The Stubborn Mule is a skill in the game ARC Raiders that makes your stamina regeneration less affected by being overencumbered. This skill is part of the Survival skill tree and is particularly useful for players who focus on collecting a lot of loot and often find themselves carrying more weight than their character's maximum capacity.

Arc Raiders Stubborn Mule Stats & Perk

Effect: Reduces the penalty to stamina regeneration when you are over-encumbered (carrying too much weight).

Purpose: The main benefit is allowing players to stay mobile and recover stamina more quickly even when heavily loaded with gear, which is vital for escaping threats and successfully extracting valuable resources during a raid.

Expert Insight

According to sources like TheGamer and GamesRadar, it's considered a crucial skill for builds focused on looting and carrying a high volume of items, especially in late-game scenarios where valuable loot is abundant. Some player discussions suggest it was very impactful previously, but has since been "balanced" or slightly nerfed in its effectiveness, though it remains a viable option for a heavily-loaded playstyle.

Is Worth it?

The Stubborn Mule skill in ARC Raiders can be worth investing in if you frequently carry large amounts of loot and find yourself heavily over-encumbered, as it significantly reduces the stamina regeneration penalty. However, recent player feedback suggests it may have been silently nerfed and is not as effective as it once was, making its value dependent on your specific playstyle.

• For "hoarders" and heavy builds: The skill is designed for players who consistently push the weight limit to extract maximum loot. It is considered "crucial for heavy builds" by some guides, as being overloaded severely impacts your speed and stamina regen, leaving you vulnerable.
• Impact on stamina regeneration: The more over-encumbered you are, the more beneficial the perk becomes. According to one player's test, one skill point can make your stamina bar regenerate around 50% faster when double the allotted weight limit, with diminishing returns for further points (e.g., 5/5 points makes it 74% faster).
• Recent changes: Multiple players have noted a possible unannounced change (nerf) to the skill, claiming it no longer provides the same benefit it used to for the 5 skill points it costs, making it less worthwhile than at launch.
• Alternatives: For general gameplay, skills like Youthful Lungs (increases max stamina) or Proper Breathing (faster stamina regeneration with other perks) are often recommended as more consistent and universally useful options.

Arc Raiders Stubborn Mule Or Three Deep Breaths

Choose Stubborn Mule if you often find yourself over-encumbered and vulnerable while carrying valuable loot.

Choose Three Deep Breaths for general play and better combat mobility, as it allows you to get back into the action faster after depleting your stamina.

Testing

Testing Results: At maximum level (5/5), testing indicates an approximately 11.6% increase in stamina regeneration while standing still and over-encumbered.

Community Consensus

• The "Mule" Utility: It is considered a "late-game looting" skill. It is most beneficial for players who frequently carry multiple weapons from dead Raiders or heavy caches.
• Mixed Reviews: While some guides label it a "strong option" for sustain when loaded with loot, others argue it is a "trap node" or not worth the 5-point investment after perceived balance changes/nerfs.
• Alternatives: Players often prioritize Broad Shoulders (increased max weight) or Three Deep Breaths (faster recovery after ability use) over Stubborn Mule for more consistent stamina management.