Embark Studios has released the Shrouded Sky update (v1.17.0) for Arc Raiders, the February installment of the Escalation roadmap, adding a hurricane map condition and two new ARC enemies to the Rust Belt. It also includes weapon balancing, a free Surgeon raider deck, facial hair customization, and numerous fixes.
The Shrouded Sky update for Arc Raiders, fulfilling the February milestone of the Escalation roadmap announced in January, went live on February 24, 2026, following an official post and trailer on February 23. Set in a future Earth ravaged by mechanized ARC threats, the update introduces violent hurricanes to the topside Rust Belt, reducing visibility and movement while unearthing new loot caches amid rains and winds.
Two new ARC enemies intensify the threats: Fireflies, floating units emitting flames, and Comets, spherical drones that lock onto raiders before exploding—particularly deadly in low-visibility storms. A free Surgeon raider deck is now available, plus facial hair customization for all players (stubble standard, full beard in Surgeon deck, more via store).
Updates include Dam Battlegrounds improvements, a new expedition window, and the Weather Monitoring System seasonal project with rewards. New cosmetics feature the Volare Set and Surgeon Set, with Devotee Set upcoming.
Weapon balancing refines combat: Stitcher (headshot multiplier 2.5→1.75, base damage 7→6.5, +50% dispersion); Kettle (base damage 10→8.5); Venator (headshot 2.5→2, base 10→8); Jupiter (+ADS mag 2.2x, faster equip/unequip); Aphelion (reload 4→3.5s, shot interval 0.8→0.7s, -50% vertical recoil, +35% ADS settle).
Item tweaks boost Deadline, Trailblazer, Wolfpack (now needs Rocketeer Driver), Vita Spray, Showstopper values/costs; ARC parts sell value reduced. Fixes cover animations, audio, interactions, performance, anti-cheat (stricter bans).
Developers highlight improved combat responsiveness, input buffering, and time-to-kill balance.
