Major Change in Expedition 3: Skill Points are no longer earned by hoarding stash value. Instead, deal damage with any weapon or gadget against any target (outside the practice range) to earn up to 5 Skill Points during the 5-day window.

Expedition Window & Dates

Window Opens

April 28, 2026

13:00 CEST / 11:00 UTC / 04:00 PT
Window Duration

5 Days

Tuesday to Sunday

How to Complete the Third Expedition

1

Complete the Caravan

Available immediately after the previous Expedition, or from the start for first-timers. The Caravan construction must be completed before you can participate.

2

Wait for the Expedition Window

The window opens April 28, 2026 and closes May 4. Completing the Caravan alone doesn't count as registration.

3

Sign Up

Explicit signup is required during the open window. If you miss it, the new Last Call feature sends a popup at your next login — but this grants no Skill Points.

4

Complete the Damage Challenge

Deal damage with any weapon or gadget against any target outside the practice range. Earn up to 5 Skill Points within the 5-day window.

5

Catch Up (Returning Players Only)

Second and third Expedition players can reclaim missed Skill Points at 300,000 coins/stash value per point. Only accessible after completing the damage challenge.

6

Depart

Automatic departure on May 4, 2026. Your Raider leaves beyond the Rust Belt forever — stash is wiped, permanent rewards are granted.

Damage Challenge — How It Works

Embark replaced the stash-value grind with an active play challenge. Their reasoning: "grinding for monetary value isn't the most exciting experience."

What Counts

  • Yes Any weapon or gadget damage
  • Yes Damage against any target (Arcs, players, enemies)
  • Yes All who completed the Caravan can view and attempt it — no signup required to see progress

What Doesn't Count

  • No Damage dealt in the practice range
  • No Stash value is no longer used for the main 5-point challenge
  • No Damage dealt before the window opens (April 28)

Catch-Up Mechanic (Returning Players)

Missed Skill Points from previous Expeditions can still be reclaimed, but the rules have changed slightly.

300,000 Coins per Skill Point

Same discounted rate as before. Coins or stash value count toward catch-up — earned at the same flat rate per point.

Damage Challenge First

Catch-up is only unlocked after completing the damage challenge. You must actively play before grinding back missed points.

Up to 91 Skill Points Total

Third Expedition participants who catch up all missed points can reach a maximum of 91 total Skill Points across all three Expeditions.

Permanent Rewards

Everything earned from the Third Expedition stays with your account permanently — even after future resets.

Cosmetic Rewards

  • New Patchwork Outfit (Evolved) — new toggles: Helmet, Bandolier, Leg Accessories
  • New Color variants: White/Red and Black/Green
  • New Scrappy Turban
  • Upgrade Expedition Indicator Icon — upgrades with each completed Expedition

Permanent Bonuses

  • Buff +12 stash space (cumulative: 292 → 304 → 316 after third)
  • Buff 0–5 Skill Points from the damage challenge
  • Buff Catch-up Skill Points for second/third Expedition players
  • Unlock Full Patchwork outfit unlocked upon completing the third Expedition

Consecutive Expedition Buffs

Buffs scale with each consecutive Expedition completed. These represent total percentages, not additive gains. Skip an Expedition and they reset.

Buff 1st 2nd 3rd
XP Boost 5% 10% 15%
Scrappy Materials Boost 6% 12% 18%
Repair Value Increase 60% 70% 80%

Important: Buffs reset if you skip an Expedition. Depart on consecutive Expeditions to maintain and grow your bonuses.

Trials Season 3 & 4

Season 3 Ends

Trials Season 3 ends on April 28, 2026 at 10:00 CEST / 08:00 UTC / 01:00 PDT — just before the Expedition window opens.

Season 4 Begins

Trials Season 4 launches during the Expedition window and runs until the departure date — the first time Trials and an Expedition have overlapped simultaneously.

Last Call — Missed the Signup?

New Feature

Popup Notification at Next Login

If you completed the Caravan but missed the signup window, Arc Raiders will show a popup the next time you log in offering a final registration opportunity. This option lets you participate in the Expedition and depart — but grants no Skill Points. It exists purely to let lapsed players still take part.

Explore Related Pages