Arc Raiders Expedition 2 Guide (March 2026) Complete Walkthrough
Arc Raiders Expedition 2 represents one of the most significant progression events in the game, offering players the chance to reset their characters while gaining permanent bonuses that will benefit future gameplay. As the extraction shooter genre continues to evolve, Embark Studios has refined their Expedition system to create a more balanced and rewarding experience for both new and veteran players.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Expedition 2, from exact start dates and rewards breakdowns to detailed material requirements and money-making strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned raider or new to the Rust Belt, this guide will help you make informed decisions about participating in this voluntary character wipe.
Quick Reference: Expedition 2 at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Sign-up Period | February 25, 2026 – February 29, 2026 |
| Departure Date | March 1, 2026 |
| Requirements | Level 20+ to unlock Expedition Project |
| Total Phases | 5 (Phase 6 is ready state) |
| Max Skill Points | 5 (plus catch-up mechanics) |
| Stash Requirement | 3 million Coins (600k per Skill Point) |
Understanding the Expedition System
The Expedition system in Arc Raiders is a unique voluntary wipe mechanism that sets it apart from other extraction shooters. Instead of forcing seasonal resets on all players, Arc Raiders gives you the choice to invest resources into the Expedition Project and depart with your current character. This innovative approach allows players to maintain their progress if they prefer, while still providing a structured path for those who want to experience the game’s progression anew.
When you depart on an Expedition, you essentially send your current character on a one-way journey outside of Speranza. While this means losing most of your current progress, you gain significant permanent bonuses that will benefit your new character. This system creates an interesting strategic choice: do you keep your hard-earned gear and blueprints, or do you reset for long-term advantages?
Official Dates and Timeline
Expedition 2 Sign-up Window: February 25-29, 2026 Expedition 2 Departure: March 1, 2026
Unlike traditional seasonal wipes that happen automatically, Arc Raiders employs a departure window system. You can continue playing with your current character right up until the last second before departure. However, you must complete your Expedition Project donations within the sign-up period to qualify for the rewards. This gives players flexibility in timing their departure while maintaining a structured schedule for the community.
The departure window typically lasts 6-7 days, during which time you can choose to depart once your Expedition Project is complete. This system allows players to coordinate with friends and make strategic decisions about when to reset their progression.
Complete Rewards Breakdown
Permanent Rewards
These rewards remain with your account permanently, even if you choose not to participate in future Expeditions:
- Evolved Patchwork Outfit: Enhanced version with four additional toggles and two new color options
- Scrappy Cosmetics: New cosmetic items exclusive to Expedition 2 participants
- Expedition Indicator Icon: Profile badge that upgrades with each Expedition completed
- 24 Additional Stash Spaces: Crucial for long-term inventory management
- 0-5 Bonus Skill Points: Based on your total asset value at departure
- Cosmetic Retention: All previously earned cosmetics remain on your account
Consecutive Expedition Bonuses
These temporary buffs last until the next Expedition, but upgrade if you depart consecutively:
- XP Boost: Increases from 5% to 10% for consecutive participants
- Scrappy Materials Bonus: Enhanced from 6% to 12% material gain
- Repair Value Increase: Improved from 60% to 70% repair efficiency
Catch-Up Mechanic
For players who missed maximum Skill Points in Expedition 1, there’s a catch-up system:
- Cost: 300,000 Coins per missed Skill Point
- Priority: Coins first contribute to current Expedition Skill Points, then to catch-up
- Maximum: 85 total Skill Points possible for second Expedition participants
Detailed Phase Requirements
Expedition 2 is divided into 5 phases of material donations, with Phase 6 serving as the ready state. Each phase must be completed sequentially before progressing to the next.
Phase 1: Foundation Materials
| Material | Quantity | Farming Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Parts | 150 | Breachable cabinets, metal crates, car hoods, lockers; purchase from Celeste |
| Plastic Parts | 200 | Drawers, lockers, breachable cabinets; purchase from Celeste |
| ARC Alloy | 80 | Drop from ARC enemies; recycle ARC Motion Cores/Circuitry |
| Steel Springs | 15 | Industrial areas, breachable cabinets; recycle Extended Magazines, Cooling Coils |
Phase 2: Core Components
| Material | Quantity | Farming Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Durable Cloth | 35 | Research & Administration (Dam Battlegrounds), Hospital (Buried City), Departure Building (Spaceport) |
| Wires | 25 | Electrical/Technological areas; recycle Toasters, Power Cables, Cooling Fans |
| Electrical Components | 20 | Power Generation Complex (Dam Battlegrounds); craft with Plastic/Rubber Parts |
| Cooling Coils | 4 | Industrial areas; Night Raids recommended for increased rarity |
Phase 3: Advanced Technology
| Material | Quantity | Farming Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Light Bulbs | 4 | Electrical areas, car hoods near Power Generation Complex |
| Batteries | 30 | Technological/Electrical areas; breachable cabinets; recycle Cracked Bioscanners |
| Shredder Gyros | 10 | Destroy Shredders in Stella Montis (extremely dangerous, use cover) |
| Exodus Module | 1 | Exodus areas (primarily Stella Montis); purchase from Celeste (55 Seeds, daily limit) |
Phase 4: Rare Components
| Material | Quantity | Farming Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Modulation Boxes | 5 | Stella Montis Business Center or Assembly areas |
| Advanced Electrical Components | 5 | Electrical areas; craft with Wires and Electrical Components |
| Ion Sputters | 3 | Exodus areas; search containers, drawers, cabinets extensively |
| Leaper Pulse Units | 3 | Destroy Leapers in Spaceport and Dam Battlegrounds; use Blaze Grenades |
Phase 5: Value-Based Donations
Instead of specific items, Phase 5 requires donating items worth certain values:
- Combat Items: 250,000 Coins (Weapons, Mods, Grenades, Ammo, Traps)
- Survival Items: 100,000 Coins (Shields, Augments, Quick Use items)
- Provisions: 150,000 Coins (Trinkets, Nature Items, Keys)
- Materials: 300,000 Coins (Any crafting materials)
What Gets Reset vs. What You Keep?
Reset Progress
The following will be completely wiped when you depart:
- Character Level (reset to Level 1)
- All Skill Points
- Stash and Inventory contents
- Learned Blueprints
- Coins (reset to 0)
- Stash size upgrades
- Raider Den progress
- Workshop Stations (must be rebuilt)
- Quest progression (allows re-completion)
Preserved Progress
These elements remain on your account permanently:
- All unlocked Maps
- Codex Entries
- Raider Deck progress
- Workshop Station unlocks (must rebuild)
- Trials and Leaderboard positions
- All Cosmetics
- Cred and Raider Tokens
Money-Making Strategies for Maximum Skill Points
To achieve the maximum 5 Skill Points, you need 3 million Coins in combined Stash and Wallet value. Here are proven strategies to reach this goal efficiently:
Free Loadout Strategy
The most efficient way to accumulate wealth is using Free Loadouts. Since any gear you lose decreases your total Stash value, going in with just a Free Loadout eliminates the risk of losing valuable items during raids. This strategy is particularly effective during the Expedition preparation period.
Stella Montis High-Tier Farming
Stella Montis offers the highest concentration of valuable loot in Arc Raiders. Focus on these priority locations:
- Medical Research: High-tier medical supplies and trinkets
- Assembly Workshop: Advanced components and valuable materials
- Business Center: Frequency Modulation Boxes and Exodus items
Warning: Stella Montis becomes extremely dangerous during Expedition periods, with many players specifically hunting looters. Always move tactically and consider bringing backup.
Trinket Prioritization
Trinkets offer the best coin-to-weight ratio in the game. They’re relatively common across all maps and sell for substantial amounts. Focus on high-value trinkets like:
- Dog Collars
- Coffee Pots
- Candle Holders
- Music Albums
- Very Comfortable Pillows
Security Breach Strategy
If you have the Security Breach Skill unlocked, prioritize Security Lockers and Locked Doors:
- Spaceport: High concentration of Security Lockers
- Dam Battlegrounds: Locked Doors with valuable rewards
- Stella Montis: Premium security containers with rare items
Keys are relatively inexpensive, making this a low-risk, high-reward strategy.
Early Extraction Philosophy
It’s always better to extract early with moderate gains than risk losing everything by pushing for maximum loot. The psychological principle of loss aversion is real in extraction shooters – securing consistent, moderate gains will build your wealth faster than occasional huge hauls offset by regular losses.
Strategic Considerations: Is Expedition 2 Worth It?
For New Players
If you’re still learning the game and haven’t reached Level 20, focus on progression first. The Expedition system will be available once you unlock it, and there’s no rush to participate immediately.
For Casual Players
If you play Arc Raiders casually and don’t plan to invest significant time, the Expedition might not be worth the effort. The time investment required to rebuild your progress may outweigh the benefits of the permanent bonuses.
For Dedicated Players
For players planning to invest significant time in Arc Raiders long-term, Expedition 2 is absolutely worth it. The increased Stash space alone will alleviate constant inventory management issues, and the bonus Skill Points provide meaningful progression advantages.
For Group Players
If you play with a regular group, consider coordinating your Expedition participation. Having one player skip the Expedition while others reset can create a powerful support dynamic, with the non-resetting player providing gear and resources to the restarting players.
Preparation Timeline
4 Weeks Before Departure
- Focus on accumulating rare materials (Ion Sputters, Frequency Modulation Boxes)
- Start farming Stella Montis for Exodus components
- Build up coin reserves through consistent looting
2 Weeks Before Departure
- Complete Phases 1-3 of Expedition Project
- Intensify coin farming activities
- Coordinate with group members about Expedition participation
1 Week Before Departure
- Complete Phase 4 requirements
- Begin Phase 5 value donations
- Final push for maximum coin accumulation
Sign-up Period (February 25-29)
- Complete all remaining donations
- Verify Expedition Project completion
- Prepare for departure decision
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Selling Rare Materials
Many players accidentally sell or recycle rare materials like Ion Sputters and Frequency Modulation Boxes before realizing their Expedition value. Always check Expedition requirements before recycling or selling unfamiliar items.
Underestimating Phase 5
Phase 5 requires substantial value accumulation (750,000 total coins across categories). Many players underestimate this requirement and find themselves scrambling in the final days.
Poor Risk Management
Don’t risk high-value gear during Expedition preparation. The goal is wealth accumulation, not flashy loadouts. Use Free Loadouts and prioritize extraction over combat.
Ignoring Group Strategy
If playing with others, coordinate your Expedition participation. Having at least one player maintain their progress can significantly accelerate the group’s overall recovery.
Advanced Tips and Strategies
Map-Specific Farming Routes
Stella Montis Route: Business Center → Assembly → Medical Research → Extract Dam Battlegrounds Route: Power Generation Complex → Research & Administration → Industrial Area → Extract Spaceport Route: Security Locker circuit → Departure Building → Extract
Market Manipulation
Watch the player market for valuable items that might spike in price during Expedition preparation periods. Sometimes buying low and selling high can supplement your farming efforts.
Alt Character Strategy
Some players maintain alt characters specifically for Expedition preparation, allowing them to accumulate resources without risking their main character’s progress.
Community Resources
Join the official Arc Raiders Discord and Reddit communities for real-time information about:
- Material spawn location updates
- Group farming opportunities
- Market trends and trading opportunities
- Expedition strategy discussions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete Expedition 2?
For average players, Expedition 2 takes 2-4 weeks of consistent play. Dedicated players can complete it faster, while casual players might need the full preparation period.
Can I change my mind after signing up?
Yes, you can choose not to depart even after completing the Expedition Project. However, you won’t receive any rewards if you don’t depart.
What happens if I miss the departure window?
If you don’t depart during the window, you keep all your current progress but won’t receive Expedition rewards. You can participate in the next Expedition instead.
Do rewards stack across Expeditions?
Yes, permanent rewards stack, and consecutive Expedition bonuses increase in power for up to three consecutive Expeditions.
Is there any benefit to not doing Expeditions?
Players who skip Expeditions maintain their current progress and gear, which can be valuable for helping friends who reset. However, they miss out on permanent bonuses that accumulate over time.
Conclusion
Arc Raiders Expedition 2 represents a significant opportunity for dedicated players to enhance their long-term progression. With careful planning, strategic resource management, and efficient farming techniques, you can maximize your rewards and set yourself up for success in future content.
The key to success is balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. While the prospect of losing your current progress might seem daunting, the permanent benefits – especially the increased Stash space and bonus Skill Points – provide meaningful advantages that compound over time.
Whether you choose to depart on Expedition 2 or wait for a future opportunity, this guide should help you make an informed decision based on your playstyle and goals. Remember that Arc Raiders is ultimately about enjoying the journey, both on the surface of the Rust Belt and in the broader progression of your Raider career.