ARC Raiders Trigger 'Nade Nerf Explained

[Pulsaris]

What Exactly Was Nerfed?

The nerf primarily affected damage output and detonation timing. Previously, Trigger 'Nades could deal high damage quickly, often allowing players to chain explosions or eliminate multiple targets efficiently. After the update:

Damage per nade is reduced slightly – this means hitting a group of enemies will now require more precise placement or additional grenades.

Detonation delay is adjusted – the grenade’s remote detonation now triggers slightly slower after activation, giving opponents a small window to react or avoid damage.

In practice, this makes Trigger 'Nades less “instant-kill” than before, but they still retain utility as area denial tools or for controlling enemy movement.

How Does This Affect Common Player Tactics?

Players often use Trigger 'Nades in three main ways:

Anti-ARC setups: Sticking grenades to enemy ARC units for quick damage.

With the nerf, you’ll notice that one nade alone rarely destroys medium or large ARCs anymore. You might need two grenades or combine them with other weapons to secure a kill.

Crowd control: Using grenades to block corridors or choke points.

This strategy is mostly intact. While individual damage is lower, the area effect remains. You can still force enemies out of cover or delay their advance.

Combo attacks: Using multiple grenades in sequence for chain explosions.

Timing is now more important because the slightly slower detonation means poor coordination can reduce total damage. Many experienced players have shifted to spacing grenades more deliberately to maintain effectiveness.

Should You Change Your Loadout?

If Trigger 'Nades are a key part of your kit, consider the following adjustments:

Carry more grenades: Stack size is still 3, but you might need more than one set for extended fights.

Combine with other weapons: Pairing grenades with rifles or heavy weapons ensures you can finish off targets that survive the explosion.

Practice detonation timing: Because the trigger is slightly slower, planning when to detonate is more important than just throwing the grenade immediately.

Overall, the nerf encourages strategic use rather than spamming grenades.

How Do Crafting and Availability Change?

The nerf did not affect crafting requirements or recycling, so if you already have the blueprint, nothing changes in terms of production. You can craft Trigger 'Nades using:

2× Crude Explosives

1× Processor

Trigger 'Nade Blueprint (rewarded from the “Sparks Fly” quest)

Many players who don’t want to grind for blueprints often buy and sell ARC Raiders blueprints on U4N. This can speed up access to grenades for those who want to maintain their loadouts despite the nerf.

What About Salvaging or Recycling?

Recycling a Trigger 'Nade yields:

1× Processor

1× Chemicals

Salvaging gives back the Processor only. This means that even after the nerf, you can efficiently reclaim parts if you need materials for other gear.

Is the Nerf Game-Breaking?

No. For most players, the change is noticeable but not crippling. Experienced players report that:

Trigger 'Nades still work well in coordinated team play.

Single-player or solo runs are slightly harder if you relied heavily on nades for damage output.

The grenade’s value as a tactical tool remains high.

In short, the nerf reduces overpowered behavior without removing the grenade’s utility.

Tips for Using Trigger 'Nades After the Nerf

Prioritize sticky placements: Stick grenades to surfaces near high-traffic zones rather than trying to land perfect hits on enemies.

Plan combos carefully: Use multiple grenades to stagger damage instead of all at once.

Mix grenade types: If you have access to other grenades or explosives, combining types can compensate for the reduced damage.

Time your detonations: Watch enemy movement to avoid wasted explosions due to the slightly slower trigger.


The Trigger 'Nade nerf in ARC Raiders encourages players to think more strategically about grenade use. While the damage and detonation speed are lower, grenades still play an important role in crowd control, anti-ARC tactics, and area denial. Adjusting timing, positioning, and loadouts will keep them effective.

For players seeking quick access, remember that you can buy and sell ARC Raiders blueprints on U4N, which makes acquiring grenades or replacing them much faster than grinding through quests.

The key takeaway: grenades are no longer a guaranteed kill, but they remain a versatile tool when used wisely.

Gameplan Strategy: Arc Raiders Tagging Grenade Blueprint Location, Farm, Use