Arc Raiders developer Embark Studios has released another new patch, just days after announcing plans to scale back on big content updates. According to Embark Studios, the next big Arc Raiders content update will add the Frozen Trail map and missions. Embark describes it as "an ambitious update which will take time to do right". This means that fans can only expect two major content updates a year.
Fortunately, however, the developer will continue to make regular bug fixes and gameplay tweaks, beginning with the release of today's update 1.29.0 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (via Steam). The latest update is surprisingly in depth, adding a brand new Trader named Ermal. Likewise, fans can nab a new Grenade Launcher, which is said to pack a punch, despite its quirks.
Arc Raiders update 1.29.0 patch notes...New Trader - Nomadic Envoy
• One of a group of Nomadic Envoys, Ermal, has made camp in Speranza, bringing with him a range of tempting Topside trades.
• Raiders who have reached Level 25 can barter high-value ARC materials and any stockpiled rare weapons in exchange for lucrative offerings:
- Expanded Stash space (resets if you depart on an expedition)
- Expedition Vault access - Enabling Raiders to safely store up to 5 of their most prized items for retrieval post-Expedition
• Ermal also offers a variety of weekly rotating trades:
- Cosmetics
- Blueprints
- Raider Tokens
• Gameplay and progression items, including items for current Raider projects
New Grenade Launcher - The Rascal
• Lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, this unconventional launcher packs a punch despite its... quirks.
• While it's slower to reload, and a bit unpredictable on the aim, the Rascal shines as a reliable side-arm for those who want anti-ARC firepower without the risk of lugging around a Hullcracker.
Balance Changes
ARC
• Increased the granularity of ARC vision through bushes and smokes, rewarding strategic positioning. Raiders near the edge of cover are now easier to spot, while those deeper in foliage or behind smoke are harder to detect.
• Improved how ARC perceives sound in open outdoor spaces, while reducing their sensitivity to sounds in indoor environments and those passing through geometry.
Firefly
Improved how the Firefly applies fire. The effect now matches the visuals more closely, and briefly grazing the flame no longer feels as punishing, reducing the sensation of being hit around corners.
Rocketeer
• When the Rocketeer shoots several missiles at once, they are now consistently spread out over a larger area to prevent unfair situations where multiple missiles hit the same location.
Gameplay
• Reduced the power cost of Photoelectric Cloak from 10/s to 5/s.
Augment
• The Cloud of Renewal effect on the Tactical Mk. 3 (Healing) Augment has been changed to an AoE effect.
• The Cloud of Renewal healing has been increased from 20 to 45.
• The cooldown on Cloud of Renewal has been increased from 30s to 45s.
• Changed the shield capacity on Combat Mk.3 (Flanking) Augment to accept Medium Shields.
Weapons
• Bettina Base Fire Rate has been increased from 235 to 250.
Stability & Performance
• General performance and stability improvements.
• Fixed an issue that could cause the loading screen to remain stuck.
UI
• Added information to the Crash Mat tooltip to showcase the additional safe fall height gain.
• Deployable previews now show occluded portions with a striped overlay, making placement easier.
• Fixed an issue where pinging an ARC Turbine as it entered the map could cause the ping marker to behave erratically.
Utility
• Removed unintended delay after cancelling a Trigger 'Nade throw during which the grenade could not be thrown or triggered.
• Fixed an issue where throwing grenades could not be cancelled.
• Cancelling deployment of Pulse Mine or Gas Mine no longer consumes the item.
• Fixed an issue where the 'Use Zipline' prompt was missing, preventing interaction at close range.
• Fixed an issue where vaulting could trigger while moving upward or while standing on the ground with the Powered Descender active.
• Fixed an issue where the Surge Coil would not damage teammates of the player who placed it.
