Embark Walks Back Durability Changes In ARC Raiders

Embark Studios has unveiled the latest patch notes for ARC Raiders, with update 1.29.0 introducing a variety of gameplay tweaks and improvements. However, the headline change is undoubtedly the overhaul to weapon durability, as Embark has started to walk back some of the controversial degradation adjustments introduced in the Riven Tides update.

Riven Tides was designed to be ARC Raiders’ biggest update yet, but one of its most heavily criticised additions was the dramatic increase in how quickly weapons lost durability. Many players felt their gear was breaking far too fast, with the backlash quickly becoming a talking point for an overall underwhelming update.

Weapon Durability Has Been Improved In ARC Raiders

Thankfully for players, Embark appears to have listened closely to community feedback. Update 1.29.0 significantly increases the lifespan of several weapons, allowing them to survive far more encounters before breaking.

Not every weapon has received adjustments, but the changes that have arrived are substantial. The Renegade, for example, has seen one of the biggest boosts, with its overall durability massively increased compared to before. Multiple other weapons have also had their lifetimes extended, making equipment feel far less disposable during extended runs.

Here’s a table highlighting the durability changes made with the 1.29.0 update:

Embark also reassured fans that durability balancing is still ongoing, stating that the team will continue monitoring player feedback and making further tweaks where necessary over the coming weeks. While some players may still feel certain weapons degrade too quickly, the latest patch is a clear sign the studio is willing to respond quickly to criticism.

Beyond the durability changes, update 1.29.0 also adds a new Grenade Launcher alongside additional anti-cheat and security improvements, two areas that have remained major community concerns since launch.

With Embark recently confirming that ARC Raiders will move away from monthly updates in favour of larger biannual content drops, the swift response to player complaints should come as a reassuring sign for the game’s future.

What do you make of the durability changes? Are they a step in the right direction? Share your thoughts in the official Insider Gaming Discord Server.

For more gaming news, read about what changes fans want made at XBOX, as well as the PlayStation CEO confirming that single-player titles will no longer launch on PC.