ARC Raiders' Update 1.12.0, released on January 20, 2026, is a small but meaningful step from Embark Studios aimed squarely at cleaning up some of the game's most frustrating exploits. Weighing in at roughly 606 MB on Steam, the patch doesn't try to impress with new features or systems. Instead, it focuses on restoring fairness and stability, addressing cheating issues that have been wearing down the extraction shooter's competitive experience since launch.
The most important changes deal with duplication exploits that had been quietly undermining the game's core survival loop. Both item duplication and ammo duplication glitches have been patched, shutting down methods players used to endlessly copy rare gear and ammunition. In a game built around scarcity and risk, these exploits were especially damaging, allowing cheaters to breeze through high-stakes runs with infinite resources. With the fixes now live on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, raids should feel more honest, with success tied back to planning, positioning, and execution rather than loopholes.
Another long-standing issue addressed in this update involves shooting through geometry. Some players had been abusing line-of-sight bugs to damage opponents hiding behind walls or solid cover, effectively bypassing one of the game's most important defensive mechanics. Closing these gaps makes positioning matter again, forcing players to commit to flanks, elevation, or smart movement instead of relying on wall-piercing shots. It's a subtle change, but one that significantly improves the feel of firefights.
The patch also tackles out-of-bounds exploits on Stella Montis, a popular map known for its vertical design and valuable loot routes. Certain players had been slipping outside the intended play area to ambush others from angles that were impossible to counter. While Embark notes that "various" out-of-bounds spots have been sealed, early community chatter suggests a few problem areas may still exist. Even so, the fixes should make Stella Montis raids far less frustrating and help restore its reputation as a fair, high-risk environment for coordinated squads.
Alongside the bug fixes, Update 1.12.0 refreshes the in-game store with the Fiero Outfit Set. It's a purely cosmetic addition, but it gives players something new to spend Raider Tokens on and adds a bit of personality to the game without affecting balance. While it's not on the scale of larger updates like Cold Snap or the Expeditions system, it helps keep progression feeling alive between major content drops.
Player reactions have been mixed, but not surprising. Many in the community are relieved to see Embark prioritizing exploit fixes, viewing the patch as a sign that the developers are serious about maintaining a fair playing field. Others feel the update is too light and are eager for larger additions, especially after recent balance changes and earlier hints about bigger plans for 2026. That tension highlights the challenge ARC Raiders faces as a live-service game: stability fixes are necessary, but long-term engagement depends on fresh content.
After restarting their clients to download the patch, players can expect cleaner raids, fewer questionable deaths, and a more consistent experience across maps like Stella Montis. While it may not grab headlines with new mechanics, the update quietly strengthens the game's foundation, nudging ARC Raiders closer to the polished experience many players believe it can become.
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