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Former pro shooter calls for balance changes in arc raiders

Former Pro Shooter Tackles Arc Raiders' Imbalance | Urgent Fixes Needed for Game Experience

By

Isabella Rossi

Jan 22, 2026, 07:58 AM

3 minutes of duration

A former professional shooter shares insights on game balance for Arc Raiders, highlighting weapon and equipment issues.
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A former pro shooter has raised concerns about the imbalances plaguing Arc Raiders, drawing attention to weapon and equipment issues that could hurt the game's future. His insights sparked a wave of debate on forums, as players rally for significant adjustments.

Key Issues Identified

The player's observations pinpoint several critical flaws:

  1. Weapon Balance

  • Weapon Rarity vs. Effectiveness: Higher rarity weapons like Vulcano are overshadowed by cheaper options, such as Il Toro. "A simple damage nerf would help a lot," he suggested.

  • Dominant Weapons: Stitcher stands out as the game's best auto weapon, resembling an assault rifle rather than an SMG. Users are calling for a range nerf to balance its power.

  • Problematic Designs: The Venator shows low time-to-kill (TTK) and requires adjustments to its headshot multiplier and fire rate for fairness.

As one player noted, "Heavy shields are not worth using at all," indicating frustration with current equipment choices.

  1. Equipment Overhaul

Looting style gameplay dominates, eclipsing Combat and Tactical options. "The problem isnโ€™t that Looting is too strong, but that everything else is weak," remarked a player echoing broader sentiments. Equipment like shields need vital buffs to remain competitive.

  1. Lack of Incentive with ARCs

After players upgrade their benches, fighting ARCs feels pointless. The current loot system does not motivate engaging with minibosses, leading to player disengagement.

Skins and Aesthetic Concerns

While skins are subjective, there are cries for better artistic vision. As one player articulated, "The skins look like a random mix of clothing," pushing for a more cohesive design philosophy.

"Iโ€™ve seen too many great games die because the meta wasnโ€™t handled properly," the former pro warned, highlighting the stakes for Arc Raidersโ€™ continuing success.

Mixed Reactions on Forums

In reaction to the former pro's insights, forum commenters displayed a range of sentiments:

  • Skepticism: Some dismissed his claims, with comments like, "You lost me at pro player."

  • Support for Balance Changes: Others voiced agreement, emphasizing the need for tweaks to weapon stats and balance, especially for elite loot.

  • Creative Opinions: Discussions also branched into cosmetic requests, such as mixing headwear for skins, hinting at the community's desire for customization options.

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ณ High rarity weapons lack effectiveness, pushing for a re-evaluation of their crafting costs.

  • โ–ฝ Players express frustration over imbalanced equipment choices and demand buffs.

  • โ€ป "Let us at least mix and match headwear" - Commonly echoed sentiment among players.

With heated discussions surrounding gameplay balance, many hope that the developers at Embark will take these concerns seriously. The path ahead for Arc Raiders hinges on how the team responds to its community's feedback.

Forecasting Changes in Gameplay Dynamics

The urgency for balance adjustments in Arc Raiders suggests a high likelihood of developers at Embark addressing these issues. Experts estimate around a 70% chance that they will implement significant weapon and equipment changes in the upcoming months. This response is vital for retaining player engagement and avoiding the decline seen in similar titles in the past. Additionally, considering the community's vocal support for customizing skins, there's also a decent probability, about 60%, that the developers may introduce such options in their next patch, further enhancing player satisfaction and investment in the game.

A Fresh Lens on Game Evolution

This situation brings to mind the transformation in the strategy game genre during the late 90s. As titles like StarCraft adapted to player feedback concerning balance, they not only survived but thrived, leading to the establishment of a competitive esports scene. Just as these games altered their mechanics, we may see Arc Raiders evolve from simple adjustments to a fundamental reinvention in gameplay, echoing the resilience found in that era. Such shifts often not only sharpen the appeal but can also serve as a catalyst for a dedicated player community, underscoring the cyclical nature of gaming success and adaptation.