ARC Raiders players are expressing strong frustration over Embark Studios’ latest Expedition update, largely because of the steep requirement to reach 5 million coins in stash value for the maximum seasonal rewards. Many see this threshold as punishing for casual players who cannot invest the time needed to grind such high numbers cheap ARC Raiders Redeem Codes for sale.

A Reset System That Wipes Everything
Embark Studios announced a short delay to the new Expedition window, now launching on December 17th, and revealed how the reset will work.
When the Expedition ends, every player must sacrifice their entire Raider stash—including coins, items, skill trees, crafting progress, workshops, levels, and all blueprints. In exchange, the next season’s character can earn up to five permanent skill points, awarded at one skill point per one million coins of stash value. Players also receive permanent upgrades like more stash space, exclusive outfits, and temporary seasonal buffs.

However, this full reset has sparked backlash because only players who finish the season with 5 million coins can collect all five skill points—a target most casual players cannot reach.

Why Casual Players Feel Penalized
High-end players may be able to push their stash beyond 5 million through constant high-risk raids, but the average player typically ends the season near one million or even less.
This creates a situation where casual raiders feel forced into overly conservative play, avoiding risky firefights just to hoard value. Critics argue that the system adds unnecessary “stash value anxiety” on top of the already stressful gear-loss mechanics typical of extraction shooters.

Some players compare it to having to pay extra to unlock the full value of an item already earned, claiming that the grind contradicts the game’s fast-paced, fun-first design. Many suggest that skill points should simply be granted upon completing the Caravan Project, rather than being locked behind a large stash threshold.

Blueprints and Long-Term Progression Concerns
Another major complaint comes from completionists who spent an entire season collecting rare blueprints only to see them wiped at reset.
Since rebuilding those crafting trees takes significant time, players—especially those with full-time jobs—feel that losing every blueprint undermines their sense of progression.

ARC Raiders thrives when players are encouraged to dive into fast, chaotic, and unpredictable extraction runs, not when they’re pressured into end-of-season min-maxing. A system that resets everything risks alienating the broad majority who log in for short, fun sessions rather than MMO-style progression races.

Is the Backlash Justified?
Many criticisms are reasonable. The 5 million stash requirement turns what should be a refreshing seasonal reset into a stressful grind that may shrink the playerbase. By prioritizing the needs of hardcore grinders, the update risks sidelining the large community of casual players who keep the game active and lively.

ARC Raiders’ new Expedition reset system introduces meaningful long-term rewards, but the current stash-value requirement creates unnecessary pressure for most of the playerbase. Adjusting the system—by reducing thresholds, preserving some blueprints, or awarding skill points through gameplay milestones—could maintain challenge while keeping casual players engaged. A more balanced approach would help ARC Raiders grow, rather than fracture, its community.