The latest update for Arc Raiders, Patch 1.19.0, has landed, bringing a mix of cosmetic additions and technical fixes that have left the community with mixed feelings. While a new, eye-catching skin bundle has rotated into the featured store, the patch notes themselves are notably light on significant gameplay changes, particularly regarding balance adjustments many players have been anticipating.
The Devote Set: A Bold but Questionable Addition
The headline cosmetic addition is the Devote Set, available for 1,500 Raider Tokens. The bundle includes a full outfit, a separate mask called “Tribal Eyes,” and distinct accessories. The set’s design, featuring prominent tassels and intricate wiring, has been described as “very, very odd” and “mesmerizing” but ultimately “cool.” Players have the flexibility to customize the look by removing the mask, scarf, or sleeves to achieve a more streamlined “ninja” aesthetic. The Tribal Eyes mask alone is available for 400 Raider Tokens, while the core skin costs 1,300. The set offers three colorways: green, red, and black; black, red, and gold; and orange, white, and black.
Store Rotation and Pricing Concerns
Alongside the Devote Set, the store update introduced new hairstyles and facial accessories. A “Curly Mullet” hairstyle and a “Big Mustache” are each priced at 500 Raider Tokens. This pricing for relatively minor cosmetic details like facial hair has raised eyebrows within the community, with comments suggesting the value proposition might need reevaluation. Notably, the expected weekly skin and Raider Token bundle did not appear with this update, contrary to a developer indication on Discord earlier in the week, leaving players curious about its delay.
Patch 1.19.0: A Focus on Bug Fixes
The patch notes for version 1.19.0 are primarily dedicated to resolving specific bugs and exploits, with no mention of broader weapon or mechanic balancing.
Key fixes include:
- Correcting display issues for cell values in the inventory when attaching mods.
- Preventing the same item from appearing multiple times in sell/recycle pop-ups.
- Resolving a coin balance display error after selling items with durability.
- Addressing an exploit where pressing Tab while using the Snap Hook could place it in the safe pocket.
- Fixing a bug where players could get stuck in a doorway in the Auditorium on Stella Montis.
- Removing duplicate interact prompts for the Comet.
- Patching a zipline exploit on Bluegate.
- Correcting an issue where some bodies of water did not freeze during the Cold Snap condition on Dan Battleground.
- Adjusting the frequency of electromagnetic storm lighting.
Embark Studios also addressed server instability from the previous week that caused some players to lose loadouts even after successful extractions. The studio stated they are reviewing cases and will return items where possible, making an exception for compensation due to the widespread impact of the outage.
Community Reaction and Future Expectations
The community’s response to the patch is tinged with disappointment. Many players expected more substantial updates, particularly concerning weapon balance. The Il Toro, a weapon many have openly requested be nerfed or adjusted, was not mentioned in the changes. This lack of action on a widely discussed issue feels out of step with community feedback.
The light patch has sparked speculation about the development cadence. Some observers feel Embark may be intentionally slowing the update pace, perhaps to allow space for competing titles like Marathon to launch and establish their player base without direct contention from a major Arc Raiders update. However, the established roadmap suggests significant updates are forthcoming. A major patch is expected within the next two weeks, followed by the introduction of a new map in April.
Player comments highlight ongoing frustrations with mid-game joins, where loading into a match with only 17 minutes remaining feels “pointless” for activities beyond potential PvP encounters. The community continues to share tips, such as using the audio “Night Mode” setting to boost distinct sounds like radar cache beeps, making them easier to locate during events like hurricanes.
While the Devote Set offers a flashy new look for dedicated Raiders, Patch 1.19.0 ultimately serves as a maintenance update, clearing technical hurdles rather than steering the game’s meta or addressing key community concerns. The focus now shifts to the promised substantial updates on the horizon, which players hope will deliver the impactful changes they’ve been waiting for.
