After a few too many late runs and one too many "we'll just do one more" promises, it's hard not to feel the grind in ARC Raiders. Still, the Second Expedition sounds like it's aiming for the fun part again, not the chores. If you've been tinkering with loadouts or just comparing what's worth hauling out, you'll probably end up checking ARC Raiders Items anyway, because the new economy tweaks are going to change what people chase and what they ignore.

Lower Goals, Same Buzz

The headline change is the reward threshold getting pulled down to 3 million Coins. That's not "free loot," it's just realistic. Before, the gap between regular players and the no-sleep crowd felt silly, like the game was quietly daring you to burn your weekend for a chance at the good stuff. With the bar lowered, the goal looks like something you can actually plan around: a couple of solid sessions, a few smart extractions, and you're moving forward. It also means risk starts to make sense again. You're not forced into the safest, most boring route every single time just to protect your progress.

Catch-Up That Won't Feel Like Pity

The catch-up mechanics are the kind of thing squads have needed for ages. Someone misses a week, they come back, and suddenly they're the "tag along" with half the options and none of the confidence. That's usually how groups fade out. If the new systems do what they're supposed to, you'll see fewer nights where one player spends the whole session undergeared and apologising. Instead, they can get back to being useful fast, which keeps comms lively and keeps the better-geared players from steamrolling every decision. Nobody wants to feel carried, and nobody wants to be the babysitter either.

Build Space, Not Just More Numbers

Build nerds are eating well this time. The Scrappy Gear Set looks built for players who like to move, push, and make messy fights work in their favour. And the skill point cap jumping to 85 matters more than it sounds. It's not just "more points," it's room to mix habits. You can grab a comfort pick and still try something weird without feeling like you've ruined your character for the week. Expect players to test combos that look questionable on paper, then suddenly become the thing everyone's complaining about in chat.

What This Means When You Log In

The best part is the vibe: it feels like the devs heard the same complaints we've all heard in voice. Less punishment for having a life, fewer squad splits, more ways to build a Raider that feels like yours. If you're gearing up for the Second Expedition, it's worth thinking about what you'll prioritise early, what you'll stash, and what you'll risk—especially if you're hunting cheap ARC Raiders gear while the meta is still settling.