Embark Studios' ARC Raiders has launched its third Expedition, a prestige-style progression system that rewards players for completing a series of structured tasks and embracing a voluntary account reset. Expedition 3 follows the same six-stage framework as its predecessors but introduces specific resource requirements and enticing perks that make the grind worthwhile. This guide breaks down every stage requirement, resource locations, and the valuable rewards you'll earn for seeing the Expedition through to the end.

What Is ARC Raiders Expedition 3?

Expedition 3 is a two-month-long progression cycle unlocked once your Raider reaches level 20. It consists of five task-based stages and a final "Departure Window" that marks the end of the cycle. Players must complete each stage sequentially-higher stages only unlock once the previous one is finished-and then choose to reset their account to claim their rewards.

This reset is not a punishment but a prestige mechanic: while most progress (level, inventory, workshop upgrades) is wiped, you keep permanent account-wide perks and temporary buffs to make your next playthrough smoother. The Expedition window is set to open on April 29, 2026, with a departure deadline around May 3, 2026, giving you ample time to complete all requirements.

Expedition 3 Stage-by-Stage Requirements

Each stage of Expedition 3 demands specific resources, ranging from common loot to rare, hard-to-find ARC Raiders Items. Below is a detailed breakdown of each stage, including resource quantities and where to farm them efficiently.

Stage 1: Foundation

The first stage focuses on basic construction materials, setting the groundwork for your Expedition. These resources are common but require consistent farming to meet the quantity demands.

150 Metal Parts: Found as random loot across all maps, from Scrappy (the game's resource collector), or by recycling unwanted items.

100 Chemicals: Another common drop, obtainable through random loot, Scrappy, or recycling. Look for them in industrial or medical areas for better odds.

80 ARC Alloy: Dropped by destroying ARC machines-larger ARCs like Leapers and Bombardiers yield more Alloy than smaller ones. Salvaging any ARC wreckage will also reward you with this material.

15 Steel Springs: Primarily found in industrial-tagged areas or from broken vehicles across all maps. They can also be obtained by recycling specific items like feather pillows.

Stage 2: Core Systems

Stage 2 shifts to more advanced materials, focusing on electronic and textile components needed to upgrade your Expedition gear. These items are slightly rarer than Stage 1 resources and require targeted farming.

30 Durable Cloth: An advanced textile material found as random loot, with higher drop rates in residential or medical areas. Plan for multiple runs to gather enough of this item.

25 Wires: Typically spawn in industrial and electrical zones. You can also obtain them by recycling specific electronic materials or looting generators and technical equipment.

25 Electrical Components: Found in random locations, by salvaging destroyed ARCs, or crafted at a Refinery. Prioritize looting electrical zones to speed up farming.

3 Industrial Chargers: A rare loot item found in electrical zones. You can also recycle Voltage Converters for a chance to obtain one, making recycling a reliable backup method.

Stage 3: Framework

This stage introduces a mix of common trinkets and rare, mythic items, adding variety to the farming process. It requires both scavenging and targeted enemy farming.

1 Coffee Pot: A common trinket found in residential areas-check shuttered storefronts or homes for this item.

35 Batteries: Obtained from industrial and electrical zones, or by recycling select items. They are essential for powering electronic components, so stockpile them as you farm other resources.

5 Firefly Burners: Dropped by destroying Firefly enemies-salvage their remains after defeating them to collect this item.

1 Exodus Module: A mythic item found in Stella Montis, specifically in areas tagged "Exodus Materials." You can also buy it from Celeste using Assorted Seeds if farming proves difficult.

Stage 4: Outfitting & Stage 5: Load Stage

While full details for Stage 4 (Outfitting) are still emerging, early reports suggest it will require advanced technical components like Broken Guidance Systems, Magnetic Accelerators, and Leaper Pulse Units-items found in high-level industrial or ARC-dense areas.

Stage 5 (Load Stage) is the most challenging: you must sell 750,000 coins' worth of supplies, including combat items (250,000 credits), survival items (100,000 credits), provisions (180,000 credits), and materials (300,000 credits). These items are sacrificed permanently, so plan your inventory carefully.

Stage 6: Departure Window

The final stage has no additional tasks. Once you complete Stages 1-5, you unlock the Departure Window, a 4-5 day period where you can confirm your reset. After confirming, a cutscene will play, and you'll be able to re-create your Raider and skip the tutorial if desired.

Expedition 3 Perks & Rewards

The true value of Expedition 3 lies in its rewards, which include permanent account upgrades, temporary buffs, and exclusive cosmetics. These perks stack with rewards from previous Expeditions, making repeated participation increasingly beneficial.

Permanent Perks

Stash Slots: +12 additional stash slots (or +24 if you completed Expedition 1), giving you more space to store resources and gear.

Skill Points: Up to 5 bonus skill points for your next Raider, based on your stash value (1 skill point per 1,000,000 coins' worth of items).

Exclusive Cosmetics: Unique items like the Patchwork Raider Outfit, Scrappy Janitor Cap, and Expedition Indicator Icon, which are only available through completing Expeditions.

Temporary Buffs

These buffs apply to your next three Expeditions and scale with previous completions:

+6% Scrappy Materials (or +12% if you completed Expedition 1): Increases the resources you collect from Scrappy.

+5% EXP Gain (or +10% if you completed Expedition 1): Speeds up leveling for your new Raider.

+10% Repair Buff (or +20% if you completed Expedition 1): Reduces the cost and time to repair weapons and gear.

Tips for Completing Expedition 3 Efficiently

Start Early: With a two-month window, begin farming resources as soon as the Expedition goes live to avoid last-minute rushes. Focus on common cheap ARC Raiders Materials first, then tackle rare items like Industrial Chargers and Exodus Modules.

Prioritize High-Value Loot: For Stage 5's coin requirement, farm high-sell items like Queen Cores (200,000+ credits) and rare blueprints to reach the 750,000 coin goal faster.

Recycle Wisely: Use recycling to obtain hard-to-find items like Industrial Chargers (from Voltage Converters) and Steel Springs (from feather pillows). Avoid recycling materials you'll need for later stages.

Chain Expeditions: If you completed previous Expeditions, your perks will stack, making Expedition 3 easier and more rewarding. Take advantage of these stacked buffs to speed up farming.

Is Expedition 3 Worth It?

For dedicated players, Expedition 3 is absolutely worth the grind. The permanent stash slots and skill points provide long-term value, while the temporary buffs make subsequent playthroughs more enjoyable. Even casual players can benefit from the structured progression, as the two-month window gives plenty of time to complete the stages at a relaxed pace.

In the end, Expedition 3 is more than just a grind-it's a way to reset your progress with purpose, earning rewards that make every hour spent farming feel worthwhile. With this guide, you'll be well-equipped to tackle every stage and claim your well-deserved perks.