Embark Studios' hit title, Arc Raiders, has achieved a remarkable sales milestone, surpassing 12 million copies sold. This impressive figure far exceeds their initial projection of 10 million. To celebrate this achievement, the development team is rewarding all players who accessed the game between its launch and January 13th with a free Gilded Pickaxe Raider Tool, acknowledging their community's support.
However, this celebratory news is coupled with significant gameplay adjustments aimed at refining the player experience. Two particularly dominant weapons, the Kettle pistol and the Trigger 'Nade grenade, have been rebalanced. The Kettle, a semi-automatic handgun, had its fire rate reduced from 600 to 450 rounds per minute. This change primarily targets players who were exploiting a macro to achieve an unnaturally high firing speed, ensuring a fairer competitive environment while maintaining its intended functionality for legitimate players. Similarly, the Trigger 'Nade, known for its high damage and in-air detonation capability, has also been adjusted. Its damage falloff is now concentrated closer to the explosion's center, and the delay between activation and detonation has been extended from 0.7 seconds to 1.5 seconds, providing opponents with more reaction time and making mid-air detonations more challenging to execute.
Further enhancements include lighting modifications to the Stella Montis map, making it darker and emphasizing the use of flashlights and auditory cues. Additionally, a previously exploitable bug allowing players to retain key cards after use has been rectified. These updates demonstrate Embark Studios' commitment to continuously improving the game's balance and overall experience for its growing player base.
These developments underscore the dynamic nature of online gaming, where developers constantly strive to balance rewarding player engagement with maintaining competitive fairness. Such ongoing refinements are crucial for fostering a vibrant and sustainable gaming community, ensuring that success is built not just on initial appeal but on continuous improvement and player satisfaction.