The ARC Raiders “Expedition Reset” allows players to start a new expedition cycle with certain advantages while maintaining permanent unlocks. Understanding what is retained, what is removed, and how to prepare is essential for maximizing progress.
This guide explains the Expedition Reset system, detailing items and progress that carry over, items that are wiped, and preparation strategies.
By following this guide, players can plan efficiently, optimize resource usage, and gain an advantage in the upcoming reset window.
What is the ARC Raiders Expedition Reset and Its Purpose
The Expedition Reset is an optional system that refreshes a player’s progress while preserving permanent rewards. It maintains game balance, prevents power gaps, and allows players to start a new cycle with defined benefits.
The system encourages fair competition and ensures that seasonal content remains challenging and balanced. Proper understanding of what is retained and what is lost helps players make informed decisions regarding the reset.
Preparation before the reset ensures maximum efficiency and reduces unnecessary losses.
How the ARC Raiders Expedition Reset Works and When It Occurs
Function of the Expedition Reset in ARC Raiders
The Expedition Reset operates as a cycle-based restart system. Players retire their current raider and begin a new character with most temporary progress reset. Permanent unlocks such as cosmetics and stash expansions are retained.
This system stabilizes the in-game economy and prevents excessive progression accumulation, while still rewarding long-term investment.
Scheduled Dates for the Expedition Reset
The first official reset window is December 17–22, 2025. After this period, the next reset cycles occur approximately every eight weeks.
Missing the reset window does not remove current progress but delays the opportunity to start a new cycle. Early planning allows players to secure maximum value during the reset.
What Progress and Items Are Retained After Reset
The Expedition Reset preserves certain permanent progress:
Permanent Unlocks and Account Benefits
- Cosmetics: Outfits, skins, and icons remain with the account.
- Unlock Bonuses: Additional stash slots and skill points are retained.
- Map and Workshop Access: Previously unlocked areas and stations remain available for the new expedition.
Temporary Early-Season Buffs
- Experience and material collection bonuses apply for the first few runs.
- Repair and crafting boosts are available to accelerate early progress.
These features provide tangible advantages at the start of a new expedition cycle.
Progress and Items Lost During Reset
The Expedition Reset clears all temporary progression and items tied to the current expedition cycle. Understanding exactly what will be removed helps players plan effectively and avoid losing valuable resources.
Inventory and Gear Loss
During the reset, all items in your inventory and stash are removed. This includes:
- Weapons and Armor – all equipped or stored weapons, armor pieces, and mods are wiped. Players should prioritize using or upgrading high-value items before the reset.
- Consumables – ammo, healing items, shields, boosters, and temporary power-ups are removed. Anything not used before the reset will be lost.
- Materials and Crafting Components – resources collected for crafting or upgrades, including rare crafting materials, will be cleared. Players should use or convert these materials where possible.
- Crafting Progress – blueprints and partially upgraded stations are reset. Any weapons or items being crafted that were not completed will disappear.
This ensures that all temporary advantages are removed and that every player starts the new season on an even footing, creating a balanced environment for early progression.
Mission Progress and Seasonal Achievements
Resetting also affects all mission-related progress and seasonal rewards:
- Incomplete Missions – any missions, side quests, or expedition tasks that have not been fully completed are lost. This includes any partially collected objectives or unfinished challenges.
- Seasonal XP and Rank – all progress toward seasonal ranks, level rewards, and experience points accumulated during the current season are reset to zero.
- Event-Specific Rewards – items, cosmetics, or points gained through seasonal events or limited-time challenges are removed unless they are considered permanent unlocks.
Players who have been working on seasonal milestones or leaderboard positions should complete critical objectives before the reset to preserve as much value as possible.
Key Takeaways
- Anything tied directly to the current character, expedition cycle, or seasonal event is cleared.
- Permanent unlocks like cosmetics, extra stash space, and skill point bonuses are retained, but everything else is removed.
- Proper preparation, such as consuming consumables, completing missions, and converting resources into permanent rewards, ensures minimal loss.
By understanding exactly what is wiped, players can plan their last few days before the reset efficiently, making the transition to the next expedition smoother and more productive.
Gameplay Changes and Strategy Adjustments After Reset
After the Expedition Reset, all players start with minimal progression, which creates a more balanced environment for early-season PvP and PvE. High-tier gear and overpowered items from previous seasons are removed, so success depends more on player skill and strategic planning rather than accumulated advantages.
Crafting progress is reset, which means that early-season builds focus on efficiency and resource management. Players must prioritize basic gear and accessible weapons, while enemy difficulty and loot distribution are adjusted to match the start of the new season. This ensures that progression is gradual and fair for all participants.
Team-based play becomes particularly beneficial during this phase. Coordinated raids and resource sharing help players rebuild their inventory faster and manage early-game risks more effectively. Cooperation allows squads to progress more quickly and safely compared to solo runs, giving players who work together a clear advantage in the first weeks of the new expedition cycle.
Preparation Steps Before the Expedition Reset
Recommended Strategies for Early Progress Post-Reset
After the reset, players should focus on basic, easy-to-craft weapons first. These provide a reliable foundation for early progression and allow raiders to complete initial missions efficiently. Prioritizing simple gear helps avoid wasting resources on rare items that are difficult to obtain at the start.
Low-risk raids are recommended during the early days of the new expedition cycle. By focusing on safer zones and moderate challenges, players can rebuild their inventory steadily while minimizing the risk of losing valuable materials.
Collaboration with other players can accelerate progress. Coordinated raids, shared resources, and combined strategies make early progression faster and safer.
Additionally, temporary buffs and the extra stash space awarded after the reset should be used strategically. Planning routes and resource usage effectively maximizes these advantages in the first weeks of the new expedition cycle.
Effects of the Reset on PvP and PvE Balance
The reset creates an equal starting point for all players, which significantly improves fairness in both PvP and PvE. High-tier gear from previous seasons is removed, so combat outcomes depend more on skill and strategy rather than accumulated power. This ensures competitive balance and keeps the game challenging for everyone.
Enemy scaling and loot distribution are adjusted to match the early stages of the new season. Players may face slightly stronger foes than usual, which requires careful resource management and thoughtful planning. Understanding the new dynamics helps avoid early setbacks and ensures steady progression.
For new players and returning veterans alike, the reset provides a level playing field. The emphasis shifts to decision-making, teamwork, and efficient use of resources. Skill and tactical choices have a greater impact on success than prior equipment or experience, making early-season gameplay more engaging and strategic.
Final Preparation Tips
- Log in daily during the final week to maximize rewards and stash value.
- Consume temporary items to avoid unnecessary loss.
- Evaluate whether resetting aligns with current goals.
- Use the reset window strategically to maximize advantages.
Maximizing Benefits from the ARC Raiders Expedition Reset
The Expedition Reset allows players to start a new cycle with balanced progression while keeping permanent rewards such as cosmetics, extra stash space, and skill point bonuses. Preparing before the December 17–22, 2025 reset is essential to preserve resources, loot, and achievements from the current cycle.
Players should complete seasonal missions, use temporary items, and secure important unlocks before the reset. Early planning also helps take advantage of temporary buffs and early-season bonuses, giving a head start in the first weeks of the new expedition.
By understanding reset mechanics and planning strategically, players can transition smoothly, progress faster, and maintain a strong position in the upcoming expedition cycle.
