Arc Raiders has rolled out a new patch this morning that addresses a significant exploit allowing players to fire weapons faster than intended using quick-access items. This loophole had given certain players an unfair advantage in combat, enabling them to dominate encounters.

The exploit was particularly effective with the El Toro shotgun, known for its high damage at close range but limited firing rate. Players were able to unleash multiple shots in rapid succession, causing chaos in online matches. The community has referred to this tactic as “double pumping,” as it allowed players to take down opponents using light shields with just two well-placed shots from the El Toro.

The mechanics behind the exploit were straightforward: players could shoot to trigger the re-chambering animation, then quickly press the quick-use button during the animation, followed by the weapon slot button. This would effectively cancel the reloading animation, drastically reducing the time needed to ready another shot.

In addition to fixing this exploit, the patch includes other important updates. Exploit mitigation measures have been implemented for all locked rooms, responding to players who have discovered ingenious methods to access them without keycards. Furthermore, players can no longer jump on each other to push opponents around, putting an end to various antics.

Additional minor fixes have also been made, such as resolving texture issues in the main menu, eliminating lighting artifacts that appeared when entering a map, and ensuring that voice options align correctly upon restarting the game.

While this patch may not be groundbreaking, it significantly enhances the gameplay experience for competitive players. PvP encounters are now more balanced, and keycards are essential for accessing top-tier loot. As a result, Stellar Montis is expected to be a more secure environment for raiders, although the Arc will still be on the lookout for your rubber ducks. Overall, it’s a welcoming change for the sizable player base eager for a smoother experience.