Expedition Projects - Season 3
Arc Raiders' seasonal voluntary progression reset system. Complete 6 construction phases, then earn up to 5 Skill Points through the new damage challenge. Third Expedition departure: May 4, 2026.
What Are Expedition Projects?
Expedition Projects represent Arc Raiders' innovative approach to progression resets. Rather than forcing mandatory wipes that erase all player progress, Embark Studios has created a voluntary reset mechanic that allows players to choose when—and if—they want to reset their character.
This system is designed to keep the game fresh and competitive while respecting the time investment players have made in building their characters. As Virgil, the game's design director, explains: completing an Expedition Project gives you exclusive rewards and permanent account benefits without giving you any combat advantage over players who haven't reset.
How Expedition Projects Work
Construction Phase (~60 Days)
Players at level 20 and above contribute materials and resources toward project completion. Work together with the community to advance through all 6 project phases during this 8-week period.
Departure Window (5 Days)
After construction completes, a 5-day departure window opens (Season 3: April 28–May 4, 2026). During this window, deal damage to earn up to 5 Skill Points, then depart automatically when the window closes. Miss the signup? The Last Call feature offers a final registration popup at next login — no Skill Points, but you still participate.
Seasonal Cycles
Each Expedition season runs for approximately 60 days + 7-day departure. Complete multiple Expeditions to stack permanent buffs and collect exclusive cosmetics from each season.
Season 3 Rewards & Buffs
Completing Expedition 3 provides both permanent account unlocks and temporary buffs for your next Raider. Full Patchwork outfit unlocked after this Expedition.
Permanent Rewards
- +12 Stash Space — Cumulative: 292 → 304 → 316 after the third Expedition
- Bonus Skill Points (up to +5) — Earned by dealing damage with any weapon or gadget during the 5-day window (not stash value). See the Third Expedition guide for details.
- Patchwork Outfit (Evolved) — Helmet, Bandolier, Leg Accessories toggles; White/Red and Black/Green color variants
- Scrappy Turban — Exclusive headwear cosmetic
- Expedition Indicator Icon — Upgrades with each completed Expedition
Consecutive Expedition Buffs (Resets If Skipped)
- XP Boost — 5% (1st) → 10% (2nd) → 15% (3rd)
- Scrappy Materials Boost — 6% (1st) → 12% (2nd) → 18% (3rd)
- Repair Value Increase — 60% (1st) → 70% (2nd) → 80% (3rd)
What Happens When You Reset
When you complete an Expedition Project and reset your character, certain progression is wiped while other elements are permanently preserved.
This Will Be Reset
- Stash upgrade progress
- Inventory items
- Blueprints
- Coins
- Player level
- Skill points
- Raider den progress
- Workshop progress
- Quests
This Will Be Kept
- Unlocked maps
- Unlocked workshop stations
- Codex entries
- Cred (premium currency)
- Raider decks progress
- Active leaderboards
- Trials
- Cosmetics (earned & purchased)
- Personal event progress
- Bonus skill points from expeditions
- Bonus stash slots from expeditions
Season 3: The 6 Project Phases
Expedition 3 consists of 6 phases that require substantial community material contributions. Phase names and structure remain consistent each season — exact material amounts below are from Season 2 and will be updated as Season 3 requirements are confirmed.
Foundation phase requirements — Building the base structure (Season 2 confirmed, Season 3 TBC):
- Metal Parts x150
- Plastic Parts x200
- ARC Alloy x80
- Steel Spring x15
Core Systems phase — Wiring, ventilation, and power supply (Season 2 confirmed, Season 3 TBC):
- Durable Cloth x35
- Wires x25
- Electrical Components x20
- Cooling Fan x4
Framework phase — Walls, roofs, and core systems installation (Season 2 confirmed, Season 3 TBC):
- Lightbulb x4
- Battery x30
- Shredder Gyro x10
- Exodus Module x1
Outfitting phase — Storage, workbenches, and high-tier ARC components (requires Stella Montis farming; Season 2 confirmed, Season 3 TBC):
- Frequency Modulation Box x5
- Advanced Electrical Component x5
- Ion Sputter x3
- Leaper Pulse Unit x3
Loading phase — Donate items worth the specified coin values to stock the caravan (Season 2 confirmed, Season 3 TBC):
- Combat Items (Coin Value) 200,000
- Survival Items (Coin Value) 100,000
- Provisions (Coin Value) 150,000
- Materials (Coin Value) 300,000
Note: Donate items to the Expedition caravan worth the listed coin values.
Combat Items: Weapons, ammo, and combat gear
Survival Items: Medical supplies, tools, and survival equipment
Provisions: Food, water, and consumables
Materials: Crafting materials and repair components
Season 3 Departure — No additional materials required. Your caravan is ready!
Departure Window: April 28 – May 4, 2026 (5 days). Opens at 13:00 CEST on April 28, closes at 09:00 CEST on May 4.
Skill Point Challenge: Deal damage with any weapon or gadget (outside the practice range) during the window to earn up to +5 Skill Points. No stash value required.
What Happens: Your Raider departs beyond the Rust Belt forever. All items in your stash are wiped.
Permanent Rewards: +12 stash space (316 total after 3rd), Patchwork Outfit (Evolved), Scrappy Turban, Expedition Indicator Icon, and consecutive buffs up to 15% XP / 18% Scrappy Materials / 80% Repair Value.
Full details: A Triumphant Exit — Third Expedition guide
Expedition Rewards
Permanent Unlocks
Earn account-wide permanent unlocks including tutorial skips and quality-of-life improvements for future playthroughs.
Unique Cosmetics
Receive exclusive cosmetic rewards for each Expedition completion to showcase your dedication.
Account Buffs
Gain stacking account buffs for subsequent playthroughs (up to a cap). These provide convenience without combat advantages.