ARC Raiders Update 1.11.0: 12 Million Sold, Kettle Nerf, and the Abyss Set
Patch Notes 1.11.0
ARC Raiders hits 12 million copies sold while Embark brings weapon balance changes and the Abyss cosmetic set.
Key Takeaways
- 12 million milestone: ARC Raiders has sold 12 million copies, and everyone who logged in since launch gets a free Gilded Pickaxe.
- Kettle fire rate reduced: Down from 600 to 450 RPM to address macro abuse and level the playing field.
- Trigger 'Nade timing changed: Detonation delay increased from 0.7s to 1.5s, making air-burst tactics harder to pull off.
- Abyss cosmetic set available: The highly anticipated cosmetic set drops with this update.
- Key card exploit patched: Players can no longer keep room keys after using them.
ARC Raiders Update 1.11.0 arrived on January 13, 2026, marking a celebration of the game's explosive growth alongside meaningful balance changes. Embark Studios had prepared a reward for hitting 10 million players, but the community shattered that number so quickly they're now sitting at 12 million copies sold.
This patch addresses two weapons that have dominated PvP encounters: the Kettle and the Trigger 'Nade. Both have received significant adjustments aimed at reducing their oppressive effectiveness while keeping them viable options in your loadout.
Gilded Pickaxe Raider Tool
Everyone who logged in from launch until January 13 can claim this free reward. Check your inventory for this golden commemorative tool.
Claim deadline: January 13, 11:59pm CET / 2:59pm PST / 5:59pm EST
Weapon Balance Changes
The Kettle's fire rate has been reduced from 600 RPM to 450 RPM. This 25% reduction directly targets a specific problem that's been plaguing ARC Raiders since launch: macro users.
For legitimate players clicking as fast as humanly possible, this change shouldn't feel dramatically different. The Kettle remains a punchy semi-auto option. What changes is that macro users no longer get to spray at inhuman speeds while everyone else is limited by their finger dexterity.
| Stat | Before | After | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 600 RPM | 450 RPM | -25% |
The Trigger 'Nade has been the go-to grenade choice in PvP for good reason: it could be detonated mid-air with devastating precision. Update 1.11.0 targets that specific use case while preserving its role as a sticky bomb.
Two changes hit the Trigger 'Nade. First, the detonation delay jumped from 0.7 seconds to 1.5 seconds after triggering. That extra 0.8 seconds gives opponents a real window to react and reposition when they hear the click. Second, Embark rebalanced the damage falloff to concentrate damage closer to the explosion center while dealing less at the edges.
| Stat | Before | After | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detonation Delay | 0.7s | 1.5s | +114% |
| Damage Falloff | Even spread | Center-focused | Reduced edge damage |
If you've been sticking grenades to surfaces or enemies, you'll barely notice the change. The nerf specifically punishes the air-burst playstyle where players would lob the grenade and detonate it above opponents' heads before they could react.
Bug Fixes and Changes
The Stella Montis lighting change is subtle but meaningful. Previously bright areas now require more reliance on your flashlight, adding tension to night raids. Players who've mastered listening for footsteps and audio cues will find themselves at an advantage in these darker zones.
Abyss Cosmetic Set
The Abyss set has been teased for weeks, and it's finally here. Embark hasn't shared specific details in the patch notes, so you'll need to jump in-game to see what's included. Based on community leaks, expect dark, void-themed aesthetics that contrast sharply with the more military-focused default gear.
Compare Weapon Stats
See how the Kettle stacks up against other weapons after this balance pass.
Weapon Comparison ToolFrequently Asked Questions
How do I claim the Gilded Pickaxe?
If you logged into ARC Raiders anytime from launch until January 13, 2026 at 11:59pm CET, the Gilded Pickaxe should appear in your inventory automatically. Check your Raider Tools section.
Is the Kettle still viable after the nerf?
Absolutely. The fire rate reduction primarily affects macro users who were hitting the theoretical maximum. If you're clicking legitimately, 450 RPM is still a solid semi-auto fire rate. The weapon's damage and accuracy remain unchanged.
Can I still air-burst the Trigger 'Nade?
Technically yes, but the 1.5 second delay makes it far less effective. Opponents now have time to hear the trigger and move before detonation. The grenade works best when stuck to surfaces or enemies where the delay doesn't matter.
What was the key card exploit?
Players found a way to use room keys without consuming them, allowing unlimited access to locked areas. This has been patched, and keys now work as intended: one use, then they're gone.
How much darker is Stella Montis now?
The lighting reduction affects specific areas rather than the entire map. You'll notice darker corners and corridors where flashlights become more useful. It's not a dramatic overhaul, but enough to make night raids feel more tense.
Where can I buy the Abyss cosmetic set?
The Abyss set is available in the in-game store. Launch ARC Raiders, head to the store tab, and look for the featured cosmetics section. Pricing details are shown in-game.
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