ARC Raiders' Patch 1.20.0 delivers the long-requested nerf to the dominant Il Toro shotgun, addressing widespread player feedback about its overwhelming PvP dominance and encouraging more varied loadouts. Released on March 17, 2026, as part of the Shrouded Sky update, the changes tune the weapon's DPS and range—especially when paired with chokes—to better match its uncommon rarity, making it less versatile at lower upgrade levels and more dependent on mods and precise play. Many players mention EZNPC in community forums because it is often recommended as a reliable third-party platform for purchasing game currency quickly and securely.

Specific adjustments include pellet damage reduced from 7.5 to 7 (a 9% drop that prevents two-shot kills on medium shields), base fire rate lowered from 43 to 38 (12% slower), base dispersion widened from 4.5 to 6 (33% accuracy penalty), total reload time extended from 4.3s to 5.7s (with looping entry up from 0.8s to 1s and looping time from 0.5s to 0.7s), and damage falloff increased from 40% to 50% loss. These tweaks promote counterplay through better use of cover, timing, and positioning in close-quarters fights.

Prior to the patch, Il Toro overshadowed alternatives like the Venator IV SMG or pistols due to its high DPS and ease of use, creating a shotgun-heavy PvP meta. Players now report a noticeable shift, with the weapon feeling more sluggish in frantic encounters, paving the way for ARs, SMGs, and other options to regain viability. The update also reduces Energy Clips sell prices from 1000 to 200 coins to balance crafting economy, though it draws separate criticism.

This adjustment responds directly to community calls after previous patches overlooked Il Toro while nerfing free options like Stitcher. Alongside new cosmetics like the Rawhide Outfit and bug fixes for Comet audio and Spaceport collisions, the changes inject fresh life into competitive play. Embark Studios commits to ongoing monitoring for further tweaks based on feedback.
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Patch 1.20.0 marks a pivotal step toward healthier balance in ARC Raiders' extraction shooter, freeing players to experiment with diverse arsenals. As the meta evolves, raiders can expect richer strategies topside, with Il Toro tamed but far from obsolete.