Quick Read
- The “Shrouded Sky” update for Arc Raiders launched on February 24, 2026, introducing new content and gameplay changes.
- A new Hurricane Map Condition creates low-visibility combat, gales, and debris, while two new ARC enemy types appear in the Rust Belt.
- Weapon balancing significantly reworks semi-automatic weapons and adjusts specific firearms like the Stitcher, Kettle, Venator, Jupiter, and Aphelion.
- New features include a Weather Monitoring System, Free Raider Deck, Dam Battlegrounds update, Expedition Window, and facial hair customization.
- Anti-cheat measures have been strengthened with stricter penalties, manual review of ban appeals, and updates to Family Sharing rules.
The multiplayer extraction adventure game Arc Raiders has launched its latest free content update, dubbed “Shrouded Sky,” on February 24, 2026, bringing a significant overhaul to gameplay mechanics, environmental conditions, and player progression. This pivotal update introduces a new, challenging map condition featuring violent hurricanes, alongside fresh enemy types and substantial weapon rebalancing, all designed to deepen engagement and refine the player experience.
The “Shrouded Sky” update, designated Patch Notes 1.17.0 on PC and 1.000.024 on consoles, confronts Raiders with unprecedented environmental hazards. Violent hurricanes now sweep across topside areas, forcing players to adapt to low-visibility combat, navigate powerful gales, and evade hurtling debris. Alongside these atmospheric changes, scouts have reported two new ARC enemy types emerging in the Rust Belt, demanding new tactical approaches from players. To help navigate these dynamic conditions, a new “Weather Monitoring System” has been introduced as a seasonal player project, offering opportunities for those who can master the chaos. The update also includes a Free Raider Deck, an update to the Dam Battlegrounds map, an Expedition Window, and new facial hair customization options, according to official patch notes from Embark Studios.
Shrouded Sky Introduces Dynamic Weather and New Threats
Central to the “Shrouded Sky” update is the introduction of the Hurricane Map Condition, fundamentally altering the game’s environment. This new condition not only challenges players with reduced visibility and powerful winds but also integrates hurtling debris as an active threat. This environmental dynamism is complemented by the addition of two new ARC enemy types within the Rust Belt, which require players to develop fresh strategies for survival and extraction. The developers emphasize that while the storm poses significant risks, it also creates unique opportunities for skilled Raiders. Furthermore, the new Weather Monitoring System provides a strategic layer, allowing players to leverage environmental data to their advantage.
Major Weapon Reworks and Balance Adjustments
The “Shrouded Sky” update brings a comprehensive set of weapon balancing changes, directly addressing community feedback and aiming to refine combat flow. Developers have focused on semi-automatic weapons, adjusting input buffers to strike a balance between responsiveness and skill-based timing. While spam-clicking will now feel more responsive, players who pace their shots will see better results, preserving a degree of skill expression. Specific weapons targeted for rebalancing include the Stitcher, Kettle, Venator, Jupiter, and Aphelion. The Stitcher and Kettle have seen reductions in their Time-To-Kill (TTK) to rebalance their effectiveness, particularly regarding headshot multipliers and base damage. The Venator, identified as dominating PvP encounters, has received a damage nerf, while the Jupiter and Aphelion have been made more maneuverable and viable in PvP through improved ADS magnification, reload times, and reduced recoil, as detailed in the official ARC Raiders patch notes.
Enhanced Player Experience and Anti-Cheat Measures
Beyond core gameplay, the update delivers numerous quality-of-life improvements and a bolstered anti-cheat system. Players can now reroll Feats three times daily for free, and PvP Feats have been removed and replaced with new ones, streamlining progression. The Expedition system has been enhanced with a catch-up mechanism for missed Skill Points. Various bug fixes address issues ranging from animation glitches and audio stuttering to map collisions and UI inconsistencies. Crucially, the anti-cheat team has implemented stricter enforcement policies, with serious infractions now leading to permanent bans. The team has also updated Family Sharing rules to curb misconduct and is preparing for a systematic manual review of ban appeals, underscoring a strong commitment to maintaining fair play, according to Embark Studios.
The “Shrouded Sky” update represents a significant commitment from Embark Studios to evolving the Arc Raiders experience, not just through new content but by meticulously addressing gameplay balance and competitive integrity. The introduction of dynamic environmental challenges and a refined combat system, coupled with robust anti-cheat measures, indicates a proactive approach to fostering a healthy and engaging long-term player base.