Arc Raiders Patch 1.29.0 Reverses Gun Durability Nerfs, Introduces New Grenade Launcher and QoL Updates

Embark's latest update for Arc Raiders, patch 1.29.0, marks a shift in the game's balancing strategy. While major updates now arrive only twice a year, regular tweaks continue—and this patch brings a mix of reversals, new gear, and quality-of-life improvements. Weapon durability, a point of frustration for many players, gets a partial rollback. Plus, a new anti-ARC grenade launcher joins the arsenal, and post-match visibility gets a welcome upgrade. Here’s everything you need to know about the changes.

What changes did the latest Arc Raiders patch make to weapon durability?

Patch 1.29.0 largely rolls back the durability reductions that were introduced in earlier updates. The original goal was to force players to spend more resources maintaining their gear, but the community response was overwhelmingly negative. Embark acknowledged that the nerfs went too far, calling them “too much” in the official patch notes. As a result, several of the most popular weapons now withstand more shots before breaking. The durability increases range from 18% to a substantial 54%, depending on the weapon. This reversal applies to tier 1 versions of the guns, meaning even base-level gear is more resilient now. The change doesn't completely restore durability to pre-nerf levels, but it represents a significant step toward making gun maintenance feel less punishing.

Why did Embark decide to revert the durability nerfs for some weapons?

Embark cited player feedback as the primary driver for the reversal. The studio explained that the lowered durability for certain weapons was intended to add depth to resource management, but the execution resulted in frustration rather than strategic gameplay. In the patch notes, Embark stated that the durability reductions for guns like the Ferro and Renegade were “too much,” and they have therefore strengthened those weapons. The decision reflects Embark’s willingness to adjust based on how changes feel in practice—even when those changes were part of a broader philosophical shift. The developers also mentioned they will continue to monitor weapon durability closely over the coming weeks and make further adjustments if needed. This suggests that Embark is committed to finding a balance between meaningful gear degradation and playability.

Which specific weapons received durability buffs, and by how much?

Eight weapons were given durability boosts in patch 1.29.0. The largest increase goes to the Renegade, which jumped from 175 shots to 269—a 54% improvement. Other weapons and their percentage increases include: Ferro (18%), Anvil (22%), Canto (28%), Osprey (35%), Torrente (40%), Bettina (45%), and Jupiter (50%). Note that these numbers apply to tier 1 (base) versions of the guns; higher-tier variants will also see proportional improvements. Embark identified these eight as the “worst offenders” in terms of durability feedback, but they plan to watch for other pain points. If you rely on any of these weapons, you’ll notice they last longer in prolonged firefights, reducing the need to constantly repair or swap out gear.

What is the new Rascal grenade launcher, and how does it work?

The Rascal is a pocket-sized grenade launcher designed as a lightweight, compact option for anti-ARC offense. According to Embark’s description, it’s “unconventional” and has some quirks: it reloads slower than other launchers and its aim is a bit unpredictable. However, it serves as a reliable sidearm for players who want anti-ARC firepower without carrying a bulky weapon like the Hullcracker. The Rascal falls into a lower tier compared to other explosive options, making it accessible earlier in progression. Its slower reload and erratic accuracy mean it’s best used as a backup or in close-quarters ambushes. For players who dislike the high risk of lugging around heavy anti-ARC gear, this launcher offers a more manageable alternative that still packs a punch.

What quality-of-life improvements come with patch 1.29.0?

Patch 1.29.0 includes a few key quality-of-life updates. The most notable is the ability to view your teammates’ info even after an unsuccessful match—previously, this data was hidden if the match ended poorly. Now you can see loadouts, stats, and other details regardless of the outcome, which helps with planning and team coordination. Additionally, a new NPC trader called the Nomadic Envoy has been added, focusing on items related to the character Elie. The team at Embark has covered what the Nomadic Envoy offers in detail today, so players can expect new gear and resources through this trader. These changes aim to reduce friction in the post-match experience and provide more avenues for progression.

How does Embark plan to handle weapon durability going forward?

Embark has stated that they will “monitor for any pain points that come up around durability in the coming weeks, and continue to adjust accordingly.” This means weapon durability isn’t a one-time fix; the studio is committed to iterative balancing based on live player data and feedback. The patch 1.29.0 changes are a direct response to community dissatisfaction, and Embark appears open to further tuning if certain weapons or playstyles become problematic. While major updates now happen twice a year, regular balance patches like this one allow for quicker adjustments. Players should expect that durability values might shift again, especially for weapons not included in this batch. The goal is to find a sweet spot where resource management matters but doesn’t dominate the fun of combat.