Arc Raiders Expedition Guide 2026: Definition, Features, and Maximizing Benefits

Arc Raiders has a straightforward premise, with players’ main objective being survival. The game takes you to dangerous maps that are filled with enemies and loot. Players can scavenge for resources or high-value items, but they need to bring sufficient defense, or opponents will take them down. Expedition is a unique feature in Arc Raiders, which many assume is a negative thing. That isn’t the case, and we’ll explain how to use Expedition in Arc Raiders to your advantage.

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What is Expedition in Arc Raiders

Expedition in Arc Raiders.

Expeditions are recurring prestige-style projects that players can complete roughly every eight weeks. The projects are a way for players to reset their Raider and start afresh, but with a caveat. You lose most of your gear and upgrades, but you gain permanent rewards that give your next Raider a head start. 

The Expedition project isn’t mandatory, and participation is voluntary. Players can also contribute to the Expedition projects, but choose not to depart when the time comes. A reset will only be triggered when a player departs, which must be done manually. Skipping departure will ensure your Expedition progress carries over to the next project. If you want to complete the next Expedition to claim the rewards, but don’t have the game, you can get it from LootBar!

What Gets Reset with Expedition in Arc Raiders

Here are some of the things that reset if you depart in an Expedition:

  • Character progression

  • Inventory and all its content

  • Unlocked blueprints and crafting upgrades 

  • Raider Den decor and progress

  • Quest progress

What doesn’t reset with Expedition in Arc Raiders

What you keep and lose in Arc Raiders Expeditions.

Here are some of the things that will remain even if you depart in an Expedition:

  • Cosmetics 

  • Codex entries 

  • Permanent rewards from past Expeditions 

  • Raider Deck progress

  • Unlocked map regions

  • Trials and leaderboard progress 

  • Premium currency

  • Trophy Display Project

What rewards do players get from Expeditions in Arc Raiders?

Here are some rewards players can get after participating in an Expedition:

  • Cosmetics 

  • Extra Stash Slots

  • Skill points

Each Expedition offers up to 5 Skill Points, which are dependent on your stash value at departure. Expedition 1 required 1,000,000 stash value for 1 skill point, while Expedition 2 lowered it to 600,000 per point. 

How Expedition Works in Arc Raiders

Each Expedition cycle has three phases:

  1. Build phase: The project is made available at the start of the cycle, and players should complete all 6 stages to maximize rewards. The progress is saved, and players can continue completing this phase across multiple 60-day cycles if they don’t depart.  

  2. Sign-up window: Embark Studios opens departure sign-ups five days before the departure date. You can continue collecting even after signing up, and your items will be counted at departure. 

  3. Departure: All your items are converted to stash value on the departure day, and you receive permanent Skill Points based on the value.

The 6 Expedition stages

Load Stage in Arc Raiders Expedition.

The stages remain the same in each Expedition, with the objectives changing based on the needs of each individual project.

  1. Foundation: This is the stage that requires players to collect resources for the base structure and frame. 

  2. Core Systems: This stage focuses on the essential systems, such as electrical and ventilation.

  3. Framework: This stage requires players to find structure components and modules. 

  4. Outfitting: The final collection stage that tasks players with finding resources to equip the interior.

  5. Load Stage: This stage requires items of a set total value in four categories, including Combat, Survival, Provisions, and Materials.

  6. Departure: This is the last stage, and your total stash value is calculated to determine your Skill Points rewards.

These stages and the collection element remain constant across Expeditions, but the material and quantity change. 

Tips to make the most of Expeditions in Arc Raiders

Expeditions have a template that players must follow, but you can tweak your collection in a way to maximise the rewards you get.

  • Concentrate on higher value items so your stash value increases 

  • If you think you need to continue collecting items, don’t rush departure 

  • Make sure you complete the Load Stage efficiently and get high-value items for the Combat, Survival, Provisions, and Materials categories 

  • Don’t reset too soon; complete the full cycle to make the most of it

Conclusion

Expeditions are a great way for players to revamp their Raiders while ensuring they get a boost, so it doesn’t feel like they’re starting from scratch. The feature for progress to carry over across multiple cycles if you don’t want to depart too soon is also great, as it allows you to strategize according to your preference. The Skill Points reward may be the best thing about Expeditions, but you need to plan your cycles effectively. So if you're ready to go on an Expedition, but don’t have the game, get the Arc Raiders Steam key now.