While Arc Raiders boasts several standout qualities that have positioned it as a premier extraction shooter, the current Expeditions grind has been a notable point of friction. As the game's version of a seasonal wipe, Expeditions allow players to reset their progress in exchange for permanent account upgrades, such as increased stash size and skill points.

Previously, this process felt less like an adventure and more like a chore, requiring players to hoard massive amounts of scrap to reach specific value goals. Embark has acknowledged these growing pains and is pivoting toward a more combat-centric approach.

Moving Away from the Monetary Grind

In a recent blog post, the developers announced a fundamental shift in how players will progress through upcoming content. Instead of focusing on wealth accumulation, the next phase of gameplay will reward active combat prowess.

"For the third Expedition, we're doing things a little differently—the big news being that Skill Points will be earned by dealing damage over the five day window, NOT stash value," Embark stated.

This change aims to solve several issues inherent in the current Expeditions grind:

  • Reduced Hoarding: Players no longer need to sit on loot to hit value targets.
  • Increased Combat Variety: Objectives will focus on engagement rather than scavenging.
  • Greater Freedom: The shift encourages using high-tier gear instead of keeping it safely in the stash.

How the Damage Challenge Works

The upcoming update replaces the "stash value" metric with a damage-based objective. This means that regardless of whether you are on your first, second, or third expedition, your progress will be measured by your effectiveness on the battlefield.

To earn the five available skill points, players must deal damage using any weapon or gadget against any target (excluding the practice range). Here is what you need to know about the upcoming window:

  • Duration: The challenge lasts for five days, running from Tuesday to Sunday.
  • Accessibility: All players who have completed their Caravan will automatically receive the challenge; no manual sign-up is required.
  • Objective: Focus on smashing bots and enemies rather than collecting scrap.

Embark's goal is to ensure that expeditions feel like a fair, engaging challenge rather than an endless resource grind. By incentivizing combat, they hope to encourage players to "cut loose" with the powerful weapons and shields they might otherwise be too hesitant to use.

For those who have already completed the first two Expeditions, finishing this third stage will grant the final piece of the Patchwork outfit, rewarding the community's most dedicated raiders for their persistence.