Virgil Watkins, the design lead for ARC Raiders, has hinted at significant changes coming in the next update, specifically to the Kettle rifle and Trigger Nades. ARC Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, has quickly become a hit since launching in late October. It’s seen impressive player numbers on Steam, comparable to major franchises like Battlefield and Call of Duty, and has already sold over 12 million copies. Embark Studios’ ongoing support for the game is a key factor in its continued popularity.
Since its launch, ARC Raiders has been regularly improved with updates addressing bugs, balancing gameplay, and adding fresh content. The game receives patches almost every week, with a short pause over the holidays. Updates resumed on January 10th with version 1.7.3, and the December ‘Cold Snap’ update introduced a new wintry map condition that limited visibility and muffled sounds. The developers are now working on major changes to two weapons, which will be included in the next update.
ARC Raiders is Changing The Kettle and Trigger Nades
In a recent GamesRadar interview, Virgil Watkins, the design lead for ARC Raiders, discussed upcoming changes in the next update. A major focus will be adjusting “The Kettle” weapon, with the developers, Embark Studios, planning to reduce its maximum fire rate. The January update will also revamp “Trigger Nades,” making them less effective at long distances and requiring players to aim more carefully. Both The Kettle and Trigger Nade changes will be implemented in the ARC Raiders balance patch releasing on January 13th.
The developers of ARC Raiders explained the upcoming changes to the Kettle and Trigger Nades in more detail. They noticed players were taking advantage of the Kettle’s high capacity to quickly eliminate opponents. They also want players to be more precise when using the Trigger Nades and are adjusting how quickly they explode after being thrown. The team hinted that they’re also planning future adjustments to weapon rarity, considering how powerful each weapon should be.
Image via Embark ARC Raiders Has Been a Breakout Hit for Embark Studios
The game ARC Raiders quickly gained recognition, earning several awards by the end of 2025. Despite being released just over a month before the event, it won “Best Multiplayer Game” at the 2025 Game Awards. Embark Studios’ new title also performed well at the Steam Awards, winning “Most Innovative Gameplay” and being nominated for “Game of the Year.” Additionally, ARC Raiders is in contention for six awards at the British Academy Games Awards in April.
Image via Embark Studios Despite some criticism regarding its use of AI-generated art and voices, ARC Raiders is proving to be a major success, and 2026 looks promising for fans. Embark Studios CEO Patrick Söderlund recently revealed that multiple studios are interested in adapting the game into a TV show or movie. With plans for even more new content on the way, ARC Raiders fans have a lot to look forward to.
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2026-01-11 22:05