Arc Raiders fans, get ready, one of the most anticipated updates in 2026 is finally live. The Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky update has officially launched on February 24, 2026, bringing sweeping changes to the game’s environment, enemies, maps, progression, cosmetics, and more. This latest Arc Raiders update isn’t just a simple patch, it’s a major content expansion that redefines surface survival for raiders across all playstyles.
Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky Release Date & Global Launch Time
Shrouded Sky went live globally on February 24, 2026, rolling out worldwide without interruption. The update followed a unified global release schedule based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), ensuring simultaneous access for players across regions. The patch became available during early UTC hours and was playable immediately once downloaded on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with no extended downtime reported.
Hurricane Map Condition, Dynamic Weather Revamps Gameplay
The centerpiece of this Arc Raiders update is the all‑new Hurricane map condition, a weather mechanic that radically alters traversal, combat, and tactical planning.
Ferocious winds buffet players, altering movement speed and stamina. Shield durability is affected as flying debris chips away protection and exposes raider positions. Visibility is heavily reduced, creating unpredictable engagements, while environmental tools such as smoke and gas behave differently under storm conditions.
This system is not cosmetic. The hurricane actively reshapes how firefights unfold and how squads approach objectives across locations like Dam Battlegrounds, Spaceport, Blue Gate, and Buried City.
New ARC Threats: Firefly & Comet Machines
The Shrouded Sky update introduces two new ARC enemies that significantly raise combat pressure.
Firefly is a fast, airborne ARC machine that unleashes intense flames, forcing raiders out of cover and punishing static play. Comet, by contrast, is a spherical unit that aggressively tracks targets before detonating in a high‑damage explosion.
Together, these enemies increase encounter difficulty and demand sharper positioning, awareness, and squad coordination in both PvE and PvPvE scenarios.
Player Projects & Progression: Weather Monitoring System
Shrouded Sky also adds a new seasonal progression layer through the Weather Monitoring System project.
This five‑stage objective chain requires players to collect specialized materials during raids and complete storm‑related tasks. The project runs from February 24 to March 31, 2026, and rewards players with Raider Tokens and other progression benefits, offering meaningful long‑term goals beyond standard loot extraction.
Free Raider Deck: The Surgeon
A permanent addition arrives in the form of a free Raider Deck known as The Surgeon.
This deck emphasizes precision, survivability, and tactical efficiency, making it especially effective for support‑focused or methodical playstyles. Players unlock cosmetic elements and deck rewards by earning Cred during surface runs, and the deck remains accessible to all players without time restrictions.
Cosmetic Expansion: Facial Hair & Bundles
Character customization receives a noticeable boost in this update.
New facial hair options, including stubble and full beards, allow for more distinct Raider identities. Additional store bundles such as themed outfits, backpacks, and tool sets expand visual variety without impacting gameplay balance, enhancing immersion for long‑term players.
Map Updates & Loot Zones
Several existing maps have been expanded and reworked.
Dam Battlegrounds now features a newly uncovered Controlled Access Zone containing high‑value loot opportunities. Environmental adjustments across multiple locations increase exploration depth and reinforce risk‑versus‑reward decision‑making, with dynamic weather ensuring that no two surface runs feel the same.
Final Verdict on the Shrouded Sky Update
The Shrouded Sky update represents a defining step forward for Arc Raiders in 2026. By introducing dynamic weather systems, new ARC enemy behaviors, seasonal progression, and expanded customization, the update deepens both strategic complexity and replay value. Whether returning to the surface or entering the Rust Belt for the first time, players will find Shrouded Sky to be a transformative chapter that reshapes how Arc Raiders is played.
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