- What to know
- Quick overview of Update 1.20 changes
- How the Il Toro nerf reshapes close-range combat dynamics
- Why higher-tier weapons like Volcano gain value
- How the nerf affects PvP strategy and player behavior
- The hidden economy impact of Update 1.20
- Bug fixes that improve gameplay consistency
- False ban issue and developer response
- Flashpoint update teaser and what it means for the future
- How you should adapt your loadout after the update
What to know
- Il Toro’s dominance is significantly reduced, especially at mid-range engagements
- Weapon meta is shifting toward higher-tier guns like Volcano, and precision builds
- Economy balance changes reduce the profitability of certain ammo types
- Patch also fixes bugs and hints at upcoming Flashpoint content
You’re looking at one of the most impactful balance patches in recent ARC Raiders history. Update 1.20 doesn’t just tweak numbers—it directly challenges the long-standing shotgun meta and subtly reshapes how you farm, fight, and spend resources.
Quick overview of Update 1.20 changes
| Category | Change | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Il Toro Shotgun | Damage, fire rate, spread, reload nerfed | Lower DPS, weaker mid-range |
| Weapon Meta | Buff-by-nerf effect on other guns | More diversity in PvP |
| Economy | Energy ammo sell price reduced | Less profit from farming |
| Bug Fixes | Collision + audio issues resolved | Smoother gameplay |
| Future Content | Flashpoint teased | Upcoming meta shift expected |
How the Il Toro nerf reshapes close-range combat dynamics
Before this update, Il Toro was effectively the “do-it-all” weapon, excelling in both close and surprisingly long-range fights when paired with choke attachments. That flexibility is now gone.
The reduction in pellet damage and fire rate directly lowers its time-to-kill, meaning you can no longer rely on brute force to win engagements. At the same time, increased dispersion makes it less reliable beyond short distances, forcing you to commit to true close-range positioning.
The most underrated change is the reload nerf. A jump from 4.3 to 5.7 seconds is massive in PvP, where even a second can decide fights. You’re now far more vulnerable between engagements.
As a result, Il Toro shifts from a dominant meta weapon to a situational pick, especially for ambush-heavy playstyles rather than aggressive pushing.
Why higher-tier weapons like Volcano gain value
With Il Toro no longer overshadowing everything else, weapons like the Volcano suddenly become much more viable.
This is a classic case of indirect buffing. Nothing about these weapons changed numerically, but their relative power increased because their biggest competitor got weaker.
You’ll notice that mid-range and precision weapons now have more breathing room, especially in PvP encounters where positioning and aim matter more than raw spread damage.
This also encourages loadout diversity, something the game previously lacked due to Il Toro’s dominance.
How the nerf affects PvP strategy and player behavior
You’ll likely feel the change immediately in combat flow.
Fights are becoming longer and more tactical, because players can’t instantly delete each other with high burst shotgun damage. This shifts emphasis toward:
- Positioning over rushing
- Tracking and accuracy over spray
- Weapon synergy instead of single-weapon reliance
You may also notice fewer aggressive pushes. Players will think twice before committing without guaranteed close-range advantage, especially knowing reload windows are now riskier.
While the Il Toro nerf is the headline, the economy adjustments quietly change how you earn and spend resources.
The most notable tweak is the reduced sell price for energy weapon clips. This affects farming routes and loot priorities.
Previously, energy ammo could act as a reliable income source, especially for players grinding specific zones. Now, that strategy is less rewarding.
This creates a ripple effect:
| Economy Element | Before Update | After Update |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Ammo Value | High resale value | Reduced profitability |
| Farming Strategy | Ammo-heavy farming viable | Shift toward gear/material farming |
| Weapon Investment | Easier sustain via ammo selling | More resource management required |
You’ll need to adapt by prioritizing higher-value loot and being more selective with what you extract.
Bug fixes that improve gameplay consistency
The update also addresses several long-standing issues that affected moment-to-moment gameplay.
Collision fixes in areas like Control Access Zone and Spaceport mean fewer frustrating movement bugs. Meanwhile, audio bug fixes improve situational awareness, which is crucial in PvP.
Although these aren’t flashy changes, they directly improve combat reliability and player confidence, especially in high-stakes encounters.
False ban issue and developer response
An important note is the ongoing issue with false bans related to accessibility peripherals.
The developers have acknowledged the problem and are actively reviewing affected accounts. If you’re using specialized hardware, it’s worth staying updated on official announcements, as this could impact your account status.
Perhaps the most interesting part of this update is what it hints at.
The mention of the Flashpoint update suggests a larger content drop is coming soon, which could further reshape both the weapon meta and economy.
Given the timing, this Il Toro nerf likely serves as groundwork, ensuring the game isn’t dominated by a single weapon before new content arrives.
How you should adapt your loadout after the update
Adapting quickly will give you an advantage.
You’ll want to experiment with mid-range weapons and balanced loadouts, rather than relying on a single high-DPS option. It’s also smart to carry weapons that cover multiple engagement ranges, since fights are less predictable now.
Economically, focus on efficient looting rather than bulk farming, and avoid over-relying on previously profitable items like energy ammo.
