With Expedition 2 in ARC Raiders already underway and ending on 18 February 2026, many players are asking the same question: Is it worth committing now?
Expedition 2 is the second prestige/reset cycle, offering account-wide bonuses but requiring significant material collection, coin sales, and dedicated playtime.
This guide breaks down the requirements, effort, and player types to help you decide whether starting or continuing the Expedition before the deadline is right for you.
If you enjoy planning strategies and optimizing gameplay, you might also like our BF6 Sniping Guide.
What is ARC Raiders Expedition 2
ARC Raiders Expedition system is a voluntary reset mechanic designed for players who want to trade short-term progression for long-term account benefits.
Completing an Expedition in Arc Raiders resets your character’s stash, level, and blueprints but grants rewards such as additional stash space, bonus skill points, and unique cosmetics.
Arc Raiders Expedition 2 builds on lessons from the first cycle but increases demands on time and resources, especially as it approaches its 18 February deadline.
Why the Deadline Matters
The end date is critical. Completing Expedition 2 late in the cycle reduces the effective value of rewards because:
- You have less time to exploit account-wide bonuses.
- Grinding phases may overlap with other content, increasing opportunity cost.
- Late-cycle resets can feel more punishing due to limited progression time.
If you are still considering starting Expedition 2, timing is as important as playstyle and commitment.
Expedition 2 Requirements
Before deciding if you should commit, it’s important to understand the Expedition 2 Requirements. These requirements determine how much time and effort you’ll need.
Let’s break them down phase by phase:
Phases 1–4: Material Collection
| Phase | Items | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metal Parts x150, Plastic Parts x200, ARC Alloy x80, Steel Springs x15 | Arc / Industrial |
| 2 | Durable Cloth x35, Wires x25, Electrical Components x20, Cooling Coils x4 | Medical, Commercial, Electrical, Industrial |
| 3 | Light Bulbs x4, Batteries x30, Shredder Gyros x10, Exodus Module x1 | Electrical, Technological, Arc, Exodus |
| 4 | Frequency Modulation Boxes x5, Advanced Electrical Component x5, Ion Sputters x3, Leaper Pulse Units x3 | Exodus, Electrical, Arc |
These phases require targeted farming loops, not organic gameplay. Players must collect materials across multiple zones, often revisiting maps repeatedly.
Phase 5: Coin Sales
- Sell 200,000 coins worth of Combat Items
- Sell 100,000 coins worth of Survival Items
- Sell 150,000 coins worth of Provisions
- Sell 300,000 coins worth of Materials
Phase 5 is the true bottleneck. Players must liquidate accumulated progress, which can feel like a loss of effort. Many mid-tier and casual players underestimate the time and planning required to meet these sales goals.
Player-Type Decision Framework for Expedition 2
Your commitment to Expedition 2 should depend on playtime, progression stage, and tolerance for resets. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Casual / Limited-Time Players
- Playtime: Less than 8 hours per week
- Progression: Attached to stash, still unlocking blueprints
- Verdict: Skipping Expedition 2 is recommended. The grind plus Phase 5 sales outweighs potential benefits.
2. Mid-Tier Players
- Playtime: 8–12 hours per week
- Progression: Moderate, can farm materials but hesitant to sell top-tier items
- Verdict: Only attempt if you are early in progression and can commit through 18 February. Phase 5 can be mentally and logistically taxing.
3. Hardcore / Long-Term Players
- Playtime: 15+ hours per week
- Progression: Comfortable with resets, multiple character experience
- Verdict: Expedition 2 is worth attempting. Rewards, especially account-wide bonuses, are maximized for long-term players.
4. Wait-and-See / Returning Players
- Playtime: Variable, may have skipped Expedition 1
- Progression: Mixed
- Verdict: Skipping Expedition 2 is valid. Waiting reduces burnout risk and allows preparation for Expedition 3.
The closer you start to 18 February, the less value you get from rewards. Late-cycle reset should be weighed carefully.
Is Expedition 2 Worth It? Final Verdict
Expedition 2 is not universally “worth it.” The decision depends on your time, progression, and willingness to reset:
- Players with early-to-mid progression, consistent play, and comfort with resets will benefit from Expedition 2.
- Casual or late-cycle players, or those emotionally attached to stash items, may find skipping the Expedition is the smarter choice.
Expedition 2 isn’t about good or bad — it’s about whether it aligns with your playstyle and whether you can benefit before 18 February.
Conclusion
ARC Raiders Expedition 2 is a strategic, time-bound reset that rewards commitment but punishes unprepared or casual players.
By assessing your playtime, progression, and willingness to meet material and coin requirements, you can decide whether to engage or skip.
For those who commit wisely, Expedition 2 offers significant long-term gains but only if you plan around the 18 February deadline.
