Embark Studios has announced that Arc Raiders Expeditions will go on hiatus following the upcoming fifth wipe, remaining paused until early 2027 while the developer works on major system improvements.
The studio outlined the changes in a new blog post, confirming that the fifth Expedition will be the last one for quite some time. According to Embark, player feedback highlighted issues such as tight departure windows, the reward structure, and accessibility for new players that require more than incremental fixes.
What the Fifth Wipe Changes for Players
The fifth Expedition introduces a major shift for PC and console players who wipe their characters. Instead of automatically resetting quests upon embarking on an Expedition, players can now opt into a quest reset. For those wondering about the Hullcracker Blueprint—which was previously tied directly to the quest line—Embark has confirmed that alternative methods to obtain it will be provided.
Additionally, expedition bonuses obtained by players will persist through the downtime. Caravans will be reset, and any partially completed caravans will be converted into Ermal Vouchers of equal value. These vouchers can be sold for coin or used to purchase Ermal offers, firearms trade, and ARC parts.
Impact on the Frozen Trail Update
This scheduling shift means the upcoming October 8 update, Frozen Trail, will launch without an Expedition attached. Historically, new content releases immediately preceding Expedition windows meant players wiping and prestiging their raiders could not engage with fresh rewards until after the Expedition concluded. Skipping Expeditions during this window removes that friction, though it also temporarily removes a cog from the endgame loop as the team prepares long-term improvements for early 2027.