if you miss the departure window: a pop-up on your next login lets you register late (no skill points, but no progress loss). Finally, track departure windows to maintain consecutive buffs and maximize long-term rewards.
Expeditions are ARC Raiders’ way of keeping the game fresh while rewarding dedication. By following these steps, you’ll turn the voluntary reset into a strategic advantage, unlocking permanent perks and enjoying a new challenge with each cycle.
