What to know
- Aphelion received a reload speed reduction, recoil reduction, and ADS settle improvements.
- Bullet spread is tighter, making bursts significantly more consistent.
- It competes with Toro in PvP but requires an extra burst to secure kills.
- High ammo consumption remains its biggest drawback.
The latest balance update in ARC Raiders has significantly improved the Aphelion, shifting it from a niche pick to a viable PvP option. If you previously avoided this weapon due to inconsistent bursts and harsh recoil, you may want to revisit it. The changes directly address its weakest areas—vertical recoil, reload downtime, and bullet grouping—making it much more dependable in combat.
Quick overview of Aphelion after the buff
| Category | Before Buff | After Buff | Impact on Gameplay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reload Speed | Slower | ~1 second faster | Less downtime in fights |
| Vertical Recoil | High | Reduced by 50% | Easier burst control |
| Time Between Shots | Slight delay | Slightly faster | Smoother follow-up bursts |
| Bullet Consistency | Inconsistent pairing | Tighter grouping | More reliable damage output |
| ADS Settle Speed | Slower stabilization | Faster settle | Quicker accuracy |
| PvP Viability | Situational | Competitive | Strong mid-to-long range |
| Ammo Efficiency | High consumption | Unchanged | Requires ammo planning |
What exactly changed with Aphelion
The most noticeable buff is the 50% reduction in vertical recoil. This change alone dramatically improves how the weapon feels. Previously, controlling back-to-back bursts required significant recoil compensation. Now, you can maintain tighter tracking with less adjustment.
Reload speed was also reduced by roughly one second. In close-range PvP scenarios, this matters more than you might expect. A faster reload often means you survive engagements that would previously leave you exposed.
Bullet consistency has improved as well. Before the update, the weapon’s dual-shot burst frequently split apart, causing one bullet to miss even when your crosshair was centered. After the buff, those two bullets land much closer together. When paired with a vertical grip tier two attachment, grouping becomes noticeably tighter.
ADS settle speed has also been refined. You can now aim down sights and reach accurate firing stability more quickly. This helps when reacting to sudden encounters or repositioning mid-fight.
How Aphelion performs in PvP compared to Toro
Aphelion now feels closer in role to the Toro. However, there is an important distinction in time-to-kill. Toro can typically secure eliminations in two bursts at optimal range, while Aphelion requires three bursts in similar scenarios.
That extra burst can matter in close quarters. But Aphelion compensates with a better effective range. At mid-to-long distances, its improved recoil control and tighter bullet grouping allow you to maintain pressure more consistently.
In short:
- Toro wins in raw burst lethality.
- Aphelion wins in range flexibility and smoother control post-buff.
If your playstyle favors slightly safer engagements and mid-range control, Aphelion now feels much more competitive.
Why ammo management is still a major concern
One issue remains unchanged: ammo consumption.
Aphelion burns through ammunition quickly, especially during extended PvP exchanges. Because it requires three bursts to down an opponent in many cases, you will spend noticeably more rounds compared to Toro users.
If you choose Aphelion, you must:
- Carry additional ammunition.
- Avoid unnecessary spray.
- Commit to controlled, full ADS bursts only.
Failing to manage ammo properly can leave you vulnerable in longer raids.
How to use Aphelion effectively after the buff
- Always fully aim down sights before firing. The weapon’s accuracy dramatically improves when fully settled.
- Wait for the ADS settle animation to complete before committing to your burst. The improved settle speed helps, but rushing shots still reduces consistency.
- Avoid firing while sprinting, jumping, or strafing aggressively. Movement penalties still affect the dual-bullet consistency.
- Use controlled bursts instead of panic-firing. Even though recoil is reduced, stacking bursts too quickly can cause vertical climb.
- Equip at least a vertical grip tier two. While the recoil reduction is already significant, attachments further tighten grouping and improve reliability.
Range advantages and engagement style
Aphelion shines when you play methodically. At mid-range, the recoil reduction allows for consistent three-burst eliminations. At longer ranges, its stability gives it an edge over many aggressive close-range weapons.
You should avoid hyper-close engagements where two-burst weapons dominate. Instead, position yourself slightly back from choke points, hold angles, and leverage ADS stability.
When played patiently, Aphelion now feels like a ranged adaptation of Toro rather than a weaker alternative.
Is Aphelion worth using now?
Yes—with conditions.
The buffs transform Aphelion into a good PvP weapon. The recoil reduction alone changes its feel entirely. It now behaves like a controlled, range-leaning burst rifle that rewards disciplined aiming.
However, you must account for:
- Higher ammo usage.
- Three-burst kill requirement.
- Strict need for full ADS firing.
If you manage those factors, the weapon is competitive and reliable.
