The Skill Point Era Is Over! The Ultimate Guide to ARC Raiders Season 5 and Expedition 4

After July 7, what matters more to you:pushing for Hotshot to unlock the exclusive red-and-blue cosmetics, or maximizing Expedition rewards by claiming every Blueprint and storage upgrade available? With the launch of Season 5 Trials and Expedition 4, ARC Raiders is undergoing its biggest endgame progression overhaul yet. Skill Points are officially gone, replaced by Blueprints and Raider Tokens as the game's new core progression resources. If you're still planning your progression using the mindset of previous seasons, you could end up wasting a ARC Raiders Items huge amount of time-and missing some of the most valuable rewards available.

1. July 7:The New Season Begins

Season 5 Trials will run until the end of September, while Expedition 4 will only remain available for two weeks.

The new Trial system introduces a variety of unique challenges, including objectives such as damaging specific ARC types with designated weapons or intentionally surviving explosive damage. Overall, the challenges are more varied than ever and place a greater emphasis on loadout planning and adaptability.

2. The Red-and-Blue Exclusive Skins Have Arrived

For collectors, the biggest attraction of Season 5 is undoubtedly the brand-new Scoria Set.

The most coveted version is the exclusive red-and-blue color scheme reserved for players who achieve Hotshot or Cantina Legend rank. Alongside it come exclusive backpacks, weapon charms, and brand-new emotes.

The formula is simple:the higher your rank, the better your rewards look.

3. No More Skill Points:Expedition Rewards Have Been Completely Reworked

The biggest change in Expedition 4 can be summarized in one sentence:

Skill Point rewards have been removed entirely.

In their place come Blueprints, Raider Tokens, and additional storage space. For veteran players, this marks a major shift in progression philosophy-from investing in skills to investing in gear progression.

4. 100,000 Damage Is the New Endgame Goal

Expedition rewards are now tied directly to cumulative damage dealt during the event.

Damage milestones at 5,000, 10,000, 30,000, 50,000, and 100,000 grant players additional Blueprints and Raider Tokens. Reaching the final milestone rewards a total of five Blueprints and 750 Raider Tokens.

For most players, hitting the 100,000 damage milestone will become the primary objective of this Expedition.

5. Your Storage Finally Gets Bigger

Blueprints aren't the only reason to participate.

Completing Expedition 4 grants an additional 12 inventory slots, and future Expeditions are expected to continue expanding player storage capacity.

For anyone who has spent months fighting against a permanently full stash, this reward alone may be more valuable than Skill Points ever were.

6. Final Thoughts:Who Should Care Most About This Update?

If you're a competitive player, your objective is simple:reach Hotshot and secure the exclusive cosmetics.

If you're focused on account progression, the 100,000 damage milestone and Blueprint rewards should be your top priorities.

And for new players, there has never been a ARC Raiders Loot buy better time to learn how Trials and Expeditions work under the new progression system.

7. Tips

Complete Trial objectives during Double XP events for maximum efficiency.

Heavy weapons are often the fastest way to reach Expedition damage milestones.

Use your Blueprints regularly instead of saving them indefinitely.

Raider Tokens carry over permanently, making early collection extremely valuable.

High-rank cosmetics, charms, and emotes are limited rewards that may not return for a long time.

8. Benefits for Different Types of Players

New Players:Quickly understand the new progression system and reward priorities.

Expedition Players:Focus on the 100,000 damage milestone and maximize Blueprint rewards.

Collectors:Plan your ranked climb early and secure exclusive cosmetics.

Hardcore Players:Use Double XP events and high-damage weapons to complete progression as quickly as possible.