Progression wipes have become a foundational part of extraction shooters, serving as a balancing mechanism that refreshes the economy, resets player progression, and renews the challenge curve for both new and veteran players. Arc Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, follows this tradition but introduces its own unique twist through a structured, player-driven reset system called The Expedition Project.
Rather than enforcing mandatory, scheduled wipes on the entire player base — something that can disrupt late joiners or players with limited playtime — Arc Raiders allows players to choose when to reset their progression. This gives the long-term experience a cyclical rhythm without punishing more casual players.
Below is a full breakdown of how this system works, what you keep, what you lose, and why it matters.
What Is “The Expedition Project”?
At the core of Arc Raiders’ progression loop is a feature called Projects, major objectives that unlock at different stages of character development. These dictate long-term goals and reward players for deep engagement with game systems like crafting, gathering, upgrading, and exploration.
When players reach Level 20, they unlock the first and most important of these major Projects:
The Expedition Project
This Project is specifically tied to the game’s progression wipe system. Completing it triggers an optional full character reset — but only if the player chooses to initiate it. Unlike traditional extraction shooters such as Escape From Tarkov, the wipe is not automatic or global. Each player controls their own wipe timeline.
How the Reset Works
Once a player has completed The Expedition Project, they gain access to the option to perform a character reset. Completing the reset allows them to begin another Expedition cycle, provided they complete the Project again.
This creates a recurring loop:
- Play → Progress → Reach Level 20 → Complete Expedition Project → Choose to Reset → Start Fresh With Rewards
Embark emphasised that this system exists specifically to respect players with limited time. A mandatory wipe resets everyone regardless of effort, but a voluntary wipe empowers players to progress at their own pace without losing investment.
The Expedition Project Timeline
Each Expedition run follows a consistent seasonal structure lasting approximately 8 weeks (56 days). Embark describes this as a long-form progression cycle designed to encourage both dedicated and casual playstyles.
Weeks 1–7: Progress Toward the Expedition Goal
During this period, players work on:
- Gathering required materials
- Completing Project objectives
- Advancing through the mid-to-end game
- Upgrading gear, workshops, and abilities
Completing all stages of the Project requires a significant time investment — intentionally so — as each Expedition is meant to feel like a full gameplay arc.
Week 8: Finalisation Period
At the start of Week 8, the reset option unlocks.
Players who have completed all requirements can finalize their Project and choose whether to:
- Complete the Expedition and reset, gaining rewards, or
- Continue playing normally until the next cycle
This week-long window provides flexibility for players to finish late tasks or prepare for the next Expedition.
Example Timeline
- First Expedition Cycle:
October 30, 2025 → December 21, 2025
This period defines the structure that future cycles are expected to follow.
What You Lose vs. What You Keep After a Reset
The heart of any wipe is what persists and what returns to zero. Arc Raiders uses a hybrid model designed to balance fairness, progression value, and long-term account investment.
What You Lose (Character-Specific Progression)
Everything directly tied to your active character resets, including:
- Character Level
- Skill Points (except bonus ones earned from Expeditions)
- Inventory
- Crafted items
- Workshop tier and equipment
- Unlocked crafting recipes
- In-raid materials and currency
- Character talent progression
- Gear loadouts and modifications
This ensures that each Expedition feels like a fresh, balanced start where all players are effectively on the same competitive footing.
What You Keep (Account-Level Progression & Metagame)
Player account–bound progression remains intact, including:
- Cosmetics (both earned and purchased)
- Achievements, trophies, and awards
- Rankings and stats
- Unlocked Maps
- Workshop Stations
- Codex Entries
- Raider Tokens and credits
- Trials
- Permanent Raider Deck unlocks
- Bonus Skill Points earned from completed Expeditions
- Real-money purchases (strictly preserved)
This approach protects player investment and reduces early-game repetition.
Quality-of-Life Boost After Reset
Following a completed Expedition, players skip most onboarding tasks:
- Tutorial steps
- Early progression locks
- Initial map unlocks
This ensures that the second, third, and fourth Expeditions are faster and more efficient, rewarding repeat playthroughs.
Expedition Project Rewards, Benefits, and Incentives
To encourage players to engage with the progression wipe system, Embark includes powerful account-level benefits that grow with each completed Expedition.
1. Permanent Account Unlocks
Each Expedition grants lasting upgrades that apply to future cycles, allowing faster progression and more effective play.
2. Exclusive Expedition Cosmetics
Unique skins, badges, and visual rewards are tied to each Expedition, giving players visible proof of their experience and dedication.
3. Account Buffs for the Next Cycle
These temporary modifiers apply for the entire next Expedition cycle, providing:
- Faster leveling
- Increased resource gains
- Improved crafting efficiency
- Bonus skill points or perks
- Boosted raid rewards
These buffs help propel players through the early game, making each new cycle increasingly rewarding.
Why Arc Raiders’ Wipe System Matters
By combining voluntary wipes, seasonal structure, and persistent account progression, Arc Raiders introduces one of the most player-friendly wipe systems in any extraction shooter to date.
The Expedition system:
- Avoids punishing casual players
- Offers hardcore players a fresh challenge loop
- Gives meaningful rewards for wiping
- Refreshes the economy and gameplay rhythm
- Prevents stagnation in high-level play
- Keeps long-term engagement high
It’s a deliberate balance between fairness, replayability, and respect for player time — something many extraction shooters struggle to achieve.
