Embark Studios has rolled out a meaningful update to ARC Raiders, refining its Expedition Project system with a longer event window and more player-friendly progression requirements.
The changes are clearly aimed at addressing one of the most common pain points in live-service games—time commitment—while still preserving the sense of challenge.
Here’s a closer look at what’s changing, and why it matters.
A Longer Event Window Gives Players Breathing Room
The updated Expedition Project will now run from April 28, 2026 (4:00 AM) through May 11, 2026 (12:00 AM).
Compared to previous iterations, this extended window gives players significantly more time to work toward rewards at their own pace.
Rather than forcing players into long grind sessions, the new structure encourages consistent, flexible play—something increasingly important for players balancing gaming with other commitments.
Clear Damage Milestones Define Progression
Progression in the Expedition Project revolves around total damage dealt, with five Skill Point thresholds now clearly defined:
- 5,000 damage – 1st Skill Point
- 10,000 damage – 2nd Skill Point
- 30,000 damage – 3rd Skill Point
- 50,000 damage – 4th Skill Point
- 100,000 damage – 5th Skill Point
These milestones create a steady progression curve, starting with easily achievable goals before ramping up into longer-term objectives.
Notably, the jump from mid-tier to final rewards is significant, signaling that the top tier is intended for more dedicated play.
Bastions Play a Key Role in Fast Progress
To help contextualize these numbers, the developers confirmed that destroying a Bastion deals roughly 5,000 damage.
That means:
- One Bastion ≈ first reward tier
- Around 20 Bastions ≈ maximum progression
This makes Bastions one of the most efficient ways to progress, especially for players focused on PvE objectives.
PvE and PvP Players Benefit Equally
One of the most impactful changes is how damage is counted. Players are no longer restricted to a single playstyle:
- Damage dealt to ARC enemies counts
- Damage dealt to other Raiders also counts
This dual approach opens the door for both PvE-focused players and PvP enthusiasts to progress naturally, without needing to change how they prefer to play.
For a game like ARC Raiders, which blends cooperative survival with competitive encounters, this is a crucial step toward a more inclusive progression system.
A Shift Away From “Endless Grind”
The tone of the update makes it clear that Embark Studios is actively responding to player feedback.
The Expedition Project is described as a system still in progress, with ongoing adjustments planned based on how players engage with it.
The key takeaway is a design shift:
- Less forced grinding
- More flexible progression
- Greater respect for player time
This aligns with a broader trend in live-service games, where developers are moving away from rigid, time-intensive systems in favor of more accessible designs.
What This Means for Players
For casual players, the extended timeline and lower early thresholds make it much easier to earn at least a few Skill Points without heavy investment.
For dedicated players, the 100,000 damage cap still offers a meaningful challenge—but one that can now be approached more strategically thanks to multiple viable playstyles.
Ultimately, the update strikes a balance: rewarding commitment without punishing players who can’t log in every day.
The Bigger Picture for ARC Raiders
While this may seem like a relatively small update on the surface, it reflects something more important—the developers’ willingness to iterate quickly and respond to community concerns.
If future updates continue in this direction, ARC Raiders could position itself as one of the more player-friendly live-service shooters on the market.
ARC Raiders’ Expedition Project update is live from April 28 through May 11, giving players a limited-time opportunity to earn Skill Points through flexible, damage-based progression.
