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Embark Studios released the first major update of 2026 for ARC Raiders yesterday, January 27. Update 1.13.0 is now live across PC and consoles. The official patch notes list a new matchmaking option and various activities. Additionally, the developers tweaked maps, mobs, loot, quests, and audio. However, the official changelog does not tell the full story. Players have discovered several unlisted changes, and controversy is brewing.
Here we go slient nerfs , not mentioned in the patch notes
byu/FurioSS inArcRaiders
Shadow Nerfs to Looting & Movement
Early reports indicate that update 1.13.0 makes looting significantly more cumbersome. The game now takes longer to reveal items after you search a container. This change persists even after players acquire upgrades from the “Looting Instincts” skill tree.
Previously, a mid-December 2025 update sped up container searches. Update 1.13.0 seemingly reverts those changes. Consequently, the looting action is now roughly as slow as it was before December. Embark has not acknowledged this reversal. Therefore, it remains unclear if this is a deliberate design choice based on telemetry data or an accidental error.
Furthermore, movement animations received a silent tweak. Specifically, the hatch animation is now slower. These adjustments have already sparked complaints on social media.
ARC Raiders Weapon Fire Rates Reduced
Combat also received unlisted adjustments. Players report fire rate “shadow nerfs” to three specific weapons:
- Kettle
- Venator
- Burletta
The Kettle, a semi-automatic rifle, took the hardest hit. Its fire rate now sits at 360 rounds per minute (RPM). This is nearly half of its original 600 RPM. Notably, this marks the second nerf to the Kettle recently. Patch 1.10.0 previously lowered the rate on January 13 to curb macro abuse. The developer originally stated that average players could not realistically reach the original fire rate without automated inputs. It is unknown if this latest reduction follows the same logic.
Hidden Epic Augments
Finally, the update vaguely mentioned two new Epic Augments. Players have now confirmed the details via Blueprints.
- Looting Mk. 3 Safekeeper: This adds a safe pocket. It allows you to store any item securely.
- Tactical Mk. 3 Revival: This augment restores one HP every five seconds. However, regeneration pauses for 30 seconds if you take damage. It features an integrated Defib slot and is compatible only with Light shields.
