On February 24, 2026, Embark Studios delivered a major jolt to the ARC Raiders community with the highly anticipated Shrouded Sky update. This release, the second in a planned series of Escalation updates for the first half of the year, rolled out globally in the early hours, with players from Los Angeles to Tokyo logging in to discover a host of new challenges, features, and rewards. For a live-service title like ARC Raiders, these content drops are vital to keeping the game’s world vibrant and its player base engaged.
According to EGamersWorld and Insider Gaming, the Shrouded Sky update became available for download at 4:30 a.m. EST, with corresponding times for other regions ensuring a simultaneous worldwide launch. The patch weighed in at 14.9 GB on Steam, and by mid-morning in Europe, players were already diving into the new content. The update’s headline feature is the Hurricane map condition—a game-changer that introduces howling winds, swirling debris, and severely reduced visibility, forcing players to rethink their approach to combat and navigation.
“The Hurricane map modifier reduces visibility, has strong winds damaging shields and obstructing movement, and uncovers First Wave Raider Caches,” reported Insider Gaming. These environmental hazards aren’t just for show. Strong tailwinds can boost a player’s speed, while headwinds slow them down. Thrown items are swept off course, and shields are prone to glitching and sparking, making defensive tactics riskier than ever. The payoff? Raiders who brave the storm may find rare loot in previously inaccessible First Wave Caches, rewarding boldness and adaptability.
The update isn’t just about weather, though. Embark Studios also introduced two new ARC threats: the Firefly and the Comet. The Firefly is a flying, armored adversary equipped with a flamethrower, described by EGamersWorld as “an armored, flying enemy that spews a jet of flame, forcing players to use cover or stay mobile to survive.” The Comet, on the other hand, is a ground-based, spherical ARC that patrols for players and detonates with a seismic boom upon contact. These new enemies demand fresh strategies, as players must now contend with both aerial and ground-based threats that can disrupt even the most coordinated squads.
Alongside the new hazards and enemies, Shrouded Sky brings a suite of highly requested cosmetic options. Perhaps the most buzzworthy is the arrival of beards—a customization feature that has been on fans’ wish lists for ages. As Mein-MMO detailed, “With the free Raider Deck, fans will already receive a full beard, but more hair options are expected to appear in upcoming shop bundles.” The full beard is included in the new, surgeon-themed Raider Deck, while additional styles will be available in the in-game shop, with prices likely in the lower three-digit range of Raider Coins. This cosmetic expansion is more than just fluff; it’s a nod to the community’s desire for greater personalization and self-expression within the game’s gritty sci-fi world.
The new Raider Deck, dubbed the Surgeon, is available for free and offers both cosmetic and practical rewards. The deck’s theme fits the update’s survivalist vibe, with skins reminiscent of field medics and explorers. Players can earn the deck’s contents through regular play, while shop bundles provide further opportunities for customization. Those who grind through the game’s challenges to reach the rank of Daredevil are rewarded with the Alpino outfit—a simpler, more understated look for those who prefer to fly under the radar.
Shrouded Sky also introduces a new player project: the Weather Monitoring System. As explained by Mein-MMO, “Shani sends you to build a weather monitoring system. You will need to kick off and gather and donate materials. In return, you will be showered with rewards.” This project not only integrates with the new Hurricane mechanic but also encourages cooperative play, as raiders band together to mitigate future weather hazards and unlock valuable upgrades. It’s a clever way to tie narrative progression to gameplay, reinforcing the sense of a living, evolving world.
For those seeking high-value loot, the update brings a significant map change: the Controlled Access Zone in the Dam Battlegrounds. Marked by a distinctive Rocketeer chandelier, this new area offers lucrative rewards for those skilled (or lucky) enough to secure it. The addition of such zones keeps the game’s PvE and PvP balance dynamic, as teams must weigh the risks of venturing into contested territory against the promise of rare gear.
Under the hood, Shrouded Sky delivers a raft of balance changes and bug fixes, many of which respond directly to community feedback. Weapon adjustments aim to level the playing field between lower- and higher-tier arms. For instance, the Stitcher’s headshot multiplier was reduced from 2.5 to 1.75, and its base damage was slightly lowered, making it less likely to one-shot unsuspecting foes. The Kettle’s base damage was also trimmed, while the Venator saw both its headshot multiplier and base damage reduced to curb its dominance in PvP. Meanwhile, weapons like Aphelion and Jupiter received tweaks to improve their handling and competitiveness.
Item crafting and progression systems have also been refined. New ARC parts are now required for crafting certain items, and prices for various gear have been adjusted to better reflect their utility. The update even adds a catch-up system for expeditions, allowing players to recover missed skill points and stay on pace with their peers. Quality-of-life improvements abound, from clearer quest markers and UI enhancements to improved audio balancing and reduced stuttering on lower-end PCs.
Embark Studios also took the opportunity to address the ongoing battle against cheating. In a statement, developers emphasized the multi-layered nature of their anti-cheat systems: “Our defense mechanisms operate on multiple levels: Some checks are simple and straightforward, while others are behavior-based and data-driven and are continually evolving.” The studio is tightening enforcement, with immediate permanent bans for severe violations and a more robust manual review process to ensure fairness. The message is clear: the integrity of ARC Raiders’ competitive environment is a top priority.
Looking ahead, Shrouded Sky is just the latest step in an ambitious roadmap. January’s Headwinds update, which introduced the Solo vs Squads mode and the Bird City map condition, set the stage for the current wave of content. March and April promise even more with updates like Flashpoint and Riven Tides, each bringing new mechanics, enemies, and rewards.
For ARC Raiders fans, the Shrouded Sky update is more than just a patch—it’s a signal that Embark Studios is listening, iterating, and committed to keeping their sci-fi shooter fresh. Whether you’re braving hurricanes for rare loot, customizing your raider with a brand-new beard, or strategizing against the latest ARC threats, there’s plenty to keep both veterans and newcomers engaged in the months ahead.
As the storm clouds clear and the dust settles, one thing is certain: ARC Raiders’ world just got a whole lot wilder, and its future looks anything but dull.