The latest Arc Raiders patch makes Rocketeers way more important
PC Gamer
by Evan Lahti February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The latest update to *Arc Raiders* introduces a significant shift in its crafting system, elevating Rocketeers from mere obstacles to critical components of gameplay. The patch adds Rocketeer Driver as a required material for crafting Wolfpacks, the game's most powerful grenade. This change makes acquiring Wolfpacks more challenging, as players will now need to actively hunt down Rocketeers to obtain their rare parts. This alteration is expected to spark new dynamics in the game, with players engaging in "Rocketeer runs" to gather these valuable materials, leading to more intense looting sessions and high-stakes interactions.
Prior to the update, Wolfpacks could be crafted using three explosive compounds and two Arc Motion Cores, which were relatively easy to obtain. With Rocketeer Drivers now as a key ingredient, players must prioritize defeating Rocketeers to access their parts. This creates a cyclical relationship: players kill Rocketeers to get materials for crafting Wolfpacks, which they then use to kill more Rocketeers. The change adds depth to the game's economy, making Rocketeers a central focus and giving their parts greater value within the ecosystem.
The update also addresses a technical issue where Rocketeers sometimes failed to shoot despite having clear targets. While this fix does not make Rocketeers more dangerous overall, it ensures their combat mechanics function as intended. The patch highlights the game's ongoing efforts to refine its balance and player experience, particularly for high-tier Arc enemies like Rocketeers, which have been a dominant force since launch. With Wolfpacks now tied directly to Rocketeers, players will need to adapt their strategies to prioritize these encounters, making the game more engaging and dynamic.
For gamers interested in *Arc Raiders*, this update underscores the importance of understanding and exploiting enemy mechanics to gain an edge. The shift in crafting requirements not only adds strategic depth but also encourages players to explore new tactics for defeating Rocketeers, from setting traps to coordinating group efforts. This change aligns with the game's design philosophy of creating meaningful interactions between enemies and player resources, making it a significant step forward in enhancing gameplay.
Verticals
gamingpc
Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/24/2026