Full Breakdown
Arc Raiders Update 1.20.0: Major Nerfs and Economic Adjustments
3/18/2026, 6:25:04 PM
Key Changes in Patch 1.20.0
Embark Studios has released the 1.20.0 update for *Arc Raiders*, introducing significant gameplay adjustments primarily targeting the Il Toro shotgun and the in-game economy surrounding Energy Clips. This patch is now live across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S.
The Il Toro, a popular weapon among players for its close-range effectiveness, has undergone substantial nerfs. The adjustments include a reduction in pellet damage from 7.5 to 7, a decrease in base fire-rate from 43 to 38, and an increase in base dispersion from 4.5 to 6. Additionally, the total reload time has been extended from 4.3 seconds to 5.7 seconds, and the damage loss from falloff has increased from 40% to 50%. These changes aim to align the weapon's performance more closely with its uncommon rarity, making it less versatile at lower upgrade levels and more reliant on player positioning and timing.
Alongside the weapon adjustments, the sell price of Energy Clips has been drastically reduced from 1000 coins to 200 coins, representing an 80% decrease. This change addresses an unintended profit imbalance, as players had been farming these clips for significant in-game currency.
Background and Context
The adjustments to the Il Toro and Energy Clips come in response to extensive player feedback, as the weapon had dominated PvP scenarios, leading to calls for balance changes. The update aims to create a more equitable gameplay environment by reducing the effectiveness of previously overpowered strategies.
Official Statements & Responses
Embark Studios acknowledged the community's input in their patch notes, stating, "We will of course continue to keep a close eye on this to see how it plays out in practice, and make additional adjustments when needed. Thank you for your feedback and patience!" This sentiment reflects the studio's commitment to ongoing game balance and player engagement.
Criticism & Opposition
While many players welcomed the nerfs to the Il Toro, some expressed concerns about the drastic reduction in Energy Clip value, fearing it would limit their options for currency generation and crafting. Critics argue that such sweeping changes could disrupt established gameplay strategies and require players to adapt quickly.
What's Next
The 1.20.0 update sets the stage for the upcoming Flashpoint expansion, which is expected to introduce new map conditions, Arc threats, and player projects. This expansion aims to enhance the overall gameplay experience, making it more rewarding and challenging.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Dev note: Energy Clips have unintentionally become a very profitable craft, so we are reducing the sell price to make the value profitability in line with other crafts.” — Embark Studios
- “We will of course continue to keep a close eye on this to see how it plays out in practice, and make additional adjustments when needed.” — Embark Studios
The 1.20.0 patch represents a significant shift in *Arc Raiders*, focusing on balancing gameplay and addressing economic disparities, while also paving the way for future content updates.
