Opening a basic crate in ARC Raiders can quickly turn into a scramble for survival when a Firefly starts spraying flames or a Comet comes rolling toward you. For players still learning the game, those encounters were becoming a frustrating introduction to life topside.
The developers reduced these enemies’ presence on Dam Battlegrounds after recognizing how punishing they were for newcomers trying to loot. Embark’s official patch notes confirm that both machines had pushed beginner-oriented sessions beyond the intended difficulty.
In brief:
- Embark toned down Fireflies and Comets to ease the difficulty of beginner-oriented sessions.
- Comets were removed from standard Dam Battlegrounds sessions, while Firefly presence was heavily reduced.
- The adjustments were already documented in April’s Riven Tides update, making this renewed discussion of an earlier change.
Fireflies and Comets Were Frustrating New ARC Raiders Players
The two enemies put immediate pressure on anyone caught looting. Fireflies attack with jets of flame, while Comets chase Raiders before detonating. Both can force players to abandon whatever they’re doing and react quickly.
A newcomer tries to open an ordinary crate, only to get burned or rushed by an explosive ball. That leaves very little breathing room for someone still figuring out how a raid works
An experienced player might already know when to retreat or how to handle the threat. A beginner is learning those lessons while also trying to collect enough loot to make the trip worthwhile.
Embark Made Changes on Dam Battlegrounds
Embark documented the adjustments in Riven Tides patch 1.26.0, released on April 28, 2026:
- Dam Battlegrounds: Removed Comets from standard sessions.
- Dam Battlegrounds: Heavily reduced Firefly presence.
- Buried City: Reduced Comet presence.
The accompanying developer note explained that these enemies had made beginner-oriented sessions too difficult. Embark targeted the sessions most affected to bring them back toward the intended challenge.
Getting comfortable with looting, movement, and choosing fights is already plenty to juggle during those first raids.
