With the release of Shrouded Sky, ARC Raiders has officially entered a new balance phase. 

Patch 1.17.0 introduces sweeping changes across weapons, maps, item pricing, and core gameplay systems. As the in-game economy tightens, many players are already discussing the best way to earn coins ARC Raiders and monitoring the ARC raiders coins more closely than ever.

Weapon Nerfs Reshape the PvP Meta

One of the most impactful parts of Update 1.17.0 is weapon balance. Several low-cost, high-efficiency weapons were outperforming higher-tier gear, forcing the developers to intervene.

Stitcher received one of the harshest nerfs. Its headshot damage multiplier was reduced from 2.5 to 1.75, base damage dropped to 6.5, and spray accuracy was significantly worsened. This finally prevents instant melee kills that left no room for counterplay.

Kettlet also saw a noticeable damage reduction, dropping from 10 to 8.5 base damage. While it remains effective at close range, the change ensures it no longer overshadows specialized melee weapons like Stitcher.

Venator, despite being nerfed repeatedly since 1.13.0, still dominated PvP statistics. Patch 1.17.0 continues tuning it down with reduced headshot scaling and base damage, signaling the developers’ intent to slow its kill potential without killing its identity.

Minor Buffs Bring Underused Weapons Back

Not all weapons were hit with nerfs. Jupiter received quality-of-life buffs that improve ADS magnification and handling speed, making long-range headshots more consistent. Aphelion was also adjusted to feel more responsive, with faster firing intervals, reduced recoil, and quicker ADS settling.

These buffs encourage variety and reduce over-reliance on a narrow PvP meta.

Item Price Increases and Economic Pressure

Several epic items now cost more to trade or craft. Deadline, Trailblazer, and Wolfpack all received price or material increases, while Vita Spray and Showstopper saw crafting adjustments. These changes slow down progression and make resource management more important than ever.

Because deaths are more expensive and crafting demands are higher, some players stabilize their economy early by securing currency through EZNPC online store, allowing them to focus on gameplay instead of repeated recovery runs.

Patch 1.17.0 prioritizes fairness and long-term balance. While weapon nerfs may frustrate some players initially, the overall experience becomes healthier—and smarter resource planning is now essential for success.