The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The first ARC Raiders Expedition was a voluntary character reset, not a mandatory wipe. Embark moved its departure window to December 17–22, 2025, giving players six days to commit. The initial rules asked players to surrender much of their character progress and belongings in exchange for rewards, including up to five bonus skill points based on the value of their Stash and Coins. Those dates and rewards describe the first Expedition—not a current sign-up window.
What changed in the first Expedition announcement?
On December 6, 2025, Neowin reported that Embark had delayed the first Expedition’s departure window to December 17 through December 22, 2025. Players had to choose to depart during that six-day window; the reset was not imposed on everyone. The window is historical and has closed. Neowin’s December 6, 2025 report described the initial requirements and rewards.
Embark’s design director Virgil had explained in October 2025 that Expeditions were meant to give highly engaged players a fresh start without forcing players with less time to abandon their progress. The first major Expedition Project became available at level 20; completing it made a reset available. Embark’s Expedition Project announcement described the original design.
What did the first Expedition reset?
According to Neowin’s account of the first Expedition, departing players lost the following character progress and items:
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- Character level and skill tree
- Stash and Coins
- Workshop unlocks
- Crafting abilities gained through skills
- Found blueprints
Embark’s October 2025 baseline said character levels, skills, inventory, workshop progress and crafting capabilities would be lost, while cosmetics, awards, achievements and rankings would remain. It also said returning players could skip most onboarding steps. The two descriptions reflect the initial system; later Expeditions changed some rules.
How were bonus skill points calculated?
For the first Expedition, Neowin reported that a player’s Stash and Coins were valued together, with one bonus skill point for every one million Coins of value and a maximum of five bonus points. This was a departure reward calculation reported in December 2025, not a guarantee that the same rate or cap applies to future Expeditions.
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The first Expedition also offered profile and temporary rewards, as reported by Neowin:
- Permanent profile rewards: the Patchwork Raider outfit, a Janitor Cap for Scrappy, an Expedition-level indicator and 12 additional Stash spaces.
- Temporary boosts: 10% more repair value, 5% more XP and 6% more materials from Scrappy.
Virgil said the benefits were designed not to give reset players a combat advantage over players who stayed. The initial package therefore paired a substantial reset with progression and cosmetic incentives rather than framing departure as a compulsory upgrade.
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- Discover a galaxy of opportunity. Explore distinct locations with bustling cities and cantinas. Race across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each location brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.
- Experience an original scoundrel story. Live the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. Turn any situation to your advantage with Nix by your side: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.
- Embark on high-stakes missions. Take on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.
- Jump into the pilot seat. Pilot your ship, the Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with the Empire and other foes. Find the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
How did the rules change by the fifth Expedition?
Embark’s August 21, 2026 announcement for the fifth Expedition showed a different set of terms. That sign-up window ran September 8–29, 2026, and is now closed. The table distinguishes the initial terms reported for the first Expedition from the later terms Embark announced for the fifth.
| Rule | First Expedition | Fifth Expedition |
|---|---|---|
| Departure window | December 17–22, 2025; six days, according to Neowin’s December 2025 report. | September 8–29, 2026; three weeks, according to Embark’s August 21, 2026 announcement. |
| Quest progress | Not stated in the cited first-Expedition report. | Players could choose to keep quest progress instead of resetting quests, according to Embark. |
| Bonus skill points | One point per one million Coins of combined Stash-and-Coin value, up to five, according to Neowin. | Expedition bonus points were capped at 15, according to Embark. |
| Stash-space reward | 12 extra Stash spaces, according to Neowin. | +12 Stash spaces, with the total capped at 60, according to Embark. |
Embark said the fifth window would not have a “last call” feature, so players had to sign up within the published dates. The studio cited player concerns about narrow departure windows, the reward structure and accessibility for new players when announcing changes to the program.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are ARC Raiders Expeditions open now?
No new Expedition window is currently announced in Embark’s August 21, 2026 update. The studio said the fifth Expedition would be the last before Expeditions paused for major improvements, with a return expected in early 2027. That is an announced target, not a confirmed reopening date; Embark has not described the pause as a permanent cancellation. See Embark’s fifth Expedition announcement for the stated schedule and changes.
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