Embark Studios is putting ARC Raiders Expeditions on pause after the upcoming fifth Expedition, with the progression system not expected to return until early 2027.
The developer says player feedback has highlighted several problems that require bigger changes rather than smaller adjustments. The fifth Expedition will still go ahead in September, but after it ends, players will have to wait until 2027 for the next one.
In brief:
- The fifth ARC Raiders Expedition runs from September 8 to September 29, 2026
- It will be the final Expedition until early 2027
- Embark plans major changes to rewards, departure windows, and accessibility for newer players
- Existing consecutive buffs will remain active during the Expedition pause
ARC Raiders Expedition 5 Starts September 8
The fifth Expedition window opens on September 8 at 11 AM UTC and closes on September 29 at 8 AM UTC. Players who want to depart must sign up during this period, with everyone who signs up departing on September 29.
There will be no Last Call feature this time, so completing your Caravan alone will not automatically register you for the Expedition. Players must manually sign up before the window closes. Embark has also extended the Expedition window from two weeks to three weeks.
Expedition 5 Brings Several Player-Friendly Changes
One of the biggest adjustments is an opt-in quest reset system. Players will be able to choose whether they want their quest progress reset after departing instead of being forced to repeat the quest line.
Embark says alternative ways to obtain the Hullcracker Blueprint will also be introduced since it is currently tied to the quest line.
Expedition 5 rewards include:
- The complete Zenith Outfit
- Mystery Rewards
- 12 additional stash spaces, up to a maximum of 60
- Expedition Skill Points
- XP, Scrappy material, and repair value buffs
Bonus Skill Points from Expeditions remain capped at 15.
Why ARC Raiders Expeditions Are Being Paused Until 2027
According to Embark, issues surrounding tight departure windows, the reward structure, and accessibility for new players cannot be properly addressed through incremental changes.
As a result, Expedition 5 will be the final run before the system is temporarily removed. Expeditions are scheduled to return in early 2027 with major improvements, with Embark planning to share more information about those changes in September.
Progress will not simply disappear during the break. Consecutive buffs earned through Expeditions will remain active, while players who complete all five Expeditions will fully unlock the Zenith Outfit.
Partially completed Caravans will be reset during the pause, but their value will be converted into Ermal Vouchers, which can be spent on Ermal offers or sold for Coin.
Expedition 5 will effectively be the last opportunity for players who don’t want to wait several months before Embark introduces its redesigned version of the system in 2027.
