Wipe

A "Wipe" is the start of a new game season, which involves erasing (or wiping) all player-generated data so all players start over from scratch. This includes:

• Characters
• Factions
• Vehicles
• Items you bought, sold, crafted, found, stole, etc
• Tents, Houses, and Bases

Everything. We all start over and if you want the same faction name you had in the prior season, you need to hurry up and go get it because anyone else might get it first.

Unlike a normal development update which can be implemented without disrupting data during an existing game season, a Wipe happens when the developers are ready to implement new features and changes that are significant enough that they cannot be implemented without otherwise adversely affecting the existing game. Some changes alter the game mechanics, for example. A Wipe is needed with the changes are too complex to be incorporated into the existing game, and thus a routine server restart will not suffice. Developers do not usually Wipe the server often, and instead will allow an existing season to run while they prepare new changes for the next season.

Do not ask about when the next Wipe will be, even after it is mentioned or announced. It's annoying to the developers who often cannot answer that question with sufficient accuracy. You will be told "Soon" anyway.