Arc Raiders has officially nerfed two of its most popular weapons, the Trigger Nade and the Kettle, in response to community feedback regarding gameplay balance. The changes, outlined in the January patch notes released by Embark Studios, aim to address concerns that these weapons created an unfair advantage, particularly when used alongside third-party software.
The Trigger Nade had become a dominant choice in player-versus-player (PvP) encounters, leading to a shift in player dynamics. According to the patch notes, the nerf aims to reduce its effectiveness as a “trigger-in-air” grenade while maintaining its function as a sticky bomb. Notably, the damage falloff has been adjusted to concentrate impact closer to the explosion’s center, decreasing damage at greater distances. Additionally, the time delay between activation and detonation has increased from 0.7 seconds to 1.5 seconds, allowing players more time to react.
Nerfing the Kettle and Addressing Gameplay Issues
The Kettle, a basic firearm, has also faced modifications following player complaints that it functioned as a rapid-fire machine gun. The fire rate has been reduced from 600 rounds per minute to 450 rounds per minute. The development team noted that the previous fire rate could only be achieved by players utilizing macros, creating an imbalanced competitive environment.
These adjustments are part of a broader effort by Embark Studios to refine gameplay. Last week, the studio indicated that “significant changes” were forthcoming for overpowered weapons, and discussions about nerfing the Trigger Nade had already surfaced in the game’s official Discord channels. The community has long awaited these updates, and the recent patch reflects player sentiments.
In addition to weapon adjustments, the latest update includes fixes for other gameplay issues. One significant change prevents players from retaining room keys after usage, while lighting in some areas of Stella Montis’ Night Raid has been dimmed to enhance the relevance of flashlights during missions.
While these nerfs target basic weapons, many in the community are advocating for buffs to less frequently used epic weapons. Players hope to see more incentives for risking their unique weapons in matches, fostering a more diverse gameplay experience.
As the Arc Raiders community continues to engage with these changes, the balance between competitive play and enjoyment remains a focal point for both players and developers. The latest patch aims to forge a more equitable environment, ensuring that all players can compete fairly and enjoy the game.
