Embark Studios released Live Update 1.29.0 for ARC Raiders yesterday, May 19. This massive patch delivers highly requested changes. Most importantly, the developers walked back the controversial weapon durability mechanics. Furthermore, they introduced new anti-cheat measures to combat ongoing security issues. Let’s dive into the core changes shaping the future of this extraction shooter.
Previously, ARC Raiders followed a monthly content schedule. However, Embark is now changing course. The studio officially canceled monthly drops. Instead, they will focus on delivering massive updates twice a year. Consequently, players can expect “Frozen Trail” this October. This major expansion will introduce the largest map in the game’s history. Meanwhile, smaller live service patches like Update 1.29 will continue rolling out.
ARC Raiders Weapon Durability Reversal
During the Rising Tides update, Embark introduced strict weapon durability penalties. Naturally, fans hated this feature. Weapons broke far too quickly in combat. Therefore, Update 1.29.0 completely reverses this penalty for Tier I weapons. Developers heavily increased the required shots to break these guns so they last longer. The Renegade received the biggest buff.
| Weapon Name | Shots to Break (Previous) | Shots to Break (New) | Total Lifetime Increase |
| Renegade | 175 | 269 | +54% |
| Osprey | 111 | 148 | +33% |
| Jupiter | 167 | 222 | +33% |
| Anvil | 150 | 188 | +25% |
| Torrente | 890 | 1113 | +25% |
| Bettina | 607 | 759 | +25% |
| Ferro | 129 | 151 | +18% |
| Canto | 667 | 784 | +18% |
New Anti-Cheat, Traders & Arsenal Additions
Cheating continues to plague ARC Raiders. To combat this, Embark deployed Denuvo Anti-Cheat alongside Anybrain. This rollout started yesterday for a limited player pool. The team plans to expand it after close monitoring. Crucially, Embark confirmed they are not using Denuvo’s DRM service. Gamers famously despise DRM because it tanks PC performance. Thus, players can relax knowing their frame rates remain safe.
Update 1.29.0 also introduces Ermal, the Nomadic Envoy. This new trader set up camp in Speranza. However, only Level 25 players can access his shop. Ermal trades high-value ARC materials and rare weapons for exclusive loot. You can now unlock expanded Stash space and an Expedition Vault. This vault safely stores up to five prized items post-expedition. Additionally, Ermal offers weekly rotating cosmetics, blueprints, and Raider Tokens.
Players also get a new weapon. Tian Wen crafted the Rascal. This lightweight grenade launcher serves as a reliable sidearm. It punches right through ARC armor. Unsurprisingly, it has unique quirks. The weapon features a slow reload time and unpredictable aiming. Still, it provides an excellent alternative to the heavy Hullcracker.
Crucial Quality-of-Life Upgrades
Embark deployed significant balance adjustments across the board. For instance, the Photoelectric Cloak power cost dropped massively from 10/s to 5/s. Moreover, the Tactical Mk.3 (Healing) Augment’s Cloud of Renewal is now an Area of Effect (AoE) skill. The base healing jumped from 20 to 45, though the cooldown increased from 30 to 45 seconds. Additionally, the Bettina received a base fire rate increase from 235 to 250.
Enemy AI also received major tweaks. The massive Queen and Matriarch bosses will now step over obstacles. Previously, they bulldozed through everything, causing unfair player knockback. Finally, the end-of-round screen now displays all squad members regardless of extraction status. Players can now mute, report, block, and instantly leave the squad straight from the tunnel sequence.
