A patch for Arc Raiders delivered more than expected this week. While the Headwinds update brought new matchmaking modes and rubber duck variations, an unplanned bug temporarily reduced the fire rate of several firearms. The issue was not part of the planned balance adjustments, and developers scrambled to restore stability.
The Venator, a popular submachine gun, was among the affected weapons. While the change was reversed within hours, the brief nerf prompted one player to take extreme measures: recycling all 109 Venators from their inventory. The decision, likely a mix of frustration and humor, left many questioning the practicality of hoarding such a large quantity of a single weapon.
The situation took an ironic turn when developers attempted to correct the issue. In the process, the Venator—and other firearms like the Burletta and Kettle—received an unintended buff, with the Venator’s fire rate now 0.7 seconds faster than before the patch. Whether this improvement is permanent remains unclear, as further adjustments may follow.
For most players, the episode serves as a reminder of how volatile balance changes can be in live-service games. The incident also highlighted a broader trend: the game’s evolving meta, where weapon performance can shift overnight. Meanwhile, the player who cleared their stash now has space for 545 rubber ducks—a more stable (and colorful) investment.
Developers have since confirmed the changes were accidental and not part of the intended update. Players are advised to monitor future patch notes for additional clarifications.
