ARC Raiders Expedition Delay Explained: New Dates, Wipe Details & More Info

If you have been running, looting, extracting, and fighting for your life in ARC Raiders since launch, you already know how wild this game can get. It has been topping charts, dominating Steam, and even becoming one of the most searched games on Google in 2025. And now, Embark Studios has officially confirmed a major ARC Raiders Expedition delay that every Raider needs to know about.

Before we go deep into the delay, wipes, and how the new Expedition system will reshape the game, I’ll mention this quickly once since many players always ask where to prep their loadouts early. Some players use PVPBank to buy ARC Raiders coins safely for gearing and crafting ahead of new content. Now, let’s jump into the details.

The ARC Raiders Expedition is one of the game’s biggest content beats so far, and the new delay has stirred up equal parts confusion and curiosity. But don’t worry, I’ll walk you through everything the devs announced, why it matters, and how you can prepare for the upcoming reset.

ARC Raiders Expedition Delay: New Dates Confirmed

Originally, the Expedition departure window was set for December 15, 2025. However, Embark Studios has pushed the date back by two days. According to the official update:

• New Expedition Sign-Up Window: December 17 to December 22, 2025

• Caravan Departure: December 22, 2025

• Platforms: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series

The devs stated that the delay was caused by a minor internal issue, described humorously as a “tunnel delay,” but everything is now set and confirmed.

Players will have five days to commit to the Expedition before the Caravans roll out. Once the 22nd arrives, everyone who signed up leaves the Rust Belt behind and starts fresh.

What Exactly Is the ARC Raiders Expedition?

For newer Raiders who might be unsure, the Expedition is essentially ARC Raiders’ version of a season reset mixed with a large-scale community migration. It allows players to:

• Start fresh with a new Raider

• Leave the Rust Belt

• Discover new items and crafting options

• Engage in new progression systems

• Experience a controlled wipe similar to extraction shooter conventions

Think of it like an Escape from Tarkov wipe, but with ARC Raiders’ own twist.

The Expedition is meant to push the world forward while resetting certain systems to keep the economy balanced, the gear chase meaningful, and the meta fresh.

ARC Raiders Expedition Wipe Explained: What You Lose and What You Keep

One of the biggest concerns surrounding the Expedition delay is the progress wipe. Players want to know what they are losing, what carries over, and how much of their grind survives the reset.

Here’s the breakdown.

What You Lose in the Wipe

Embark Studios has confirmed that these systems will be fully reset:

• Blueprints

• Skill Tree

• Player Level

• Stash

• Workshop

• Crafting Progress

• Resources stored in crafting stations

Essentially, anything tied to short-term progression, crafting development, or character specialization gets wiped. This is standard wipe behavior for extraction shooters, so veteran players shouldn’t be surprised.

What You Keep After the Wipe

Now here’s the good news: Some progression tracks are permanent and will carry forward into the Expedition.

The following remain intact:

• Inventory Expansion

• Character Slots

• Permanent XP Boosts

• Permanent Skill Points

• Certain long-term upgrades

This ensures that committed players still gain some legacy advantages while keeping the playing field fairly fresh for the new Expedition phase.

Why the ARC Raiders Expedition Needs a Wipe

If you’re new to extraction shooters, a wipe might sound extreme. But in games like ARC Raiders, wipes serve a purpose:

• Prevents economy inflation

• Keeps new players competitive

• Refreshes gameplay loops

• Resets overloaded crafting systems

• Ensures long-term progression stays meaningful

Since ARC Raiders exploded in popularity far faster than expected, Embark Studios likely saw the need to stabilize systems before introducing new Expedition content.

How to Join the Expedition

If you want to be part of the first Expedition in ARC Raiders history, here’s how to join:

1. Log In Between December 17 and December 22

You must manually commit to joining through the in-game Expedition interface.

2. Build Your Caravan

You’ll prepare your Caravan, which acts as your launch platform. Think of it as the vehicle taking you into the new part of the world.

3. Depart on December 22

This is when your wipe finalizes and your new character becomes active.

If you don’t join by the end of the sign-up window, you’ll have to wait for a future Expedition.

Player Reactions to the ARC Raiders Expedition Delay

The community reaction has been mixed but mostly positive.

Positive Reactions

• Many Raiders appreciate the honesty and clarity from Embark Studios.

• Some players wanted more time to finish their stash before the wipe.

• Veteran extraction shooter fans understand the need for resets.

Negative Reactions

• Some players dislike losing blueprints or workshop progress.

• A few worry about how often wipes will occur.

• Casual players feel anxious about losing leveling progress.

Overall, though, the game continues to dominate charts, and enthusiasm for the Expedition remains extremely high.

Why the ARC Raiders Expedition Is a Big Deal

This Expedition isn’t just a wipe. It’s a milestone that shows Embark Studios is serious about:

• Long-term support

• Seasonal-style progression

• A living world that evolves

• A balanced loot economy

• Keeping ARC Raiders fresh year-round

The delay is extremely short, and the team is clearly committed to delivering a polished experience.

Will There Be More ARC Raiders Expedition Wipes?

Almost certainly yes.
Like other extraction shooters, Expedition cycles will likely bring future wipes, resets, or migrations.

But permanent progression ensures that not everything is lost each time, giving ARC Raiders a more hybrid seasonal identity.

Final Thoughts

The ARC Raiders Expedition delay is only a small bump in the road, and the new December 17 to 22 window ensures players have time to prepare for the reset. The wipe system, while controversial for some, is a cornerstone of extraction shooter design and will help stabilize ARC Raiders’ rapidly growing player ecosystem.