Arc Raiders has rolled out Update 1.20.0, and while the patch notes may look modest at first glance, two key changes are already reshaping the game’s economy and combat balance: a long-awaited nerf to the Il Toro shotgun and a major reduction in the value of Energy Clips.
The update is now live across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, arriving just ahead of the game’s next major content drop, Flashpoint.
Il Toro Finally Gets Knocked Down
For months, the Il Toro has dominated close-range combat, especially in PvP lobbies. Despite being an uncommon (green) weapon, its high damage output and synergy with dodge mechanics made it one of the most reliable—and frustrating—guns in the game.
With Update 1.20.0, developer Embark Studios has stepped in to rebalance it. Damage has been slightly reduced, but the more impactful changes come from a slower fire rate, increased spread, and longer reload times.
Together, these tweaks make the weapon less forgiving and far more dependent on positioning and timing.
Explaining the decision, the developers said, “This is an adjustment many of you requested… we’ve also made changes so it performs more like a weapon of its rarity.”
“We will of course continue to keep a close eye on this to see how it plays out in practice, and make additional adjustments when needed. Thank you for your feedback and patience," they added.
The message is clear: the Il Toro is no longer meant to feel like a top-tier weapon hiding in a lower rarity bracket.
Emmanuel Umahi
Energy Clips Economy Takes a Major Hit
Beyond combat, the update also delivers a significant blow to in-game farming strategies. Energy Clips—once a reliable way for players to earn coins—have had their sell price reduced drastically from 1,000 coins to just 200 coins.
For players who relied on farming and selling Energy Clips to fund expeditions, this change forces a major rethink of resource strategies.
According to Embark, “Energy Clips have unintentionally become a very profitable craft… so we are reducing the sell price to make the value profitability in line with other crafts.”
This adjustment signals a broader effort to stabilize the in-game economy and prevent a single resource from dominating player progression.
New Cosmetics and Fixes
Outside of balance changes, Update 1.20.0 introduces a Rawhide outfit and two new hairstyles, expanding customization options for players.
The patch also addresses several technical issues, including persistent audio bugs from destroyed objects and collision problems in key areas like the Spaceport and Dam Controlled Access Zone. These fixes, while less flashy, improve overall gameplay stability and immersion.
Flashpoint Update
This balance-focused update lands just before the anticipated Flashpoint expansion, which is expected to introduce new map conditions, threats, and gameplay systems. While details remain limited, Embark has hinted that it will make surface exploration both more rewarding and more dangerous.
A Game Shaped by Player Feedback
Update 1.20.0 shows Arc Raiders leaning heavily into community feedback, particularly around weapon balance and in-game economy.
By nerfing the Il Toro and reducing Energy Clip profits, Embark is clearly aiming to create a more balanced and competitive experience, one where both gear rarity and resource management matter more.
With Flashpoint on the horizon, this patch feels less like a standalone update and more like groundwork for the next phase of the game.
Emmanuel Umahi
