- What to know
- Second Expedition timing and entry window
- Major change: reduced skill point requirements
- Catch-up mechanic for missed skill points
- Expedition rewards explained
- Cosmetic rewards and outfits
- Best ways to make money for the Second Expedition
- How the 2nd expedition is linked to 1st expedition
What to know
- The Second Expedition runs from February 25 to March 1
- Skill point requirements are significantly reduced
- A new catch-up system helps players who missed the first Expedition
- Permanent rewards stack, while temporary buffs depend on consistency
The ARC Raiders Expedition system is meant to reward long-term commitment, but the second Expedition introduces some meaningful changes that make progression more flexible and less punishing. With lowered stash requirements, discounted catch-up skill points, and stronger permanent bonuses, this Expedition is clearly designed to smooth out early mistakes while still rewarding consistency.
Below is a full breakdown of Second Expedition requirements, skill point changes, rewards, and the most efficient money-making strategies to hit the new thresholds comfortably.
Second Expedition timing and entry window
The Second Expedition has a limited sign-up period, and missing it means waiting for a future Expedition cycle.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Sign-up window | February 25 – March 1 |
| Expedition type | Second Expedition |
| Eligibility | All players, including first-time participants |
Once signed up, your progress is tracked automatically through stash value and coin accumulation.
Major change: reduced skill point requirements
One of the most important updates in the Second Expedition is the lowered stash value requirement needed to earn skill points.
Previously, players needed a total stash value of 5 million coins to maximize rewards. This has now been reduced.
| Requirement | Old value | New value |
|---|---|---|
| Total stash value | 5,000,000 | 3,000,000 |
| Value per skill point | ~1,000,000 | 600,000 |
This reduction applies to combined value, meaning both liquid coins and stored item value count. As a result, reaching skill point milestones is now far more achievable for mid-progression players.
Catch-up mechanic for missed skill points
The Second Expedition introduces a catch-up system for players who missed skill points in the first Expedition. This is one of the most player-friendly changes so far.
Missed skill points can now be reclaimed at 50% of the original cost.
| Catch-up detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Discount | 50% |
| Cost per missed skill point | 300,000 stash value |
| Availability | During Second Expedition |
This allows returning players to close the progression gap without needing to grind at the same intensity as early adopters.
Expedition rewards explained
Rewards are split into permanent bonuses and temporary buffs, and understanding the difference is crucial.
Permanent rewards
Permanent rewards are retained forever, even if you skip future Expeditions.
| Permanent bonus | Second Expedition total |
|---|---|
| Additional stash slots | +12 (up to 304 max) |
| Skill points | Up to 85–86 total possible |
| Unlock persistence | Never lost |
These bonuses stack across Expeditions and represent the most valuable long-term progression in ARC Raiders.
Temporary buffs
Temporary buffs reward consistency. They stack when you participate in consecutive Expeditions but reset if you skip one.
| Buff type | Second Expedition value |
|---|---|
| XP boost | 10% (up from 5%) |
| Scrappy materials bonus | 12% |
| Repair value increase | 70% |
Skipping an Expedition removes these bonuses, but permanent rewards remain intact.
Cosmetic rewards and outfits
Second Expedition participants receive updated cosmetic rewards.
The Patchwork Outfit gains four additional toggles and two new color options, while a new Scrappy Outfit is introduced exclusively for this Expedition. These cosmetics are permanent once unlocked.
Rewards for first-time Expedition players
Players participating for the first time are not left behind. First-time participants receive rewards from the First Expedition, ensuring no permanent progression is lost due to late entry.
This includes baseline skill points and stash upgrades that bring new players closer to long-term parity.
Best ways to make money for the Second Expedition
With stash value being the main requirement, efficiency matters more than raw survival time.
Bird City rooftop runs
Bird City remains high-risk but profitable. Rooftop chimneys, especially on the south side, contain dense loot clusters.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Profit per run | 100k–200k |
| Risk level | High |
| Contest frequency | Very high |
Avoid central hotspots if contested and pivot to quieter rooftops to stabilize income.
Locked Gate residential looting
Spawning near the village and looting residential containers can yield blue or epic weapons, which sell for high value.
This method is luck-dependent, but successful runs can spike stash value quickly.
Hidden Bunker farming
Hidden Bunkers offer steady income through enemy farming, particularly bastions and bombardiers.
| Loadout focus | Result |
|---|---|
| Deadlines / Trailblazers / Wolf packs | ~300k per hour |
| Risk | Medium |
| Contest chance | Moderate |
This is a reliable mid-risk option when trials are inactive.
Stella Montis loop runs
The most efficient and lowest-risk method involves Stella Montis loop farming.
You enter with only a radar hatch key, loot medical research and assembly workshops, then exit through the assembly hatch.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Profit rate | ~400k per hour |
| Death penalty | None (no stash loss) |
| Risk | Very low |
This route is ideal for consistently reaching the 3 million stash value threshold without risking progression.
How the 2nd expedition is linked to 1st expedition
The ARC Raiders Second Expedition is not just a repeat—it’s a refinement. Skill point acquisition is easier, missed progress is recoverable, and long-term rewards remain impactful. If you plan your stash growth intelligently and focus on efficient money routes like Stella Montis loops, reaching maximum rewards this time is far more achievable than before.
The Second Expedition is a clear shift toward accessibility without devaluing commitment. Lower requirements, discounted catch-up skill points, and meaningful permanent rewards ensure that both returning and active players benefit. At the same time, temporary buffs still incentivize consistency rather than one-time participation.
