The storm has rolled in for ARC Raiders players, as Embark Studios officially launched the highly anticipated “Shrouded Sky” update (version 1.17.0) on February 24, 2026. With this sweeping patch, the extraction shooter’s world is now battered by hurricane-force winds, and its battlefields have been reshaped by a host of gameplay tweaks, new enemies, and much-requested quality-of-life improvements. Whether you’re a seasoned Raider or a curious newcomer, there’s plenty to unpack about how these changes will impact your next drop into the chaos.
Chief among the headline features is the brand-new Hurricane Map condition, which introduces wild, unpredictable weather to the game’s already perilous landscapes. According to the official patch notes published by Embark Studios, players can now expect sudden bursts of hurricane winds that not only alter visibility and traversal but might just upend the best-laid extraction plans. It’s a bold move, one that aims to keep even veteran squads on their toes and inject a fresh sense of danger into every session.
Of course, the weather isn’t the only thing that’s gotten more dangerous. The “Shrouded Sky” update has unleashed two new Arc enemies: the Firefly and the Comet. The Firefly is a menacing, fire-spewing flyer that can rain down destruction from above, while the Comet is a seismic, rolly-ball adversary that barrels through the map with bone-rattling force. These additions promise to shake up both PvE and PvP encounters, forcing players to adapt their strategies and, perhaps, rethink their go-to loadouts. As Embark Studios put it in their patch notes, "Both the fire-spewing flyer, the Firefly, and the seismic rolly-ball, the Comet, sound like a lot of fun." But for those caught unprepared, fun could quickly turn to frustration.
Speaking of loadouts, the update delivers a seismic shift in weapon balancing—news that’s sure to spark debate across the community. Some of the game’s most popular guns have received significant nerfs. The Stitcher, a fan-favorite SMG prized for its close-range lethality and affordability, now deals less damage and is less forgiving when it comes to headshots. Specifically, its Headshot Multiplier has been reduced from 2.5 to 1.75, and its Base Damage has dropped from 7 to 6.5. On top of that, its Per Shot Dispersion has increased by about 50%, making it bloom faster and reducing its pinpoint accuracy during full-auto sprays.
The Kettle, previously a high-damage semi-automatic weapon, also sees its Base Damage cut from 10 to 8.5. While its high headshot multiplier remains, Embark Studios explained that this change is meant to encourage more deliberate, skillful shooting rather than spammy close-quarters play. The Venator, meanwhile, gets its own downtuning: its Headshot Multiplier falls from 2.5 to 2, and Base Damage slips from 9 to 8. These adjustments reflect ongoing concerns from both players and developers that lower-tier weapons were outperforming their higher-tier counterparts—a balance Embark hopes to address with this patch.
Not all the changes are about taking power away, however. Two legendary weapons, Jupiter and Aphelion, have received meaningful buffs. The Jupiter sniper rifle now boasts improved Aim Down Sight (ADS) magnification—from about 1.9x to 2.2x—along with faster equip and unequip times (1.2s to 1.05s, and 0.9s to 0.75s, respectively). This should make it more viable in fast-paced firefights, where every fraction of a second counts. The Aphelion burst rifle has also been made more nimble, with a reduced reload time (from 4.5s to 3.5s), a quicker time between shots (0.9s to 0.7s), roughly 50% less vertical recoil, and a 35% improvement in ADS settle speed. These tweaks aim to help legendary weapons feel truly legendary—rare, but rewarding for those skilled (or lucky) enough to wield them.
Weapon changes aren’t the only things shaking up the meta. The update introduces several modifications to item crafting and value. For the first time, Energy clips can now be crafted at the Workbench, no longer requiring a trip to the Gun Shop. But the most controversial change may be the new crafting requirements for the Wolfpack grenade—a powerful anti-ARC tool. Now, players must use a hard-earned Rocketeer Driver to craft each Wolfpack. As noted in the patch notes, "killing a Rocketeer with a Wolfpack will cost you the exact resource you need to craft another Wolfpack, since most of the time a Rocketeer only drops one Rocketeer Driver." This creates a resource loop that could make taking down large ARC enemies a more calculated risk, rather than a routine operation.
Other items have also seen their crafting costs and values adjusted. The Deadline and Trailblazer now require new ARC parts as part of their recipes, and their values and trader prices have been increased. The Vita Spray, a healing item, now needs a Tick Pod to craft, while the Showstopper’s value has been slightly decreased, and it now requires a Hornet Driver. These changes, detailed by Embark Studios, reflect an ongoing effort to better align item value with in-game progression and utility.
On the utility front, Pop Triggers and Spotter Relays can now be equipped in Quick Slots, expanding tactical options for players. Pop Triggers can be deployed to roll forward and explode, while Spotter Relays can serve as lure grenades, attracting ARC enemies to specific locations. This opens up new possibilities for creative play, whether you’re setting traps for unsuspecting foes or drawing dangerous enemies away from your squad’s path.
Cosmetic updates haven’t been neglected either. The “Shrouded Sky” patch introduces new facial hair options—yes, beards—and even playable pianos scattered throughout the map. It’s a whimsical touch in a world otherwise defined by tension and survival, and one that’s sure to delight players who enjoy personalizing their Raiders or taking a musical breather between firefights.
Beyond the headline features, the patch is packed with bug fixes, animation improvements, and general quality-of-life enhancements. Embark Studios has tackled everything from fixing animation issues while vaulting and climbing ladders to improving lighting on maps like Stella Montis and Blue Gate. The studio has also addressed long-standing sound bugs, from bullet audio glitches to overly chatty NPCs (Scrappy, for one, “will now try to cluck less frequently”). These touches, while perhaps less flashy than new enemies or weapon buffs, contribute to a smoother, more immersive experience for all players.
Progression systems have also received attention: feats can now be rerolled three times a day for free, and an Expedition catch-up system helps players earn missed skill points. Social and UI improvements abound, including clearer quest pings, better matchmaking feedback, and more transparent inventory tooltips. In a game where every second and every decision can mean the difference between extraction and defeat, these small tweaks add up.
With the “Shrouded Sky” update, ARC Raiders continues to evolve, balancing the thrill of discovery with the challenge of survival. Whether the hurricane winds and new enemies will tip the scales in favor of chaos or create fresh opportunities for skilled Raiders remains to be seen. For now, one thing’s certain: the skies over ARC are anything but calm.