Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
VGSOURCES
Get listed

ARC RaidersPATCH 2026.10.17

ARC Raiders explained: how extraction, lost loot, and progression work

By VGSources Team 8 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

ARC Raiders is an extraction adventure built around one decision: keep scavenging for a better haul, or leave the surface while you still can. You deploy from underground Speranza, gather resources and complete objectives on the surface, then attempt to extract. ARC machines and rival Raiders make every extra minute more dangerous. A successful extraction returns your haul; a failed run can cost the equipment you brought, but free loadouts and the Scrappy companion give you a way to restart.

What ARC Raiders is and why extraction matters

ARC Raiders is a multiplayer extraction adventure set on a lethal future Earth threatened by mechanized ARC machines. Speranza is the underground hub; the surface is where you search buildings, collect materials, pursue objectives and encounter danger. The practical purpose of a raid is not simply to find items. It is to bring those items back alive.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

You can play alone or in teams of up to three. The official FAQ says matchmaking prioritizes solo-versus-solo and team-versus-team encounters, although live matchmaking behavior can change with updates. Other Raiders may cooperate temporarily, compete for the same resources or fight over an extraction opportunity. ARC machines are a shared environmental threat, so even a quiet area can become dangerous without another player firing a shot.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The central risk-and-reward rule is easy to understand: staying longer can produce a larger haul and more completed objectives, but it also gives ARC and other Raiders more opportunities to find you. Celia Lewis, a narrative designer at Embark Studios, described the launch-era design this way: “Scavenging for long periods can reap awesome rewards, but the longer a group stays topside, the more likely they will not only come across Arc, but other Raiders as well.” That is design intent rather than a guaranteed probability for every current match.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Gaoye Blue Light Blocking Glasses | Anti UV Ray, For Computers & Gaming, Square Frame, Eyewear for Men and Women
  • BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
  • EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
  • COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
  • WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.

How a raid works, step by step

  1. Prepare in Speranza. Choose the equipment you are willing to risk and make sure you understand your objective before deploying. Your Workshop is where gear can be crafted, repaired and upgraded.
  2. Deploy to the surface. Search for resources, objective items and information while monitoring the threats around you. The surface is the source of the materials and progress that make the run worthwhile.
  3. Choose how much to pursue. You can continue scavenging, work on additional objectives or start looking for an extraction point. There is no source-supported numerical rule that tells you the exact safest minute to leave; the decision depends on your equipment, objective progress, team condition and the threats you can hear or see.
  4. Reach an extraction point and leave. Extraction is the event that converts a topside run into a haul returned to Speranza. The available official explanations do not provide a complete, current rulebook for every extraction-point interaction, timing exception or special state, so follow the instructions shown in your current game build.
  5. Use what you brought home. Scavenged loot can be sold for coin or used in crafting. Returned materials support future gear, repairs and upgrades rather than existing only as a score on the results screen.

Stay topside or extract now?

The best choice is a judgment call, not a fixed route. Use the following comparison when deciding whether another building, objective or crate is worth the exposure.

Choice What you gain What increases When it makes sense
Keep scavenging More chances to find resources and complete objectives Time exposed to ARC machines and rival Raiders Your equipment is adequate, your route remains manageable and the additional objective has meaningful value
Extract now A chance to secure the haul already collected You give up further scavenging opportunities in that run You have valuable loot, damaged or limited gear, a completed priority objective, or mounting threats around your route

Do not treat a full inventory as the only reason to leave. A modest haul that reaches Speranza can fund the next run; a much larger haul left on the surface has no value if the run fails. Conversely, extracting after every minor find slows material gathering and objective progress. The useful question is whether the next reward justifies the additional exposure you can reasonably manage.

What happens when you fail to extract?

The official FAQ directly addresses the situation in which a player fails to extract and loses all equipment. The safe baseline is that a failed run can cost the equipment you brought. That is why deployment gear should be treated as risk capital rather than permanent property.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
Windex Gaming Cleaning Wipes, Pre-Moistened Wipes to Instantly Clean all Gaming Gear and Electronics, Resealable Packaging for a Freshness Lock, 25 count (Pack of 1)
  • WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
  • AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
  • PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
  • ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
  • COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed

The same FAQ does not establish a complete item-by-item list of exceptions. It does not, in the material available here, define every protected-inventory rule, downed-state outcome, teammate-recovery interaction or special extraction behavior. Avoid assuming that a particular item is safe unless the current in-game description or an up-to-date official notice says so.

How to restart after a loss

  • Use the free loadout in Speranza. The FAQ identifies this as a way to get back into a run after losing equipment.
  • Use Scrappy. Scrappy is an item-collecting companion that can help you get going again.
  • Rebuild through the Workshop. Materials and coin from later successful runs support crafting, repairs and upgrades.

These are recovery routes, not methods for preserving the equipment lost in the failed run. They let you resume playing without treating one bad extraction as a permanent end to your character.

Progression: the systems that move forward between raids

ARC Raiders does not have one single progression bar. Several systems develop in parallel, and each rewards a different kind of play.

Rank #3
Sale
LISEN Cell Phone Stand Phone Holder for Desk, Office Decor Gadgets for Men | Office Gifts for Women, iPhone Stand, Gadgets for Men, Office Decor, Gaming Desk Accessories for Samsung Fold 8, Switch, iPad
  • Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
  • Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
  • Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
  • ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
  • Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)

Raider level and skill points

Topside activity awards XP. Gaining a Raider level awards skill points, which can be spent on playstyle areas including mobility, stealth and carry capacity. Mobility can support repositioning, stealth can support safer movement around threats, and carry capacity can increase the value you can bring out of a successful run. The system lets you shape a preferred approach instead of making every Raider identical.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Gear, materials and the Workshop

The Workshop handles crafting, repairing and upgrading gear. Scavenged loot has two broad uses: sell it for coin or turn it into equipment and improvements through crafting. That creates a practical loop: surface materials enable better preparation, better preparation can improve future runs, and successful extraction is what supplies the materials to that loop.

Trader quests, challenges, Cred and Raider Decks

Trader quests provide structured objectives beyond simply collecting whatever is nearby. Small topside challenges award Cred. Cred unlocks rewards on the Raider Deck, giving short-term goals alongside the longer work of leveling and upgrading gear. Check the current objective wording before a deployment so that a run aimed at a Trader quest is not accidentally spent pursuing unrelated loot.

Rank #4
Ledagic IC+RGBW USB Powered Led Light Bar with App & Remote Control, 2 Pack
  • Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
  • Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
  • 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
  • Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
  • USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC

Codex discoveries

Exploration also fills the Codex. Discoveries record information about ARC, Last Belt locations and people you encounter. Codex progress is a knowledge and discovery track rather than a replacement for equipment progression, so exploring an unfamiliar area can be worthwhile even when its immediate loot is modest.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Expeditions: the optional reset at level 20

An Expedition is not an automatic seasonal wipe. The official FAQ says it unlocks at Raider level 20 and lets you choose when to reset. That makes it a deliberate trade: you give up specified progression and stored resources in exchange for Expedition rewards and bonuses, while keeping a defined set of account and discovery progress.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Reset by an Expedition Preserved through an Expedition
Raider level Cosmetics and purchases
Skills and skill progress Raider Tokens and Cred
XP Raider Deck progress
Inventory items Codex entries
Stash items Unlocked maps
Crafting progress Prior Expedition bonuses

Because inventory, stash and crafting progress are listed among the reset items, use or sell resources you would otherwise regret losing before confirming an Expedition. Do not assume that cosmetics, purchases or Codex entries will reset simply because your level does. The preserved list above is the distinction that matters when planning the departure.

Best Value
Sale
HUANUO FlowLift™ Dual Monitor Stand, Fully Adjustable Gaming Monitor Desk Mount for 13–32″ Computer Screens, Full Motion VESA 75x75/100x100 with C-Clamp & Grommet Base, Each Arm Holds 4.4 to 19.8 lbs
  • Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
  • Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
  • Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
  • Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
  • Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.

The FAQ describes an eight-week Expedition cycle. A later Fifth Expedition announcement adds a current-cycle qualification: it describes the fifth Expedition window, an opt-in quest-reset change, rewards and buffs, and says Expeditions will pause after the fifth until early 2027 while Embark works on major improvements. It also says earned consecutive buffs persist during that pause. That announcement is dated live-service information, not a permanent promise that every future cycle will use the same schedule or rules.

What the current live-service notes mean

PvE Toggle Beta Test

The official homepage lists a PvE Toggle Beta Test running October 13–20, 2026. The existence and dates of the test are established; the available announcement does not establish exact loot changes, matchmaking rules or whether the toggle will remain after the test. Treat it as a time-limited test rather than a permanent mode specification, and read the in-game notice for the behavior presented in your region and build.

Why dates matter

Extraction rules, Expedition timing and temporary modes are version-sensitive. A guide that accurately describes the general loop can still become wrong about a live event, reset window or matchmaking detail after a patch. Before committing valuable gear to a special event or starting an Expedition, check the current official notice and the text displayed in your client.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A practical beginner plan

  1. Start with a survivable objective. Pick a Trader quest or small challenge that can be completed without crossing the most exposed part of the map.
  2. Carry only what supports the plan. Since a failed run can cost brought equipment, avoid risking your entire best kit while learning a route.
  3. Collect flexible materials. Materials that can be sold for coin or used in Workshop crafting preserve your options after extraction.
  4. Watch the threat mix. ARC activity and signs of other Raiders both increase the cost of staying. A route that was safe at deployment may not remain safe after noise, fighting or time has drawn attention.
  5. Leave when the next reward is not worth the exposure. The goal is a returned haul, not the largest possible inventory screen.
  6. Spend progression deliberately. Use skill points to reinforce mobility, stealth or carry capacity according to the way you actually survive raids, then use Workshop materials for repairs and upgrades that support that style.
  7. Delay an Expedition until the reset is acceptable. Reach level 20 to unlock the option, then review the reset and carryover lists before confirming it.

Common misconceptions to avoid

  • “Every death wipes everything forever.” A failed extraction can cost the equipment you brought, but free loadouts and Scrappy provide a restart route.
  • “Level 20 forces a wipe.” Level 20 unlocks the Expedition option; the reset is voluntary.
  • “An Expedition deletes all progress.” The FAQ specifically lists cosmetics, purchases, Raider Tokens, Cred, Raider Deck progress, Codex entries, unlocked maps and prior Expedition bonuses as carryovers.
  • “The biggest haul is always the correct play.” Additional scavenging raises exposure to ARC and rival Raiders, so securing a smaller haul can be the better decision.
  • “A temporary test is a permanent rule.” The October 13–20, 2026 PvE Toggle Beta Test has confirmed dates, but its long-term availability and detailed modifiers are not established here.

The bottom line

ARC Raiders rewards disciplined extraction more than reckless hoarding. Deploy from Speranza, complete the objective you can realistically secure, weigh every extra minute against ARC and rival Raiders, and leave before the value of the next find is smaller than the risk of losing your loadout. XP and skill points improve your Raider, the Workshop turns materials into better gear, Trader quests and Cred feed Raider Deck rewards, and Codex discoveries add a separate exploration track. At level 20, an optional Expedition can reset level, skills, XP, inventory, stash and crafting progress while preserving the listed account and discovery progress. Check current official notices for live schedules and temporary modes before relying on older assumptions.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

ARC Raidersbeginner guideExpeditionsextraction gamesgame progression

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.