The latest ARC Raiders update, Patch 1.20.0, has significantly shifted the PvP landscape. The once‑dominant Il Toro shotgun—long infamous for its overwhelming close‑quarters power—has finally been brought down to earth. Embark Studios has rebalanced nearly every core stat, aiming to transform it from a “must‑have” powerhouse into a more skill‑driven, situational weapon. The best way to get coins ARC Raiders players often mention includes smart looting strategies, team play, and occasionally purchasing resources safely from U4GM.

What Changed in Update 1.20.0
The Il Toro rework adjusts its key performance metrics to make it feel like a true high‑damage, rare shotgun rather than an all‑purpose tool. The main changes include:

- Pellet damage reduced from 7.5 to 7.

- Fire rate decreased from 43 to 38.

- Dispersion increased from 4.5 to 6, resulting in a noticeably wider spread.

- Total reload time extended from 4.3 seconds to 5.7 seconds, with slower looping‑reload speeds.

- Damage falloff increased from 40% to 50%, reducing mid‑range effectiveness.

Together, these adjustments make the gun feel heavier and more deliberate, emphasizing precision and risk management over raw burst potential.

How the Nerf Affects PvP Balance
Before the patch, Il Toro could melt mid‑tier shields in just two shots, providing a huge advantage in close‑range skirmishes. Now, defeating Blue Shields requires three full hits, aligning its performance more closely with other shotgun options and encouraging more measured, skill‑based play.

The slower fire rate and lengthier reload introduce new tactical dynamics:

- Fewer instant kills during early‑game encounters.

- More opportunities for opponents to reposition or counterattack.

- Lower effectiveness at mid‑range, especially when combined with choke mods.

Players who once relied on Il Toro’s raw power must now depend on smarter positioning, cover usage, and shot accuracy to gain an edge.

Broader Impact on Weapon Balance
Il Toro’s rework is part of a broader PvP balance pass that also tweaks other weapons and aspects of the in‑game economy. By tuning down one of the most overrepresented guns, Embark is encouraging experimentation with:

- Other shotguns and mid‑range loadouts.

- Buffed options, such as the Aphelion and other PvP‑focused weapons.

Community feedback leading up to the update emphasized how Il Toro dominated close‑quarters engagements. With this patch, loadout diversity is already increasing, pushing players to tailor their builds around strategy and comfort rather than following a single meta pick.

Is Il Toro Still Worth Using?
Despite the nerf, Il Toro remains a formidable weapon in capable hands. When upgraded with the right mods and used aggressively, it continues to deliver solid close‑range performance. Its effectiveness now depends more on timing and accuracy, better reflecting its intended rarity tier and risk‑reward profile.

Conclusion
Patch 1.20.0 marks a turning point for ARC Raiders PvP. The Il Toro nerf doesn’t mark the end of the weapon’s dominance—it redefines it. Instead of ruling by sheer stats, Il Toro now rewards mastery, positioning, and adaptability, ushering in a healthier, more competitive ecosystem where choice and strategy finally matter as much as firepower.