Embark Studio's new Shrouded Sky update for ARC Raiders isn't a major expansion or anything, but it almost feels close to that kind of update, because it includes more than a few significant changes. A slew of weapons have been given nerfs to try and better balance PvP play, an element of progression that wasn't benefiting half of the player base is now gone, there are two new ARC threats to take down, and that's before getting to the fact that there's a whole hurricane for players to deal with now.
The update is now live, with the full patch notes available on the game's official website if you're looking to read through them in full. Some of the highlights are things we already heard about when Embark teased the update last week, like the new Hurricane map condition and the benefits of braving an expedition Topside with winds raging and debris constantly flying across the map.
What we didn't know about until Embark started to provide more details about the update, just ahead of its release, is the introduction of two new ARC threats. One is called the Comet, which essentially acts like a bigger version of a Pop (one of the ARCs to make our list of the most annoying ones to deal with). Once a Comet spots you, it'll charge you and try to explode at your feet.
Its considerably larger size compared to a Pop makes it more deadly if you are unfortunate enough to get hit by its explosion, and the fact that it roams around outside means it's yet another ARC to be concerned about third-partying you, whether you're caught in a fight with other ARCs or Raiders. At least Pops are usually confined to specific areas. These will track and follow you if you're not careful.
The other new ARC is another aerial machine called a Firefly. Embark calls it "a floating nightmare," because it's a flying version of a Fireball. A very literal take on the name 'Firefly,' this ARC will circle you like a Wasp or Hornet, but instead of a machine gun or electrical stun shot, it has a flamethrower attached to it, ready to burn you to a crisp. It's also armoured, so while the usual strategy of going for its thrusters still applies, you'll want to ensure you're carrying something with some heavy firepower to take it down quickly.
Also new in this update is a change to the Dam Battlegrounds map, with the introduction of a new "high-security area" with high-value loot called the Controlled Access Zone. There's also a new Project for Raiders to undertake, in which Shani asks you to collect resources to build a Weather Monitoring System, and like all other projects, you'll earn rewards with each new tier of the project you clear.
There are also new cosmetics to unlock with a new free Surgeon Raider Deck, which adds facial hair to character customization, and new cosmetic bundles like the new Volare Set, which is available alongside today's update, to be followed by the Devotee Set coming later.
As for the weapons getting nerfed, the Stitcher, Kettle, and Venator are all getting damage nerfs. All three are getting base damage reductions, with the Stitcher and Venator getting headshot damage reductions. The Jupiter and Aphelion are both getting buffed slightly, though not to their damage. You'll now be able to swap from the Jupiter to your secondary faster, while the Aphelion's reload time, time between shots, and recoil have all been reduced, and its ADS time has been improved. Essentially, it shoots faster, reloads faster, and it's faster to aim with.
There's also been a rebalancing of item values, and you can now craft Energy Clips at the Workbench by default. And on top of all of that, there is a slew of bug changes to check out in the patch notes, including fixing the bug that caused players to have to close and re-open the game because they earned a skill point after their last match, and it didn't properly register.
For more on ARC Raiders, check out our dedicated hub for all of our coverage, including our review, guides, and more.
About the author: David has been writing about videogames, technology, and culture since 2020, with a focus on reporting daily news across multiple publications, including GameDaily.Biz, GameSkinny, and PlayStation Universe before joining Wccftech in 2025. David started contributing as Canada/US reporter for Wccftech's gaming section in 2025. Besides being up-to-date on the industry's movements, he loves interviewing developers, reviewing games, and writing intricate essays about the symbolism and layered meanings to be found in rich narratives as he's done for publications like GamesIndustry.Biz, LostInCult, and others. Outside of games he loves movies, music, theatre, his hometown, and his family, though not necessarily in that order.
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