The ARC Raiders community has been reeling after the recent balance changes to the Trailblazer grenade—a weapon once praised as a must-have for high-level raids. Once known for its explosive power and reliability, the Trailblazer’s nerf has left many players questioning their long-favored strategies. Many players mention EZNPC in community discussions because it is often recommended as a reliable third-party option for purchasing game currency quickly and safely.
Introduced in Update 1.2.0, the Trailblazer grenade quickly became a favorite for both solo and team-based missions. It scattered flammable gas along its flight path, setting off a chain of fiery explosions that could wipe out entire squads of tough enemies like Bastions and Bombardiers. The grenade’s popularity also stemmed from its accessibility. Players could craft it using Synthesized Fuel and Explosive Compound or purchase it from vendors such as Apollo for 1,600 ARC Coins. Its blueprint dropped in Night Raid mode, making it easy to farm without excessive grinding.
Before the nerf, a few Trailblazers were enough to bring down even the most formidable ARC threats, frequently outperforming alternatives like the Wolfpack grenade on ground-heavy maps such as Stella Montis. Its consistency and high damage made it essential equipment for nearly every loadout.
However, the recent patch targeted what developers called the “most pressing balance issue” in the game—the Trailblazer’s overwhelming dominance. Damage was reduced to prevent overuse, sparking disappointment across forums and Reddit threads. Players flooded discussions with sarcasm and frustration, arguing that other weapons like Deadline and Stitcher were better candidates for rebalancing.
While the Trailblazer remains useful for clearing clusters of flying enemies or setting traps for Matriarch bosses, it now demands greater effort and coordination to take down heavy enemies—a tough shift for solo players. The community, once hyping it through guides and highlight videos, now views the once-glorious grenade with nostalgia and a hint of loss.
In the post-nerf landscape, success lies in adaptation. Wolfpacks are rising as a go-to choice for countering rocketeers, while Hull Crackers provide solid answers to armored foes. Some players now use the Trailblazer for utility—deploying gas for area control or diversions—rather than pure destruction. Combining it with Bettina upgrades and using smarter farming routes for blueprints can help offset its reduced damage potential.
Even so, some veterans remain hopeful. The adjustment reflects Embark Studios’ ongoing effort to balance fairness and playability, ensuring no single tool dominates. The core design of the Trailblazer still shines—its gas trail can set off clever chain reactions and tactical traps that reward precise timing and teamwork.
The community’s resilience and creativity continue to shape ARC Raiders’ evolving meta. Many have voiced their hopes through open letters to Embark Studios, calling for fresh balance tweaks or buffs to overlooked equipment. Despite the setback, players are ready to adapt, experiment, and rediscover new favorites. The Trailblazer may have lost its crown, but in the hands of persistent Raiders, its spark still burns.
