[ARC Raiders]Patch 1.3.0 Complete Strategy Guide | Detailed explanation of how to obtain Aphelion, Build that fully supports Venator weakening, Optimal usage method after Hull Cracker adjustment[Ark Raiders latest balance adjustment summary]

The latest patch 1.3.0 of ARC Raiders has been released, and the combat environment of the game has changed significantly. The main points of this update include a significant weakening of the Venator, more precise explosion detection for the Hull Cracker, an increase in the acquisition cost of the Deadline mine, and an increase in the blueprint drop rate for the new legendary weapon Aphelion Rifle. These changes have disrupted the traditional explosives-centered meta, and now require a playstyle that emphasizes medium-range precision shooting and exploration.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain all the details of the patch contents. In addition, we will release the adjusted optimal build, money strategy route, and complete farming guide for Aphelion, providing you with super detailed strategies. From beginners to experts, you can completely master patch 1.3.0 with this guide.

Overall picture and impact analysis of patch 1.3.0

Patch 1.3.0 is a major update that reshapes the combat balance of Rust Belt. The main purpose is to suppress excessive firepower weapons and improve the sustainability of the game. Specifically, we significantly reduced the Venator's rate of fire bonus and increased its weight, making it less portable. In addition, by readjusting formation damage, the unrivaled state against large ARCs has been resolved. On the other hand, we have increased the drop rate of Aphelion blueprints and increased the reward of exploration.

The main changes are summarized in table format below. This table was created to allow you to compare the old and new specifications at a glance.

item	Old specifications	New specifications	degree of influence
Venator	Increased rate of fire: Lv2 22%, Lv3 44%, Lv4 60% Weight: 2	Increased rate of fire: Lv2 13%, Lv3 26%, Lv4 40% Weight: 5	★★★★★
Hullcracker	Explosive hockey spread, excessive damage to large ARC Shooting accuracy standard	Explosion detection precision, large ARC damage reduction, small ARC almost maintained Improved shooting accuracy	★★★★☆
Deadline Mine	Purchase price: 8,100 coins Sell: 3,000 coins Craft: 2x explosive compound + 1x synthetic fuel Trader stock: 3/day	Purchase price: 15,000 coins Sell: 5,000 coins Craft: 3x explosive compound + 2x ARC circuit Trader stock: 1/day	★★★★☆
launcher ammo	Sales/Craft: 10 shots Purchase: 6,000 coins/10 shots Sell: 200 coins/shot	Sales/Craft: 6 shots Purchase: 4,500 coins/6 shots Sell: 250 coins/sale Craft: ARC working core x 1 + crude bomb x 2 (no blueprints required)	★★★☆☆
Aphelion	Low blueprint drop rate, dazzling long-range effects	Blueprint drop rate increased Improved visibility of long-distance effects	★★★★★
Stella Montis	Falling bug, multiple spawns, dangerous respawn locations	Fall/stuck fix, excessive spawn position adjustment, glitch closure	★★★☆☆
others	Duck collection not implemented	Implemented duck display in Raider Den, fixed ARC reinforcement bug	★★☆☆☆

This change weakens the Hullcracker+Deadline combo in PvE and replaces it with precision weapons like Jupiter and Equalizer. In PvP, Venator's S++ tier has fallen, and Anvil and Renegade have shifted to the optimal solutions.

Venator weakening details and complete countermeasures

The Venator is a semi-automatic pistol that uses medium-sized ammunition, and its powerful ability to fire two shots at the same time with one trigger was an attractive feature. However, with patch 1.3.0, the rate of fire increase rate was suppressed to 13/26/40% and the weight increased to 5, making it difficult to maintain DPS on par with a fully automatic rifle. The conventional “medium-range unrivaled” operation is no longer applicable, and the increased weight limits the ability to carry other weapons.

Performance comparison table before and after weakening

level	Old rate of fire bonus	New rate of fire bonus	DPS reduction rate (estimated)
Lv2	twenty two%	13%	Approximately 9%
Lv3	44%	26%	Approximately 18%
Lv4	60%	40%	Approximately 20%

Countermeasure 1: Shift to alternative weapons

In PvE, switch to Ferro (battle rifle, common, large ammo, high-power single shot) or Renegade (lever action, medium ammo, high accuracy). Ferro is low cost, high firepower, and specializes in headshots. In PvP, Anvil (hand cannon, strong large ammunition) provides firepower equivalent to S++.

Countermeasure 2: Optimal build example

• Light mid-range build: Venator Lv4 + Stitcher (SMG, short range) + Kettle (AR, lightweight). Keep the total weight within 15 to maintain maneuverability.
• high end: Venator + Torrente (LMG, suppression force) + Il Toro (shotgun). Thoroughly manage your stamina by being careful not to overweight.

Among player reactions, many said, “Even though the tier fell due to the Venator nerf, the cost performance is still S++.''

Precision operation guide after hull cracker adjustment

Hull Cracker is a grenade launcher with launcher ammunition, and is an anti-ARC weapon that explodes only on direct hit. The patch refined the explosion range, reduced large ARC damage, and maintained small ARC. Shooting accuracy has also been improved. As a result, operations will shift from indiscriminate bombing to “targeting weak points.”

Operation Tips:

1. Large ARC (Bastion, Bombardier): Aim for the legs or core. Traditional torso firing is inefficient.
2. small ARC: It is possible to sweep the swarm almost unchanged.
3. combo: Guide the group with Hullcracker + Seeker Grenade (tracking, damage 50, range 20m).

We recommend Equalizer (Energy, anti-ARC annihilation) as an alternative. Tier remains PvE S++.

Countermeasures to make deadline mines and launcher bullets difficult to finance

Deadline mines are powerful mines with a 6 second timer, 10m radius, and 1000 damage, but the price has risen sharply as the price is 15,000 coins, the stock is 1/day, and the ARC circuit is required for crafting. Launcher bullets have also become difficult to mass produce due to changes in crafting.

money strategy route:

1. Trader laps: I check Apollo and Tian every day. Please note that the advanced ARC battery sale has been reduced to 270 coins.
2. craft optimization: Mass produce ARC circuits at refinement level 2 (8 ARC alloys). Utilize Workshop blueprint-free ammunition.
3. farm spot: Collect ARC parts and improve XP efficiency (Rocketia Thruster 500XP) in the Stella Montis train area.

With a goal of 100,000 coins per day, we will also be selling Wolfpack (5,000 coins).

Aphelion rifle complete acquisition & farming guide

The new legendary weapon Aphelion is an energy clip battle rifle. It has high accuracy over long distances and has been fixed for glare. The biggest attraction is the increased blueprint drop rate.

How to get it:

• drop source: Matriarch boss (new giant ARC, Stella Montis Nightmare exclusive, Matriarch reactor required craft). Blueprints have a low chance of dropping when the core is destroyed.
• Appearance location: 2-3 Stella Montis will appear inside the broken structure. Nightmare mode is recommended.

farming step:

1. We will take on the challenge with a 4-person party team and Jupiter/Equalizer equipment.
2. Guide it with a lure grenade and focus your attacks on its legs.
3. After exposing the core, hit it directly with Hullcracker.
4. After extracting the blueprint, you will immediately return to the Raider Den.

drop rate: It has increased after the patch, but it is still low. There is an example of 1 card for 10 laps in a day.

Performance is high in medium and long-range DPS, and excellent against large ARCs. Tier is PvE S+ prediction.

Stella Monteith correction and map strategy update

Fixed falling bugs, over-spawning, and glitches (keyless entry) in new map Stella Montis. Respawning near trains has been made safer.

Update strategy:

• Aphelion Farm: Go around the structure area.
• money plan: You can obtain a large amount of parts by defeating Shredder (close range ARC).
• Note: It is now easier to track by correcting the level difference.

10 recommended builds after the patch

PvE optimal build

1. Aphelion specialization: Aphelion + Equalizer + Deadline (weight 18, strongest against bosses).
2. lightweight explosive: Ferro + Hullcracker + Seeker Grenade (emphasis on maneuverability).
3. medium range stability: Renegade + Jupiter + Stitcher.
4. weight firepower: Torrente + Anvil + Il Toro.
5. Balanced type: Kettle + Osprey + Burletta.

PvP optimal build

1. Anvil rush: Anvil + Stitcher + Kettle (S++ firepower).
2. Renegade Snipe: Renegade + Osprey + Burletta.
3. Close range control: Il Toro + Stitcher + Frag Grenade.
4. long distance restraint: Jupiter + Ferro + Seeker.
5. All-purpose type: Equalizer + Venator remains + Deadline.

All builds take weight and ammo balance into account. Improve your cost performance by taking advantage of free loadouts.

Duck collection and QoL improvement

“Ducked out'' has been implemented, which displays a large number of ducks collected in the Raider Den. Over 600 collectors are delighted. Explosive tinnitus has been reduced through audio adjustments.

Future prospects and meta-predictions

In patch 1.3.0, the explosion meta collapsed and transitioned to a new exploration meta. Aphelion is the next strongest candidate. Shredder adjustments are expected in the next patch.

Use this guide to conquer the patch and aim for a top ranker.