Quick Read
- ARC Raiders introduces an optional progression wipe event called the Expedition Project, starting December 17, 2025.
- Players who opt in receive permanent unlocks (cosmetics, stash space, skill points) and temporary buffs (repair, XP, materials).
- The Expedition window lasts from December 17 to December 22; all participants depart together at the end.
- Your stash and coins at wipe determine extra skill points for your next character.
- Progress toward building a Caravan is preserved if you do not participate.
ARC Raiders Expedition Project: A New Approach to Progression Wipes
In a landscape where online multiplayer games often rely on mandatory progression wipes to keep the experience fresh, Embark Studios is charting a new course with ARC Raiders. Starting December 17, 2025, players will have the option to participate in the Expedition Project, an event designed to offer both challenge and reward for those willing to reset their progress.
Permanent and Temporary Rewards for Optional Wipes
Unlike mandatory wipes that affect all players, ARC Raiders gives you the power to choose. If you opt to ‘depart’ from Speranza during the Expedition window, you’ll trigger a permanent wipe of your character’s progress. This means your Skill Tree, Level, Stash, Workshop, Crafting Abilities, and Blueprints will be reset. However, the reset comes with a suite of rewards—some lasting, some fleeting.
Permanent unlocks include:
- The exclusive Patchwork Raider outfit
- Scrappy Janitor Cap
- Expeditions Indicator icon
- Up to five skill points for your new Raider, calculated by the value of your Stash and Coins (one million Coins = one skill point)
- +12 Stash space for greater inventory management
Temporary buffs are also granted, but these expire if you don’t join the next expedition:
- 10% repair buff
- 5% XP boost
- 6% increased materials from Scrappy
These account buffs become even stronger during your next three expeditions, though only one departure is allowed per expedition window.
How the Expedition Window Works
The Expedition event kicks off December 17 and runs until December 22. During this time, players must sign up if they wish to participate. Once the window closes, all participants will depart together, activating their wipes and rewards at the same moment. If you decide not to join, your progress—especially toward building a Caravan—remains untouched, allowing you to continue developing until the next window opens in a few months.
This approach reflects Embark Studios’ commitment to respecting players’ time and investment. As stated in their announcement, “Progression wipes are a notoriously difficult thing to balance in online multiplayer games – we get that.” By making wipes optional, the studio aims to deliver the thrill of a fresh start without punishing those who prefer steady progress.
Balancing Challenge and Investment: Why Optional Wipes?
Mandatory wipes can level the playing field, letting veterans and newcomers alike experience the early-game grind. But they also risk alienating players who have poured countless hours into their characters and inventories. The Expedition Project is Embark’s answer—a system that rewards both commitment and willingness to start anew.
If you haven’t achieved all your goals, you’re free to keep raiding, building, and growing. But if you’re ready for a new challenge, the Expedition offers not just rewards but also a sense of accomplishment and “bragging rights.” The initial onboarding sequence will be skipped for those who wipe, meaning all maps and potential workshop upgrades are instantly accessible.
It’s a nuanced solution, and one that might set a new standard for progression systems in online shooters. By respecting player choice, ARC Raiders hopes to keep its community engaged, whether they’re in it for the long haul or eager for the next big reset.
Looking Ahead: Cold Snap Update and Future Expeditions
The Expedition Project isn’t the only thing on ARC Raiders’ horizon. December 17 also marks the launch of the Cold Snap update, which brings a new event, additional quests, and more content for players to explore. This ensures that whether you opt for the wipe or not, there’s fresh gameplay to experience.
Embark Studios is encouraging players to stay connected and informed through their official channels, including Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Google News. With a growing number of Raiders enjoying the game, the Expedition Project could see substantial participation and feedback, shaping future updates and events.
What Does This Mean for ARC Raiders Players?
Ultimately, the introduction of optional wipes and expedition rewards represents a significant shift in how progression is handled. It acknowledges the diverse motivations within the player base—some seek the thrill of starting over, others the satisfaction of steady growth. By providing meaningful incentives for both paths, ARC Raiders is working to ensure no one feels left behind or forced into a playstyle that doesn’t suit them.
As the December 17 window approaches, players will be weighing their options: stick with what they’ve built or take the leap for new unlocks and buffs. Whichever path is chosen, the Expedition Project promises to keep ARC Raiders’ world dynamic and rewarding.
Embark Studios’ decision to offer optional wipes with tangible rewards is a notable experiment in player agency. By blending permanent unlocks with temporary buffs, the Expedition Project strikes a thoughtful balance between challenge and investment, potentially setting a precedent for progression systems in future online games.