Embark Studios has released Update 1.11.0 for ARC Raiders, delivering anticipated nerfs to two of the extraction shooter's most dominant tools. The patch went live January 13, 2026 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Both the Trigger 'Nade and the Kettle have been hit with significant changes. The update also brings the Abyss cosmetic set and celebrates the game hitting 12 million copies sold. The limited scope has left many players frustrated, though, as numerous bugs and exploits remain untouched.
Trigger 'Nade Takes a Major Hit
The Trigger 'Nade has been a constant source of complaints for months. Embark acknowledged the problem directly in their patch notes, stating the remote detonated explosive "currently dominates PVP encounters, and players favour picking it over all our other grenades."
The changes target its effectiveness when detonated in the air while trying to preserve its role as a sticky bomb. Detonation delay has jumped from 0.7 seconds to 1.5 seconds, more than doubling the window for targeted players to react and escape.
Embark has also reworked the damage falloff. Explosions now deal concentrated damage near the center while doing less at the outer edges. Players will need more accurate throws to secure kills.
The goal is to make the Trigger 'Nade less effective as an airburst grenade while keeping it useful as a sticky bomb, according to Embark. Base damage values weren't touched, so the full impact of these adjustments remains to be seen.
Kettle Fire Rate Slashed
The Kettle, one of the game's most popular weapons, has seen its fire rate drop from 600 RPM to 450 RPM. This change specifically targets an exploit that's been plaguing PvP.
Embark was blunt about the reasoning: "The previous fire rate was only realistically reachable by players using macros, which creates an unfair dynamic that favours using 3rd party software."
Reports of Kettles firing at impossible speeds had become common as knowledge of the macro exploit spread. The weapon could shred opponents faster than intended balance allowed. Lowering the maximum fire rate to levels achievable without macros should help close that gap.
Map and Bug Fixes
A key card exploit that let players keep room keys after using them has been patched. Keys are now properly consumed on use.
Stella Montis has received lighting adjustments for Night Raid. Several areas are now darker, making flashlights more useful and creating better ambush opportunities. Embark says the change makes "flashlights and listening more relevant."
Abyss Cosmetic Set Available
Players who spotted the Abyss skin in trailers before launch have waited nearly three months for this. The bundle is now in the store for 1,600 Raider Tokens.
The package includes the featured skin from promotional materials, a new emote, and several other cosmetic items. Embark never communicated when the set would drop, leaving fans guessing until now.
12 Million Sales Milestone Reward
ARC Raiders has passed 12 million copies sold. Embark originally planned a reward for hitting 10 million, but holiday sales blew past that target.
Players who logged in between launch and January 13 (11:59pm CET / 2:59pm PST / 5:59pm EST) can claim the Gilded Pickaxe Raider Tool for free.
Community Frustration Persists
The balance changes address real problems, but many players are disappointed with what the patch doesn't fix. Reddit discussions reveal growing frustration over persistent bugs and exploits.
Wall glitches on Stella Montis and Dam Battlegrounds remain a major issue. Players can clip into geometry and become impossible to fight. Other unresolved problems include a crafting bug that resets quantities, broken PS5 trophies, voice chat issues, and proximity chat audio problems introduced with the Flickering Flames event.
Some have pointed out the small patch likely reflects holiday time off at Embark. Others note these issues have persisted since launch, raising questions about the studio's pace on fixes.
The previous major exploit patch also missed the mark. When players found a way to glitch into locked rooms, Embark's fix was to set exploiters on fire rather than fix the doors themselves. That workaround didn't fully solve the problem.
No Stitcher Changes
One weapon absent from the patch notes is the Stitcher. The weapon is common and can outperform rarer options like the Bobcat in its category. Embark had previously indicated they were looking at Stitcher adjustments, but nothing materialized here.
Critics argue that nerfing one overperforming weapon while leaving another alone just shifts the meta rather than fixing it.
Events Wrap Up
Update 1.11.0 ends the Cold Snap and Flickering Flames events from late 2025. Cold Snap added a map modifier that covered areas in snow and forced players to seek shelter or take damage from harsh conditions.
Rumors point to a Toxic Swamp modifier arriving as soon as next week. Embark hasn't confirmed anything.
The Road Ahead
The game's 12 million sales figure shows strong commercial momentum heading into 2026. Embark has committed to monthly content updates.
The Trigger 'Nade and Kettle changes address two of the loudest balance complaints. But the growing list of bugs and exploits presents a real challenge. How quickly Embark tackles these issues while keeping up their content schedule will shape whether player frustration stays manageable or starts to hurt the game's trajectory.
