The Expedition Project in Arc Raiders is shaping up to be one of the most defining events the game has seen so far. Not only does it ask players to sacrifice months of progression, but it introduces a prestige-style restart that rewards long-term Raiders with exclusive benefits. If you are planning to depart during this cycle, understanding how the countdown works and what you gain in return is crucial.
Arc Raiders Expedition Project release countdown – Start date and launch window
Embark has confirmed that the Expedition Project window opens on 17 December, running for six days until 22 December. During this period, players can sign up to leave the Rust Belt permanently and start fresh with major progression changes applied. Every participant departs at the same time when the window closes on the 22nd.
Opens December 17 – Departure December 22
This reset is optional, but the benefits scale with your final stash value at the moment the countdown ends, so collecting and storing loot until the last day can make a meaningful difference.
Exact timings and how the sign-up works
The Expedition window opens globally on December 17 and closes on December 22. When the above timer hits zero, all participating Raiders depart together. Once you reset, your new character begins immediately without having to repeat the onboarding sequence, giving instant access to maps and potential workshop upgrades.
Even if you don’t take the caravan this round, your progress toward building it is saved, allowing you to prepare for the next Expedition cycle in a future window.
What resets during the Arc Raiders Expedition Project ?
Choosing to depart means committing to a full progression wipe. If you leave the Rust Belt, the following are reset:
- Level and skill tree
- Stash
- Workshop
- Crafting abilities
- Blueprints
The entire character experience essentially restarts, but future runs become faster thanks to unlocked maps and account-wide upgrades gained from the Expedition itself.
Arc Raiders Expedition Project rewards – Permanent unlocks and temporary buffs
Permanent unlocks (you keep these forever)
| Permanent Reward | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Patchwork Raider outfit | Cosmetic earned through Expedition participation |
| Scrappy Janitor Cap | Additional cosmetic unlock |
| Expeditions Indicator icon | Visual mark of participation |
| +12 Stash space | Increased storage capacity |
| Bonus skill points | Scales with stash value at departure |
The skill point system is directly linked to how much wealth you bank by departure time. For every 1,000,000 Coins, you earn 1 skill point, up to a maximum of 5 extra points.
Temporary buffs (expire if you skip future Expeditions)
These account-wide bonuses apply immediately after reset but only persist if you continue participating in subsequent Expedition cycles:
- 10% repair buff
- 5% XP boost
- 6% increased materials from Scrappy
Buff strength improves for the next three Expeditions, though only one departure can be made per window.
Should you take the Expedition?
The Expedition Project is designed as a high-risk, high-reward endgame loop. You lose everything you’ve built, but in return gain permanent progression, stronger subsequent Expedition bonuses, and the opportunity to experience Arc Raiders as if it were a New Game+ cycle.
If your stash is stacked and you are craving a fresh climb, the countdown may be worth watching closely. If you are still gear-building, you may want to skip this run and prepare for the next window.
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Whether you stay in Speranza or join the departure, one reality is now clear: this system gives power back to the player, not the reset clock. Play Now!
