Arc Raiders 1.4.0 Patch Notes Explained — Essential Tips for Gamers

Arc Raiders has been running at full throttle since launch, and the 1.4.0 update is one of the most meaningful quality-of-life improvements I’ve experienced so far. Unlike updates that spotlight new weapons or missions, this patch is all about strengthening the game’s core: closing long-standing exploits, smoothing inconsistencies, and reinforcing a more balanced competitive environment.

Arc Raiders Update 1.4.0 focuses on fairness, polish, and stability rather than new content. Locked rooms are now accessed only via keycards, weapon fire rates are consistent, and movement glitches are removed. Subtle improvements to UI and player interactions make the game feel more immersive and balanced.

After spending several hours testing the changes, I noticed that the update emphasizes skill, strategy, and consistent mechanics over shortcuts or accidental advantages. For anyone invested in cooperative missions or competitive matches, these refinements make the experience feel more fair and immersive.

Locked Room Exploit Finally Fixed

One of the most notorious early exploits was the locked room bypass. In several maps, high-value loot could be obtained without using the intended keycards through clever movement tricks or collision glitches. While amusing to discover at first, it created a huge imbalance: players who knew the trick could consistently grab top-tier loot with minimal risk.

After trying the update firsthand, I can confirm that Update 1.4.0 completely closes this loophole. Now, locked rooms can only be accessed through the proper keycard system, restoring the original risk-reward dynamics. Teams must choose whether to contest keycard carriers or explore thoroughly, instead of sprinting straight to guaranteed loot.

From my perspective, this change makes early-game decisions feel more strategic and rewarding, encouraging teamwork and tactical planning.

Quick-Swap Fire Rate Exploit Disabled

Another major fix targets the quick-swap fire rate exploit. Previously, players could switch weapons or chain item actions at high speed to increase their rate of fire beyond intended limits, turning even balanced weapons into unstoppable streams of bullets.

Testing mid-range PvP after the update, I noticed that combat feels cleaner and more skill-driven. Each weapon now respects its designed fire rate, and time-to-kill is determined by aim and positioning rather than animation tricks. For someone who enjoys competitive firefights, this is a welcome change that restores fairness and consistency.

Visual, Interface, and Physics Enhancements

Beyond these headline fixes, Update 1.4.0 includes subtle improvements that significantly enhance the overall feel of the game:

Menu Resolution: Low-resolution UI elements have been corrected, resulting in sharper, clearer interfaces across menus and in-game overlays.

Player Push / Jump-Back Boosting: Previously, jumping into teammates could unintentionally push them, creating awkward movement or granting unintended mobility advantages. After the patch, squads can move together seamlessly without colliding.

These tweaks might seem minor, but in practice, they make movement, positioning, and coordination more grounded and intuitive, especially during fast-paced firefights.

Stability and Core Gameplay Reinforcement

While this update doesn’t introduce new missions or weapons, its focus on stability, fairness, and polish strengthens the game’s foundation. Newcomers benefit from a more predictable and consistent experience, while veteran players can finally engage in competitive modes without worrying about exploit-driven advantages.

In my experience, Arc Raiders now feels more balanced, skill-oriented, and rewarding. Combat outcomes are fairer, movement feels natural, and teamwork is more meaningful. These changes may not be flashy, but they are essential for long-term competitive health and enjoyment.

Bottom line: Update 1.4.0 transforms Arc Raiders from a fast-paced shooter occasionally plagued by exploits into a strategic, fair, and immersive experience. Locked rooms function as intended, weapons behave consistently, and subtle quality-of-life improvements elevate overall gameplay. For anyone invested in Arc Raiders, this update is a milestone that lays a strong foundation for future expansions and long-term enjoyment.