The Expedition is a kind of prestige system in Arc Raiders that lets you reset with bonuses. We break down how it works and show you how to get all the materials you need.
Arc Raiders pushes you to explore the surface and gather valuable resources. That becomes especially important for the Expedition Project – a deep system that lets you reset your raider while earning permanent rewards. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about the required materials, where to find them, and what to keep in mind while farming.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Which materials you need for the Expedition Project
- Where to find the different resources
- How the Expedition system works
- What you keep – and what you lose – when you reset
Understanding the Expedition System
The Expedition Project unlocks at level 20 and offers a voluntary fresh start for your raider. Over six phases, you’ll gather materials and prepare your Expedition. The full cycle takes around eight weeks, with the final week acting as the departure window.
Once you commit to an Expedition, you’re essentially resetting almost all of your progress. In return, you gain permanent account-wide upgrades, exclusive cosmetic items, and temporary buffs for your next run. Taking part is completely optional – the game never forces you to hit the reset button.
Phase 1: Foundation
The first phase focuses on basic construction materials. You’ll need decent amounts of the most common resources in the game:
Required materials:
- 150x Metal Parts
- 200x Rubber Parts
- 80x ARC Alloy
- 15x Steel Springs
This phase is fairly straightforward. Metal Parts and Rubber Parts can be found in almost any industrial zone. Pay close attention to vehicles, generators, and mechanical wreckage. You get ARC Alloy by taking down ARC machines – even the weakest enemies like Wasps and Ticks drop this material.
Steel Springs are rarer than the basic materials but still show up regularly in industrial areas. You can also get them by recycling specific items such as feather pillows.
Phase 2: Core Systems
In the second phase, you’re equipping your Expedition with electronic components:
Required materials:
- 35x Durable Cloth
- 30x Wires
- 30x Electrical Components
- 5x Cooling Fan
Durable Cloth is surprisingly hard to come by. You’ll mostly find it in medical and commercial areas, and you should plan on multiple runs. Wires and Electrical Components spawn frequently in electrical zones – prioritize buildings with generators or technical equipment.
Cooling Fans are among the rarer items in this phase. They appear in tech-heavy areas but can also be purchased from vendors. Set aside some budget if you want to speed this phase up.
Phase 3: Framework
The third phase combines everyday items with rare mechanical parts:
Required materials:
- 5x Light Bulbs
- 30x Batteries
- 20x Sensors
- 1x Exodus Module
Light Bulbs are common but easy to overlook. You’ll find them in electrical areas and inside vehicles. Grab them whenever you spot them. Batteries and Sensors come from looting drones and tech bases.
The Exodus Module is the real challenge here. You can’t get it through normal looting – you’ll need to find it in Exodus zones or buy it from high-level vendors. From this phase onward, your progress depends much more on your combat skills.
Phase 4: Equipment
The fourth phase demands advanced components that mainly drop from stronger enemies:
Required materials:
- 5x Humidifiers
- 5x Advanced Electrical Components
- 3x Magnetic Accelerators
- 3x Jumper Impulse Units
Humidifiers can be found in residential areas, though not very frequently. Methodically search cabinets and lockers. Advanced Electrical Components spawn in electrical and security zones, but usually require you to crack open locked containers.
Magnetic Accelerators are extremely rare and primarily come from Exodus zones or from recycling Queen Reactors. You only get Jumper Impulse Units by defeating Jumper ARC machines, the dreaded spider-like robots. Expect to fight several of these enemies.
Phase 5: Loading Phase
In Phase 5, the system changes fundamentally. Instead of specific items, you now need item values in several different categories:
Required values:
- 250,000 coins in Combat Items
- 100,000 coins in Survival Items
- 180,000 coins in Provisions
- 300,000 coins in Materials
This phase puts your economic planning to the test. In total, you’ll have to hand in items worth 830,000 coins. Focus on daily tasks and quests to earn credits quickly.
Don’t sell rare materials or items from earlier phases until you’ve cleared this step. Ideally, start setting aside money and items from Phase 3 onward.
Phase 6: Departure
The final phase doesn’t require any additional materials. You simply wait for the scheduled departure window, which usually takes place in the following month. This window stays open for seven days and gives you time to make your final decision.
Once you depart during this window, your raider officially goes on Expedition and your account is reset.
Key Material Locations
Here’s where you’ll find the most important material types, sorted by area type:
Industrial Zones:
- Metal Parts, Rubber Parts, Steel Springs
- Synthesized Fuel
- Industrial Batteries
Electrical Areas:
- Cables, Batteries, Electrical Components
- Light Bulbs, Cooling Fans
- Voltage Converters
Technology Zones:
- Processors, Sensors
- Damaged Heat Sinks
- Spectrometers, Rotary Encoders
Medical Facilities:
- Antiseptic, Syringes
- Durable Fabric Piece
- Cracked Bioscanners
- Laboratory Reagents
Residential Areas:
- Fabric, Plastic Parts
- Humidifiers, Toasters
- Household Cleaners
Natural Areas:
- Moss, Resin, Roots
- Fruits (lemons, apricots, olives)
- Great Mullein
ARC Machines:
- ARC Alloy (all types)
- Specific drivers and components
- ARC Power Cells
Is the Expedition Worth It in Arc Raiders?
Whether you should opt into an Expedition ultimately depends on how you like to play:
Pros:
- Permanent bonus skill points
- Additional stash space (permanent)
- Exclusive cosmetic items
- Temporary buffs for your next run
- A fresh gameplay experience
Cons:
- Loss of almost all progress
- Huge material investment
- Time-consuming preparation
- Having to replay all quests
For hardcore players and streamers, the system offers a welcome long-term challenge. More casual players can easily skip it and keep their progress. The game never forces you to reset – the decision is entirely yours.
With this overview, you’re well equipped to either work methodically toward your Expedition or focus purely on targeted workshop upgrades. Plan ahead, farm strategically, and don’t let the sheer amount of required materials intimidate you.
- For more guides on Arc Raiders, check out our ultimate Arc Raiders guide
