ARC Raiders patch latest balance adjustment complete strategy guide | Thorough explanation of the arrival of Aphelion, the effects of weakening Venator, and recommended builds for the new environment
ARC Raiders is a multiplayer extraction adventure game where players fight against a mechanical army called ARC on a collapsed future Earth, collect resources, and aim to escape. The appeal of this game lies in the tense PvPvE battles and the rich customization of weapons and items. The latest patch affected many players, focusing on major adjustments to combat balance. In particular, the implementation and drop rate improvement of the new legendary weapon “Aphelion'', the weakening of the powerful pistol “Venator'', and the reorganization of explosive items are notable. This will completely change the environment for medium-range combat, and greatly change the player's weapon selection and fighting style.
In this article, we will explain in detail all the adjustments made in the latest patch. In addition, we will cover strategy tips that can be used immediately, such as specific routes to obtain Aphelion, alternative builds after Venator has been weakened, and new ways to use explosive weapons. Please use this as a reference for both solo players and teams to efficiently earn resources in the new environment and increase your escape success rate. We have prioritized the contents that can be used immediately after applying the patch.
- Overall patch characteristics and impact on the combat environment
- Performance and acquisition strategy of new weapon “Aphelion”
- Venator nerf details and alternatives
- Reorganization of explosive items: Deadline, Launcher, Hull Cracker
- Map gimmick fix: Stellamontis stabilization
- Duck collection improvements and other QoL
- Recommended builds and strategies for the new environment
- Summary: Adapt to the evolving ARC Raiders battlefield
Overall patch characteristics and impact on the combat environment
The latest patch mainly focuses on “balance adjustments” and “bug fixes”. The Venator was too strong after the upgrade, so it has been nerfed, and over-applying explosive damage has also been fixed. On the other hand, the implementation of the new weapon Aphelion and the improved drop rate have greatly increased the motivation for exploration. There have been many map fixes, especially the stability of the new map “Stellamontis” has been improved.
Summary of impact of major changes:
- PvE side: Explosive damage to large ARCs (such as Bastion) is reduced, requiring precise aiming. Shredder's AI improvements have made it easier to use lures.
- PvP side: Venator dependent short and medium range combat becomes difficult. The status of the medium-range rifle (Aphelion) will be improved.
- economic aspect: Due to changes in Deadline and launcher bullet prices and crafting, it is necessary to review your crafting plans.
- QoL improvement: Increased comfort by adding base display for duck collection and fixing terrain bugs.
These changes make the traditional “explosive spam” style less viable and increase weapon variety. Immediately after the patch, many players began adjusting to the new environment.
| Adjustment category | Main changes | Impact level (5 levels) |
|---|---|---|
| weapon balance | Venator weakened, Aphelion strengthened | ★★★★★ |
| explosive items | Deadline/Launcher reorganization | ★★★★☆ |
| Map correction | Stella Montis Center | ★★★☆☆ |
| Other QoL | Duck display, AI improvement | ★★☆☆☆ |
Performance and acquisition strategy of new weapon “Aphelion”
The legendary rifle “Aphelion” is attracting attention in the latest patch. A weapon specialized for long-range precision shooting, visibility in PvP has been improved by modifying the glare of the tracer (tracer bullet). It has high damage and easy recoil control, making it a powerful weapon for intermediate and advanced players. The drop rate of blueprints has increased, making them easier to obtain.
Aphelion's basic performance
- damage: Single-shot high firepower (detailed numbers depend on upgrades).
- Range: Ideal for long distances. The tracer can easily track long distances, making it convenient for locating enemies.
- reload/fire: Standard, but stable with upgrades.
- weight: Moderate. Fully equipped and maneuverable.
Recommended upgrade order:
- Increases damage (measures against large ARC).
- Reduces recoil (PvP stability).
- We will expand the magazine (sustained combat).
How to obtain the blueprint: Defeating the Matriarch is the key
Aphelion is crafted by obtaining blueprints. The main source is destroying the core of the boss “Matriarch”. The drop rate has been increased in the patch, making it more realistic than before.
Step by step strategy:
- Map selection: Stella Montis' Nightmare Mode is recommended. Matriarch appearance rate is high.
- Preparation equipment:
- Main: Venator or Stitcher (for close range).
- Sub: Launcher (large ARC stripped).
- Augment: Shield reinforcement, lure grenade.
- combat flow:
- Confirm the appearance of Matriarch (large ARC event).
- Guide the small fish with a lure and aim for the core as a team.
- Blueprints will drop upon core destruction (random).
- Tips: Be careful of hyenas when solo. It is efficient to form a team that specializes in Matriarch hunting.
Estimated drop probability: It has increased significantly due to the patch. Please aim in multiple laps.
Venator nerf details and alternatives
The powerful Venator has been significantly weakened. The upgrade rate of fire bonus has been reduced to 13/26/40%, and the weight has been increased to 5kg, reducing mobility. The development intention is to adjust the balance with other pistols.
| item | Before adjustment | After adjustment | influence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid fire bonus Lv1/2/3 | 22/44/60% | 13/26/40% | DPS decreased by about 20% |
| weight | 2kg | 5kg | Sprint delay, multiple carry not possible |
| comprehensive evaluation | Strongest class | mid-level class | Recommended for medium distance migration |
Strategy for dealing with weakening:
- Alternate Weapon 1: Stitcher: Stable with reload fix. Upgrade to catch up on rapid fire.
- Alternative Weapon 2: Aphelion: Supplemented with long-range specialization.
- Build example (solo medium distance):
- Main: Aphelion + Stitcher.
- Augment: Damage boost, shield recharger.
- Tips: Choose lightweight armor to compensate for the added weight. Focus on cover shooting.
The team can clearly divide the roles and continue operating with just one Venator.
Reorganization of explosive items: Deadline, Launcher, Hull Cracker
Adjustments to prevent abuse of explosive weapons. Precision detonation is required with large ARC damage reduction.
Deadline changes
- Purchase: 8100 → 15000.
- Craft: 3 Explosives + 2 ARC Circuits.
- Trader: Stock 1/day.
Strategy Tips: Prioritize crafting. ARC circuits are collected in Stellamontis. Selling prices will increase and collection efficiency will improve.
launcher bullet
- Purchase: 10 shots 6000 → 6 shots 4500.
- Craft: 1 ARC motion core + 2 crude explosives (no blueprints required).
Tips: An unlimited supply is possible by using the workbench. Get a lot of cores from Nightmare.
Holecracker
Refine explosion detection. Reduces large ARC damage and maintains small size.
New usage: Aim at the legs. We specialize in bastion stripping.
Map gimmick fix: Stellamontis stabilization
In Stellamontis, we have adjusted the train falling bug, terrain dropout, and ARC spawn. Added station wall collision detection to make battles fairer.
Strategy points:
- Train area: Allows safe exploration. Perfect for collecting Aphelion.
- Other maps (Dam, Spaceport): Fix elevator/stairs bug.
Duck collection improvements and other QoL
A large number of ducks will appear at the base in the collection. Useful for collectors. Improve Shredder AI and enhance lure tactics. Fixed a bug in Weekly Trials.
Recommended builds and strategies for the new environment
solo build:
- Weapon: Aphelion/Stitcher/Deadline.
- Goal: Perform long-range kills, collect resources, and escape quickly.
Team build (3 people):
- PL1: Aphelion (Sniper).
- PL2: Stitcher + Launcher (stripping).
- PL3: Venator Remnants (Melee).
Tips for fighting:
- Aim for Aphelion by orbiting Nightmare Stella Monteith.
- The explosion is concentrated in the legs.
- We always have lures on hand to protect against hyenas.
- Economically, we will focus on crafting and utilize traders.
Summary: Adapt to the evolving ARC Raiders battlefield
The latest patch increases combat variety by weakening Venator and introducing Aphelion. The refinement of explosives will test your skills, and the stability of Stellamontis will make difficult content even more enjoyable. Players should review their weapon configurations and crafting plans to fully experience the new environment. Balance adjustments will continue in future patches. I sincerely hope that you all succeed in your escape. Use this guide to become a raider in Speranza.
