Embark Walks Back Durability Changes In ARC Raiders
Embark Studios released patch 1.29.0 for Arc Raiders on May 19, responding directly to player backlash over weapon durability changes introduced in the Riven Tides update. The previous patch had dramatically increased weapon degradation rates, forcing players to consume more resources to maintain their gear—a change that proved unpopular with the community.
Acknowledging the feedback, Embark has partially reverted the durability nerfs, with some weapons receiving durability reinforcements of up to 54%. This represents a significant adjustment to bring weapon longevity back closer to pre-Riven Tides levels.
Beyond durability fixes, patch 1.29.0 introduces two notable new additions. Ermal, a Nomadic Envoy Trader, joins the game for players who have reached Level 25, offering cosmetics, premium currency, and weapon blueprints. The Rascal Grenade Launcher also arrives as a new anti-ARC weapon option.
The patch comes one week after Embark announced a shift in its update schedule, moving from monthly major updates to releases every six months in hopes of delivering more focused, impactful content. However, the studio has clarified that while major content updates will slow, regular balancing patches like 1.29.0 will continue, ensuring the live service remains actively supported and responsive to player needs.