Arc Raiders Players Face Tough Choice on Progression Wipe in Expedition Mode

In the dim glow of a late-night gaming session, Alex, a dedicated Arc Raiders enthusiast, stares at his screen, cursor hovering over a pivotal decision. Months of grinding through hostile alien landscapes, scavenging resources, and upgrading gear hang in the balance. Should he wipe it all for a fresh start in the game’s new Expedition project, or cling to his hard-earned progress? This dilemma is echoing across the player base just weeks after the game’s launch, highlighting the double-edged sword of live-service updates in modern shooters.

The Uncertainty in Arc Raiders’ Evolving World

Arc Raiders, developed and published by Embark Studios, burst onto the scene on October 30, 2025, as a third-person extraction shooter blending survival elements with intense PvE combat. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by mechanical threats, players scavenge for loot while evading massive ARC machines in co-op expeditions. The game has garnered strong critical acclaim, boasting an average score of 87 out of 100 on OpenCritic, with 91% of reviewers recommending it for its tight gameplay and atmospheric design.

Available on PlayStation, Xbox, PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, and rated Teen for violence and blood, it quickly built a dedicated community eager for ongoing content. However, the recent introduction of the Expedition project—a seasonal update framework—has introduced a controversial feature: the option for a full progression wipe. This mechanic allows players to reset their characters, unlocks, and inventory at the start of a new expedition cycle, ostensibly to balance the playing field and encourage replayability. Yet, as the first such cycle approaches, many players remain in the dark about its long-term implications, leading to widespread hesitation.

Unpacking the Expedition Project and Its Wipe Mechanics

The Expedition project represents Embark Studios’ commitment to a live-service model, drawing from the studio’s roots in titles like The Finals, another free-to-play shooter emphasizing dynamic, session-based action. Historically, progression wipes in games like Escape from Tarkov or Hunt: Showdown have been used to refresh economies and combat power creep, but they’ve often sparked backlash when not communicated clearly. In Arc Raiders, the wipe is presented as optional, allowing players to carry over some cosmetics and account-wide achievements while resetting core progression like weapons, armor, and skill trees. Key details of the system include:

• Reset Scope: Core gameplay elements such as player levels, gear blueprints, and resource stockpiles are wiped, but battle pass progress and certain unlocks persist.
• Rewards for Wiping: Opting in grants bonus starting resources and exclusive expedition-themed items, aimed at easing the early grind.
• Timeline: The first wipe is tied to the end of the inaugural expedition, expected imminently, though exact dates remain unconfirmed by developers—flagging a potential uncertainty in player planning.
• Technical Platform: Built on Unreal Engine 5, the update ensures seamless cross-play across platforms, but some players report minor bugs in the wipe preview tool.

Community Reactions: Debate and Player Strategies

The player community, active on forums and social channels, is split on the wipe’s value. Veterans who sunk dozens of hours into pre-update progression fear losing momentum, while newcomers see it as a chance to catch up without the intimidation of overleveled foes. Discussions highlight broader trends in gaming, where live-service titles like Destiny 2 have thrived on seasonal resets, but missteps—like Anthem’s rocky launch—have led to studio closures. Player sentiments vary widely:

• Pro-Wipe Advocates: Many argue it prevents stagnation, with one forum user stating, “Wiping keeps the adrenaline high—nothing beats that underdog scramble for your first big loot haul.”
• Anti-Wipe Concerns: Others worry about burnout, especially given the game’s extraction focus, where failed runs already carry high risk. A common complaint: “I’ve grinded for that legendary rifle; why risk it all on an unproven system?”
• Hybrid Approaches: Some clans are experimenting with split squads—one wiping for fresh content, the other preserving progress—to test outcomes.