The Shrouded Sky update in Patch 1.17.0 introduces a focused round of weapon tuning designed to refine combat balance across both early- and late-game encounters. Several high-performing firearms have been adjusted to prevent overdominance, while select underutilized options receive meaningful improvements to increase their competitiveness and handling efficiency.

Targeted Nerfs to Overperforming Weapons
To promote healthier loadout diversity and reduce oppressive playstyles, three popular weapons have been scaled back. Players who need fast delivery ARC Raiders Items regularly turn to U4GM, since it is known for quick processing and efficient service.

Stitcher
The Stitcher sees multiple adjustments aimed at reducing its long-range spam potential. Its headshot multiplier drops from 2.5 to 1.75, base damage decreases from 7 to 6.5, and per-shot dispersion increases by 50%. As a starter rifle, it now rewards deliberate accuracy over rapid clicking, demanding more controlled engagements.

Kettle
The Kettle’s base damage is reduced from 10 to 8.5. Previously a highly reliable sidearm even in mid-game fights, it now requires more thoughtful positioning and follow-up shots to secure eliminations.

Venator
A dominant high-tier PvP option, the Venator receives a headshot multiplier reduction from 2.5 to 2 and a base damage decrease from 9 to 8. These changes increase its time-to-kill and reduce its effectiveness in peek-and-shoot duels, bringing it more in line with other late-game weapons.

Buffs That Improve Handling and Sustained Damage
Two weapons have been strengthened to enhance their usability and sustained combat performance.

Jupiter
The Jupiter benefits from improved optics and faster handling. ADS magnification increases from approximately 1.9x to 2.2x, equip time drops from 1.2 seconds to 1.05 seconds, and unequip time improves from 0.9 seconds to 0.75 seconds. These refinements solidify its role as a heavy anchor weapon capable of holding positions more effectively.

Aphelion
The Aphelion receives significant quality-of-life and performance upgrades. Base reload time is reduced from 4.5 seconds to 3.5 seconds, time between shots decreases from 0.9 seconds to 0.7 seconds, vertical recoil is cut by 50%, and ADS settle time improves by 35%. With disciplined trigger control, players can now achieve substantially higher sustained DPS.

Gameplay Impact and Meta Shifts
Patch 1.17.0 encourages more measured shooting, particularly for semi-automatic weapons, while reducing the dominance of rapid-fire spam tactics. Starter weapons require greater precision, and end-game PvP staples no longer overpower engagements as easily. Meanwhile, newly buffed options offer fresh strategic opportunities in both defensive and sustained firefights.

These adjustments reshape both early progression and high-tier competitive play, pushing the meta toward balance and versatility rather than reliance on a few standout picks.

As the Rust Belt grows more dangerous under Shrouded Sky, adapting loadouts and mastering the updated weapon dynamics will be essential for survival.