Arc Raiders Update 1.3.0 Delivers Significant Venator and Hullcracker Nerfs

A new update for Arc Raiders is now live. Update 1.3.0 was released on November 20. It introduces major weapon balancing changes. The patch focuses on nerfing the powerful Venator pistol and explosive damage.

According to Embark Studios, these changes aim to create a more balanced gameplay experience. The adjustments target weapons that were overperforming compared to others. This is a significant shift for the game’s meta.

Weapon Balance Shakeup Reduces Close-Range Dominance

The Venator has been a dominant force in close-quarters combat. Its fully upgraded fire rate was deemed too high. The latest patch significantly scales back its fire rate upgrades.

Fire rate gains from upgrades have been reduced from 60% to 40%. The pistol’s weight has also been increased from 2 to 5. This brings it in line with other sidearms. Its core damage and accuracy remain untouched.

Explosive damage has also been reshaped. It was affecting more enemy parts than developers intended. This made killing heavy ARC units like the Bastion too fast.

Explosions will now deal less damage to larger enemies. Smaller units like Turrets are largely unaffected. The Hullcracker now requires more precise hits for maximum effect.

Economic and Map Adjustments Reshape Player Strategies

The update also overhauls several in-game economies. The Deadline item has seen a major price increase. Its buy value jumped from 8,100 to 15,000 Coins.

Its crafting recipe has been changed. It now requires different components. Trader stock for the item has been reduced from 3 to 1.

Launcher Ammo has been adjusted. Players now get less ammo per purchase. Its crafting is now available at the Workbench without a blueprint.

Multiple map exploits have been fixed. Spaceport received several collision fixes. A wall entry exploit near the Launch Tower ramp is now closed.

Stella Montis had spawn points adjusted. Two spawns were removed for being too close to ARC spawns. Several stuck spots and collision issues were resolved across all maps.

ARC behavior has been improved. Shredders now better detect Lure Grenades. Their navigation avoids getting stuck on corners.

The latest Arc Raiders update fundamentally shifts the game’s balance, forcing veterans to adapt their strategies and loadouts for the new meta.

Thought you’d like to know

What was nerfed in the Arc Raiders 1.3.0 update?

The Venator pistol received significant fire rate reductions. Explosive damage against larger ARC units was also decreased. The Hullcracker now requires more accuracy.

How much was the Venator’s fire rate reduced?

Its maximum fire rate upgrade was cut from 60% to 40%. The initial upgrades were also scaled back. This slows the weapon’s time-to-kill at close range.

Did the update change any item prices?

Yes, the Deadline item’s buy price increased dramatically. Launcher Ammo now costs more per unit. These changes affect the in-game economy.

Were any bug fixes included in the patch?

Multiple map exploits and collision issues were resolved. ARC reinforcement spawning was fixed. Several crash-related problems were also addressed.

Why were these balance changes made?

Developers stated the weapons were overperforming. The goal is to create more variety in viable loadouts. This promotes a healthier game environment.