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Arc Raiders Guide: Trigger Nade Explained: Understanding Its Frustrating Impact

A close-up of a small, activated 'Trigger Nade' grenade glowing menacingly on the ground, with a shadowy figure of an Arc Raider player in the background, symbolizing its frustrating impact on gameplay.

Posted by In Game News - January 6, 2026 - PC Gaming

Let's be real, out on the surface of Arc Raiders, death is practically a roommate. No matter how cautiously I scavenge, how many Arcs I dispatch, or how many fellow raiders I lend a hand to, there's always a lurking danger. More often than not, that danger comes in the form of another player. And lately, those players have been wielding a weapon so insidious, so utterly frustrating, that it's become the bane of my existence: the Trigger Nade.

I swear, these tiny, detonated grenades have a personal vendetta against my extraction attempts. My first memorable brush with one involved a scenic trip to the Swamp Extraction at Dam Battlegrounds. I was whistling a happy tune (internally, of course), ready to call in my ride, when a sudden flash of light and an equally sudden burst of pain sent me back to Speranza. Some absolute rat had booby-trapped the call button, scurrying into the bushes to watch their masterpiece unfold. It's moments like those that make you question humanity, even in a game about fighting robots.

For weeks now, the Trigger Nade has been a literal headache. It's powerful enough to obliterate a raider in a mere couple of hits, and worse, it can be detonated remotely. This means unsuspecting players like myself often walk straight into a fiery demise without even seeing our attacker. The community's collective groans have been audible across every forum and Discord channel.

The Trigger Nade: A PvP Nightmare

There’s a reason why so many of us have been pulling our hair out over this explosive little terror. In the tense, high-stakes world of Arc Raiders' PvP, the Trigger Nade has carved out a niche as the ultimate griefing tool. Here's why it's been such a menace:

  • Remote Detonation: The ability to trigger it from a distance means hidden players can easily set traps and vanish, leaving victims with no chance to retaliate.
  • Lethal Power: A mere couple of hits is often enough to down a fully geared raider, making it incredibly effective for ambushes.
  • Extraction Camping: Its prime usage has unfortunately become planting them at extraction points, turning a crucial objective into a death trap.
  • Cost-Effective Griefing: Compared to other explosives, Trigger Nades are relatively cheap, making them a low-risk, high-reward option for opportunistic players.

Embark Responds: A Glimmer of Hope?

Thankfully, it seems the developers at Embark Studios have been listening amidst all the community "complaining and whining" (their words, not mine!). Just recently, they dropped a bombshell on the official Discord, stating, "The team's looking into some nerfs, including trigger nades, keep an eye on game announcements for updates."

Praise be to the Arc gods! A Trigger Nade nerf confirmed! The collective sigh of relief from the community was almost deafening. For a brief, glorious moment, I envisioned a future where I could call an extraction without checking every pixel for hidden explosives. The thought of less extraction camping and fewer cheap deaths in PvP filled me with unbridled joy. This is fantastic news for the overall health of the player-versus-player experience, promising a more fair and skill-based engagement rather than one dictated by cleverly placed explosives.

The Lingering Question: Friend or Foe to Arcs?

But then, a familiar, slightly grainy voice in the back of my head started whispering, "Make weaker... but how?" Yes, a nerf means a reduction in power, that much is obvious. However, here's the kicker, and it's a worry that's quickly eclipsing my initial relief: will this nerf make the nades weaker against just other players, or will it also affect how strong they are against Arcs?

Because, let me tell you, I don't need my fights against those towering robots being made any harder. Trigger Nades, despite their PvP infamy, have become an absolutely essential part of my Arc hunting attire. They're a core component of my strategy for taking down high-priority targets. Slap a couple of these bad boys onto a charging Bastion or a hulking Rocketeer, and you're halfway to taking it out. While getting them to stick can be a bit of a challenge, and they might not pack the raw punch of a Deadline mine, they are significantly cheaper and far more accessible.

Their utility in PvE cannot be overstated:

  • Boss Damage: Indispensable for quickly stripping armor or taking down large Arc targets.
  • Resource Management: A cheaper alternative to more expensive explosives, allowing players to save rarer ammo or gear.
  • Strategic Placement: Can be used to defend choke points or create traps for incoming Arc waves during events.
  • Solo Player's Best Friend: For solo raiders, every advantage counts, and Trigger Nades offer crucial burst damage against tough enemies.

The thought of struggling more against Arcs because my go-to explosive is suddenly less effective fills me with dread. While the PvP balance absolutely needed adjusting, a blanket nerf could unintentionally hamstring players in PvE, making the grind for loot and blueprints significantly tougher. Embark, please, give us some clarity!

What is the Trigger Nade in Arc Raiders?

The Trigger Nade is a remotely detonated explosive grenade in Arc Raiders, known for its high damage and ability to be activated from a distance. It's been a popular, albeit controversial, choice for both PvP ambushes and PvE combat against Arcs.

Why are players upset about the Trigger Nade?

Players are upset primarily due to its effectiveness in PvP. It's frequently used for "extraction camping" and betrayals, allowing players to instantly kill unsuspecting opponents with little to no counterplay, creating frustrating and unfair experiences.

Will the Trigger Nade nerf affect PvE content?

This is the main concern among players. While a nerf is welcomed for PvP balance, many fear it might also reduce the effectiveness of Trigger Nades against Arc enemies, making PvE combat, especially against tougher robots, significantly harder and more tedious.