The new one ARC Raiders the update introduces several changes not mentioned in its patch notes, including a couple of shadow nerfs and another tweak to the hatch animation. While it is currently unclear whether these news were omitted from the official changelog by mistake, some of them have proven to be controversial among ARC Raiders player.
Identified by version number 1.13.0, the first major 2026 update for ARC Raiders rolled out on PC and consoles on January 27th. The patch introduced a new matchmaking option and several activities, in addition to tweaking maps, mobs, loot, quests, and sounds, among other elements.
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ARC Raiders 1.13.0 made looting quieter more annoying
Although the patch notes attached to the new update list dozens of changes, it seems that they are not exhaustive. Early player reports indicate that build 1.13.0 introduces several unlisted tweaks with significant gameplay impact. Among them is a change to the hatch animation, which has now been slowed down again. Ditto for the looting action, which is reportedly significantly slower even after acquiring relevant upgrades from ARC Raiders skill tree. Specifically, the time it takes for items to be revealed after searching a container has been increased, making the looting process more difficult. This unannounced change has already prompted complaints from some players on social media.
This isn't the first time the popular extraction shooter has made quiet changes to its looting mechanics. One of them ARC Raiders updates rolled out in mid-December 2025 previously had the opposite effect, speeding up container searches and item reveals. Based on this new wave of player reports, it appears that the 1.13.0 patch reverted these changes, so the action is now roughly as fast as it was in December at each upgrade level of the Looter's Instincts skill. Since Embark makes no acknowledgment of either change, the logic behind this conflicting sequence of adjustments remains unclear. One possibility is that the developer deliberately reversed the previous tweak based on telemetry data and opted for a slower looting experience due to some high-level design goals. Another is that the previous speed boost was unintentional, making the January 2026 patch a patch rather than a balance adjustment.
ARC Raiders Silently Nerfed some weapons
ARC Raiders players are also reporting rate-of-fire shadow nerfs to Kettle, Venator, and Burletta after the late January 2026 update. The change marks the second nerf to the Kettle in just a few weeks, as the semi-auto rifle previously received a similar drop with patch 1.10.0 on January 13. At the time, the Swedish developer said the tweak was aimed at curbing the abuse of macros – automated sequences of inputs supported by some keyboards, mice and software that act as third-party drivers, and as control accessories.
The previous update saw Embark making the Kettle's native rate of fire only “realistically attainable” through macro use, as average players couldn't click fast enough to achieve it. As such, the rate was lowered to promote a fairer gaming environment. It remains unclear whether this second shadow gnerf reflects the same reasoning. Regardless, the Kettle's rate of fire is now 360 rounds per minute, nearly half of its original 600 ROF.
The 1.13.0 patch notes mention two new Epic Augments being added to the game, but without evolving. According to recent player reports, these vaguely documented Augments are primarily available through Blueprints. One of them is the Looting Mk. 3 Safekeeper, which adds a secure pocket that can store any item. The other is the Tactical Mk. 3 Revival, which restores one HP every five seconds but pauses for 30 seconds after the player takes damage. It has an integrated Defib slot and is only compatible with Light shields.
- Released
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30 October 2025
- ESRB
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Teen/violence, blood
