Patch 1.15.0 for ARC Raiders (Feb 10, 2026) has reshaped the weapon meta, shifting explosives like the Trailblazer Grenade from boss-killer roles to crowd-control, while reinforcing a "ballistics-first" meta. As we approach the Second Expedition reset on March 1, 2026, understanding which weapons dominate is essential for both PvE Merit farming and PvP survival.
📌 Table of Contents
- Trailblazer Grenade Rebalance: Nerf or Utility?
- Updated Weapon Tier List: S-Tier & A-Tier
- Preparing for the Second Expedition (March 1)
- Meta Strategy: PvE & PvP Loadouts
- Final Verdict: Should You Keep the Trailblazer?
- FAQ: ARC Raiders 1.15.0 Weapon Meta
1. Trailblazer Grenade Rebalance: Nerf or Utility?
The Trailblazer Grenade was once the go-to tool for boss encounters and corner camping. Patch 1.15.0 has shifted its role from damage-focused to tactical crowd-control.
- 🧱 No Wall Penetration: Explosions no longer clip through geometry, ending bunker-corner exploits.
- 🐜 Damage Scaling: Improved against small enemies (Drones, Wasps, Husks), reduced against larger foes (Leapers, Bastions).
- 💡 Verdict: Now an A-Tier utility for Shared Watch events or clearing small ARC swarms, not a primary damage source for bosses.
2. Updated Weapon Tier List: S-Tier & A-Tier
Post-patch, ballistics and precision dominate. Community consensus and verified tier lists highlight the following:
🏆 S-Tier Weapons
| Weapon | Type | Why It's Meta |
|---|---|---|
| Anvil | Pistol | Heavy armor penetration, top-tier PvE utility |
| Renegade | Battle Rifle | Versatile mid-range, excels against ARC weak points |
| Venator | Pistol | 2-round burst, fastest TTK against shielded Raiders |
| Bobcat | SMG | High fire rate, excellent for indoor maps |
| Vulcano | Shotgun | Highest burst damage for room clearing |
🔥 A-Tier Weapons
- Ferro — reliable budget long-range weapon
- Tempest — balanced secondary option
- Osprey — best long-range pick for low visibility maps like Cold Snap
- Stitcher — solid automatic support weapon
- Bettina — dependable mid-range choice
3. Preparing for the Second Expedition (March 1 Reset)
- 💰 3M Coin Goal: Max bonus skill points now require only 3 million Coins (down from 5M).
- ⚡ Skill Point Catch-Up: Missed points from Expedition 1 can be purchased for 300k each.
- 📈 XP Buff Stacking: Extracting 3+ consecutive raids grants up to 12% extra Scrappy materials.
4. Meta Strategy: PvE & PvP Loadouts
Adapt your loadout depending on your focus:
- 🤖 PvE / Merit Farming: Renegade (primary), Anvil (secondary), Trailblazer Grenade (utility for crowd control)
- ⚔️ PvP / Survival: Venator or Bobcat (primary), Osprey (secondary), Smoke Grenade (utility for Frostbite resets and cover)
5. Final Verdict: Is the Trailblazer Still Worth It?
Yes, but only as a tactical tool rather than your main damage source. Use it for crowd control or tagging small ARC swarms to assist Merit farming. Invest resources into S-Tier weapons like Renegade and Anvil for reliable damage and efficiency.
FAQ: ARC Raiders 1.15.0 Weapon Meta
Did the Ferro get nerfed in 1.15.0?
No, Ferro remains a solid budget long-range option, though Renegade is now preferred for versatility.
Can the Trailblazer still kill players?
Yes, but only in the open. It no longer penetrates walls or obstacles.
What is the best weapon for Cold Snap maps?
The Osprey is recommended for long-range high-damage shots when visibility drops during blizzards.
This video provides a direct visual breakdown of the Trailblazer nerf and the new cosmetic sets introduced in the update.
ARC Raiders Update 1.15.0: New Patch! Grenade Nerf & Bug Fixes!
👉 Next recommended reads:
Comments
Post a Comment