Arc Raiders Update (arc raiders update): Shrouded Sky brings hurricane, new ARC enemies and beards
The Shrouded Sky arc raiders update goes live on February 24, 2026, and introduces a hurricane map condition, two new ARC machines, a free Raider Deck called The Surgeon, facial-hair cosmetics and a new Seasonal Player Project tied to weather monitoring. The patch also opens a second Expedition window and brings dedicated Expedition rewards that carry permanent bonuses.
Hurricane slams the Rust Belt and topside becomes hazardous
Shani is blindsided by a Hurricane that engulfs the Rust Belt with ferocious speed and unrelenting force, a storm that the context says caught everyone by surprise — including those whose job it is to keep Speranza prepared. Raiders have been caught in the howling, gnashing winds; the Tubes are at risk of flooding and players are not cleared to leave due to low visibility, unsuitable equipment and the risk to Tube systems.
The update makes clear what topside hazards will mean in play: the wind will batter Raiders, debris will light up shields while degrading their protection, and visibility will scatter a Raider’s sense of direction. First Wave Raider Caches have been unearthed along the surface for those willing to risk it.
New projects: Shani’s Weather Monitoring System and material collection
Shani will task Raiders with collecting materials to build a weather monitoring system. Players must collect and contribute specific materials from topside to build the features of that system and earn rewards for their Raider in the process. The Weather Monitoring System is presented as a Seasonal Player Project tied to monitoring when hurricanes are happening and to the task of entering the storm to retrieve items.
New ARC threats: Firefly’s flamethrower and the Comet’s explosive lock-on
Two unique ARC machines have been spotted on the surface and will challenge Raiders in new ways. The Firefly is described as an armored, flying machine — a "floating nightmare" — that emits a jet of flame and will burn a Raider to a crisp unless they move quickly or find cover. The Comet is a spherical, ground-bound ARC machine that calmly patrols the surface; once it detects a Raider it locks on with frightening focus and then explodes with a seismic boom.
The Surgeon Raider Deck, Cred rewards and facial-hair cosmetics
Available with the Shrouded Sky update, The Surgeon Deck offers a range of rewards in return for Cred (earned topside by completing Feats). The Surgeon cosmetic is gradually unlocked by completing the Raider Deck; players are given the choice framed as whether they want to be Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde, with the prompt to "scrub up, take your oath, and head topside to heal… or wreak havoc. "
Facial hair is arriving with the update: the Stubble will be immediately available to all players on release, while the Full Beard is unlockable in the Surgeon Raider Deck. Two additional styles — the Stubble Beard and the Thick Moustache — will be available in the store from February 24. The update includes the quip: "Don't worry if it feels weird at first… it grows on you. "
Dam Battlegrounds Controlled Access Zone, store drops and release timing
A high-security Controlled Access Zone has been uncovered in Dam Battlegrounds; it’s flagged as a high-value loot area and is marked by the Rocketeer chandelier. New store items are listed for the update: The Volare Set, The Devotee Set, a Backpack Set and a Raider Tool Set. An update in the patch notes clarifies that only The Volare Set will be releasing on February 24, with The Devotee Set coming soon.
The Arc Raiders Update release date is February 24, 2026. The broader rollout includes a second Expedition window that will open on Wednesday, February 25, and close on Sunday, March 1, 2026, giving players a week to complete that Expedition before the player progress reset. The second Expedition window marks the second progress reset since the game launched in October 2025.
Embark Studios says the patch should go live worldwide around 2 AM PT / 5 AM ET based on previous updates, but that exact timing could vary depending on how long the patch takes to implement. Patch notes are slated for an update on February 24 when Bugs/Fixes are released.
Expedition rewards, account requirements and community feedback
The update introduces new Expedition Rewards that will offer players valuable permanent bonuses. Players looking to participate in the second Arc Raiders Expedition will have the February 25–March 1 window to do so before the reset on March 1.
Play prerequisites listed for the update include an internet connection, an Embark ID user account (age +13), a third-party platform account and acceptance of the Embark Terms. The developer also invites player feedback, asking the community to share opinions in the thread below and to keep discussion respectful.
