Quick Read
- Arc Raiders update 1.11.0 released on January 13, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
- The Trigger Nade’s detonation delay increased from 0.7s to 1.5s, and damage falloff rebalanced.
- Kettle’s fire rate reduced from 600 to 450 to counter macro usage and ensure fair play.
- A keycard exploit allowing players to retain room keys after use has been fixed.
- The new Abyss cosmetic set, featuring ‘leather leg garters,’ has sparked player backlash despite a lore-based explanation.
- All players who logged in by January 13, 2026, received the Gilded Pickaxe Raider Tool as a reward for 12 million copies sold.
Embark Studios has officially launched Arc Raiders update 1.11.0, delivering a much-anticipated wave of adjustments to the popular extraction shooter. This latest patch, live since January 13, 2026, zeroes in on rebalancing some of the game’s most dominant weapons, addressing critical exploits, and introducing a new cosmetic collection that has already ignited passionate debate within the player community. As the first major update of the new year, it sets the tone for Embark’s commitment to refining the gameplay experience, even as they return from the holiday break.
Balancing the Battlefield: Trigger Nade and Kettle Under Scrutiny
At the heart of update 1.11.0 are significant nerfs to two staple weapons: the Trigger Nade and the Kettle. For weeks, the Trigger Nade has been an undisputed force in Arc Raiders‘ player-versus-player (PvP) encounters, often overshadowing other grenade options. Players have consistently voiced their frustration, urging Embark Studios to intervene. The developers have responded by rebalancing its damage falloff, now concentrating damage closer to the explosion’s center and reducing its impact further away. Crucially, the delay between triggering the grenade and its detonation has been extended from 0.7 seconds to 1.5 seconds. This change, according to Embark’s dev notes, aims to make it less effective as an ‘in-air’ detonation tool, while preserving its utility as a sticky bomb. The goal is to give opposing players more reaction time, fostering a more equitable combat environment.
Similarly, the Kettle, a formidable weapon in its own right, has received a notable reduction in its fire rate, dropping from 600 to 450. The official developer commentary accompanying this change highlighted a critical issue: the previous fire rate was predominantly achievable only by players utilizing macros. This created an unfair advantage, favoring those who employed third-party software, thereby undermining the game’s competitive integrity. By adjusting the fire rate, Embark Studios seeks to level the playing field, ensuring that skill and strategy, rather than external tools, dictate success.
Beyond Weapons: Keycard Fixes and Environmental Tweaks
Beyond the weapon rebalances, update 1.11.0 also addresses several quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes that enhance the overall gameplay experience. One significant fix targets a long-standing keycard exploit. Previously, players could retain room keys even after using them, creating an unintended advantage. This exploit has now been patched, ensuring that resource management and strategic decision-making around keycard usage remain crucial elements of the game. This fix, while seemingly minor, prevents potential abuses and reinforces fair play across the board.
Environmental adjustments have also been implemented, particularly on the Stella Montis Night Raid map. Lighting in certain areas has been lowered, a deliberate change designed to make flashlights and audio cues more relevant during gameplay. This subtle alteration encourages players to rely more on their senses and utility items, adding another layer of tactical depth to night raid missions. Such environmental shifts can profoundly impact player strategy, forcing adaptability and rewarding those who utilize all available tools.
The Abyss Cosmetic Set: Style, Lore, and Player Discontent
While weapon nerfs and bug fixes typically dominate patch discussions, update 1.11.0 has also introduced a new cosmetic item that has unexpectedly become a focal point of player feedback: the Abyss cosmetic set. Initially, the set presents a sleek, futuristic aesthetic, aligning well with Arc Raiders‘ sci-fi theme. However, a particular design element—leather leg garters—has sparked considerable backlash and amusement among the community. On platforms like Reddit, players have not held back their opinions. One user humorously lamented, ‘For God’s sake, Embark, give me the opportunity to remove these BDSM knee pads and my life is yours.’ Another expressed disappointment, stating, ‘This is the first game in ages that I want to spend money on skins, and I don’t. Nothing appeals to me,’ reflecting a broader sentiment of unmet expectations regarding cosmetic appeal. A third comment highlighted a perceived inconsistency in design, noting, ‘I don’t understand why they do something really cool with the cosmetics. Then they f**k it up with some other stupid detail. They have strange taste.’
Despite the initial visual controversy, Embark Studios has offered a lore-based explanation for the leg garters. They are described as compression attire, historically used by pilots in World War II. Given Arc Raiders‘ narrative context of astronauts and space exploration, these elements are intended to reflect functional, albeit stylized, equipment. While this explanation provides a logical foundation within the game’s universe, many players still perceive them as an aesthetic misstep, labeling them an ‘eyesore.’ This incident underscores the delicate balance developers must strike between lore accuracy, visual appeal, and player preferences when designing cosmetic content.
Celebrating Milestones: Free Rewards and Future Prospects
Amidst the updates and debates, Embark Studios also took the opportunity to celebrate a significant milestone: Arc Raiders has now sold an impressive 12 million copies. As a token of gratitude for reaching this benchmark, and specifically for surpassing 10 million players over the holidays, the studio has offered a special login reward. All players who logged into the game between launch and January 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM CET (or corresponding regional times), are eligible to receive the Gilded Pickaxe Raider Tool. This free item serves as a celebratory thank-you to the dedicated player base that has contributed to the game’s success.
Looking ahead, Embark Studios has assured players that while update 1.11.0 might not be the largest in terms of content volume, it is merely the beginning of their post-holiday development cycle. The developers have promised that more substantial content updates are on the horizon, with further additions expected later this month. This ongoing commitment suggests a proactive approach to game development, aiming to continually evolve Arc Raiders and keep its community engaged with fresh challenges and new experiences.
The 1.11.0 update for Arc Raiders demonstrates Embark Studios’ responsive approach to community feedback, particularly regarding gameplay balance. While the strategic nerfs to the Trigger Nade and Kettle are crucial for maintaining competitive fairness and deterring third-party software use, the mixed reception of the Abyss cosmetic set highlights the inherent challenge in aligning creative vision with diverse player aesthetic preferences. This patch effectively addresses core gameplay issues and celebrates player loyalty, setting a positive precedent for future content releases that will hopefully continue to refine the game’s unique identity.