ARC Raiders Patch 1.26.0 quietly delivers a significant quality-of-life improvement by increasing Heavy Ammo stack capacity from 40 to 60. This change benefits players using high-caliber, anti-ARC weapons like the Ferro and newly buffed Bettina, providing 50% more sustained firepower without constant ammo scavenging.
Heavy Ammo powers weapons that efficiently pierce ARC plating, outperforming Light or Medium Ammo but falling short of explosive launchers. The previous 40-stack limit forced tough choices between bringing enough rounds for full pushes or saving space for gadgets and supplies. Heavy weapon builds often felt ammo-starved during long raids or multiple Arc encounters. The best way to earn coins in ARC Raiders is by completing missions, but some players also choose U4GM when they need coins quickly.
The 60-stack capacity reduces this pressure significantly. Players can now tackle high-risk facilities with sustained firepower, confident they can handle extra Arc engagements without running dry. The change eliminates micro-management of ammo swaps, letting raiders focus on positioning and gadgets.
This buff synergizes perfectly with the Bettina SMG's simultaneous rebalance, which gained damage and armor penetration but lost some fire rate. Tighter, controlled bursts now feel sustainable rather than ammo-intensive, making the weapon far more practical for extended fights.
Community feedback praises the adjustment as a "no-brainer" upgrade that makes heavy weapon playstyles consistent. Players rarely ran completely dry before, but the extra capacity allows full loadouts without compromise. The change also shifts the meta slightly, encouraging aggressive Arc-clearing with big-caliber weapons rather than ammo-efficient alternatives.
To maximize the buff, prioritize true armor-piercing builds like Ferro ARC hunters or Bettina flankers. Stock heavy ammo stacks first, as each now lasts significantly longer. Plan for extended pushing lanes with sustained Arc fire before fallback weapons become necessary.
Patch 1.26.0's Heavy Ammo change smooths heavy weapon gameplay without breaking balance. Combined with Riven Tides content, it makes tank-cracking raids from spawn to extraction feel less punishing and far more rewarding for ARC Raiders players who favor high-impact firepower.
