Arc Raiders cuts Expedition grind 40%: 3M coins replaces 5M requirement, adds 300K catch-up system

Arc Raiders Expedition 2

Major Reward Changes & Reduced Requirements

Embark Studios responded to community feedback about the first Expedition in Arc Raiders, significantly reducing the stash value requirements while introducing a new catch-up mechanic for returning players. Design director Virgil Watkins acknowledged that the original money-focused requirements were not engaging enough, stating “We completely acknowledge that it isn’t the most engaging thing to just go for money, [and it has] the potential outcome of disincentivizing using your gear.” Over a million players successfully cleared their accounts during the first expedition, with 35-40% reaching the maximum skill point rewards.

What’s Changed?

Max Stash Value

5M Coins

↓ 40% Reduction

Per Skill Point

1M Coins

600K

↓ 40% Easier

Catch-Up Points

300K

NEW Feature

Total Skill Points

✓ Unchanged

Expedition Comparison

Maximum Stash Value Required 5,000,000 Coins

Skill Points Available 5 Points

Coins Per Skill Point 1,000,000

Catch-Up Mechanic Not Available

Stash Space Bonus +12 Slots

Consecutive Buffs 5% XP, 6% Scrappy, 60% Repair

Maximum Stash Value Required 3,000,000 Coins

Skill Points Available 5 Points

Coins Per Skill Point 600,000

Catch-Up Mechanic 300,000 per missed point

Stash Space Bonus +24 Slots (Total)

Consecutive Buffs 10% XP, 12% Scrappy, 70% Repair

Expedition 2 Coin Calculator

Missed Skill Points from Expedition 1

0 Points

New Expedition 2 Points (5 max) 3,000,000

Catch-Up for Missed Points 0

TOTAL COINS NEEDED 3,000,000

Coins contribute to Expedition 2 points first, then to catch-up points from Expedition 1

Expedition 2 Timeline

January 27, 2026

Headwinds Update Launch

Solo vs. squads queue option and Bird City map condition released, setting the stage for Expedition 2. Learn more about Bird City updates.

February 25, 2026

Sign-Up Opens

Raiders can begin signing up for Expedition 2 and start preparing their stash value to meet the new 3 million coin requirement.

March 1, 2026

Departure Date

Official expedition departure window begins. Raiders who meet requirements will reset their accounts and claim rewards.

April 2026

Expedition 3 Expected

Based on the Escalation roadmap, the third expedition window is planned for late April with potential new content updates.

Expedition 2 Rewards

Permanent Rewards

Patchwork Outfit: Evolved version with 4 additional toggles and 2 new colors

Scrappy Cosmetics: New outfit for second-time expeditioners

Stash Space: Additional 12 slots (24 total for returning Raiders)

Skill Points: Up to 5 new points plus catch-up opportunities

Expedition Icon: Upgraded indicator for completed expeditions

Consecutive Buffs

XP Boost: 10% total (doubled from 5%)

Scrappy Materials: 12% boost (increased from 6%)

Repair Value: 70% increase (up from 60%)

Note: Buffs reset if you skip an expedition but permanent rewards are retained

What’s Retained

Trophy Display: Project progress carries over

Cosmetics: All previously unlocked items

Raider Deck: Progress maintained

Map Regions: Unlocked areas stay accessible

Codex & Trials: Entries and leaderboard position preserved

Raider Tokens: Currency balance unaffected

Prepare for Departure

The second expedition addresses community concerns while maintaining meaningful progression. With reduced requirements and the new catch-up system, more Raiders can access these prestigious rewards. Embark continues to address ongoing issues including coordinated DDoS attacks that occurred in late January and cheaters, while remaining committed to improving the expedition experience based on player feedback.

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