Heavy Shield base charge rises from 80 to 90 in Live Update 2.3.0, adding ten charge for deeper pushes in Arc Raiders. For broader loadout planning, the ARC Raiders Items listing is a separate consideration, but the direct in-game change is simple: Heavy Shield gains ten base-charge points.

That is a 12.5% increase over the old base value of 80. The update frames the extra charge as enough to survive one more burst from a mid-tier ARC unit in the right situation, not as protection from every burst or every enemy. Treat 90 as a bigger margin in a close exchange, not a guarantee that a room is safe.

What the extra 10 charge changes

The update raises the shield's base charge; it does not list a change to damage, durability, or another shield stat. Keep the comparison narrow: old base charge, 80; new base charge, 90; increase, 10. The 12.5% figure is a calculation from those values, not a separate bonus described by the update.

That margin fits the new risk-reward pattern in deep areas. Emperor entrance containers now hold lower-tier items, while higher-tier rewards sit deeper inside; the Frigate also has better loot in its deeper sections. A Heavy Shield is a stronger pick for those pushes, but the extra charge does not improve loot rolls or make a short entrance stop more rewarding.

Check the value before committing to a deep run

Use the shield's item details as the check, then plan the route around the actual reward depth. From the menu, open Main Menu > Stash, select Heavy Shield, and inspect its base-charge line before choosing gear. The value to confirm is 90; do not confuse base charge with any charge remaining during a run.

Select Heavy Shield in the stash and read its item details.
Confirm the base-charge value is 90 before deploying.
For Emperor or Frigate loot, plan to reach the deeper sections instead of treating the entrance as the main reward area.

A displayed 90 is the useful confirmation; there is no need to look for a separate pickup or project reward to activate the stat increase. If you are comparing gear, use the same base-charge measure for each shield rather than judging by a temporary in-run value. The update's stated change is ten extra base charge, so do not assume it also changes recharge speed or resistance.

The main pitfall is taking the shield's improved margin as permission to rush. Deeper rooms hold the stronger rewards, but the patch does not say the added charge removes the risk of reaching them. Use the shield for the push, keep the squad focused on the interior, and avoid spending the run's time on entrance containers when the better loot is farther in.

Before your next run, confirm 90 on the Heavy Shield details screen and set your Emperor or Frigate route toward the deeper rooms. Review broader ARC Raiders Coins planning separately from gear selection, then lock in the shield for the push.

U4GM helps ARC Raiders players prepare for the latest update, with items for wider blueprint hunts and deeper Emperor or Frigate runs. The Flame Spray now hits harder, and the Heavy Shield brings extra charge for close fights. Browse the selection at https://www.u4gm.com/arc-raiders/items Choose gear for your route, check stash space before Souls Offering, and head in ready.