Embark Studios has deployed Update 1.3.0 for ARC Raiders, bringing immediate combat adjustments to the live game while setting the stage for a deeper look at its development. The update, released November 20, 2025, focuses heavily on weapon balance and technical stability.
Venator Pistol get tuned
If you have been relying on the Venator Pistol as a crutch during your extraction runs, it is time to check your loadout. Update 1.3.0 introduces specific tuning for the sidearm. In high-stakes extraction shooters, pistol effectiveness is often a delicate balance; when a secondary weapon rivals primary firepower, it tends to skew the economy of the match. While the full extent of the damage falloff or recoil changes requires in-game testing, this tuning suggests Embark is trying to solidify the Venator's role as a backup tool rather than a primary Raider solution.
Alongside the weapon changes, the patch addresses various exploits and bugs. Given the ruthless nature of the ARC—machines that respond to resistance with escalating destruction—technical stability is vital. Nothing feels worse than losing a haul of loot to a glitch rather than an orbital drop.
Developer Documentary Series Announced
Beyond the patch notes, Embark Studios is opening up about the creation of this post-apocalyptic world. A new developer documentary series has been announced, with the first episode scheduled to premiere on November 21, 2025.
For players invested in the lore, this is a chance to see how the team conceptualized the "patchwork early warning system" and the retro-futuristic aesthetic of the resistance. Understanding the design philosophy behind the faceless ARC enemies often adds weight to the gameplay loop, giving context to why we are fighting so hard to protect what remains of Earth.
Where can I watch the ARC Raiders documentary?
The first episode of the series is expected to drop on official channels on November 21. It promises to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the development challenges and artistic vision that shaped the game's distinct identity.