Arc Raiders Update: Shrouded Sky Patch 1.17.0 Brings Hurricanes, Firefly and Comet, Weapon Fixes and Beards

The Shrouded Sky Arc Raiders Update lands Feb. 24 and reshapes topside combat: violent hurricanes, two new Arc threats in the Rust Belt, a raft of weapon input and balance changes that trace back to 1. 13 and 1. 13. 1, plus a free Raider Deck and new facial-hair cosmetics. This rollout matters because it alters environmental hazards, enemy encounters and core weapon behavior all at once.

Arc Raiders Update: Shrouded Sky (Patch 1. 17. 0) goes live Feb. 24

The Shrouded Sky patch (1. 17. 0) is scheduled to go live on Feb. 24. The update introduces a new map condition called the hurricane and a new project involving Shani to collect materials to build a better weather-monitoring system. All of these updates will become available with the Shrouded Sky update patch in the game.

Hurricanes topside change tactics for low-visibility combat

Violent hurricanes are sweeping topside, forcing new strategies for low-visibility combat: powerful gales and hurtling debris will alter movement and sightlines. Scouts have spotted two new ARC types in the Rust Belt; caution is advised while the storm runs its course, though the update notes that those who can read the weather will find opportunity in the chaos.

Two new Arc threats: the Firefly and the Comet

The update adds two new Arc threats identified as the Firefly and the Comet. The Firefly is effectively a drone with flamethrower capabilities, described in the patch as "a floating nightmare. " It will burn Raiders "to a crisp" if they fail to find cover or other means to escape its jet of flames. The Comet is a ground-bound sphere that patrols the surface of the Rust Belt and will lock onto Raiders who venture too close; once locked-on it will explode, causing serious damage.

Weapon input buffering: fixes and a middle ground after 1. 13 → 1. 13. 1

The patch traces an input-buffering chain that began with a 1. 13 optimization fix for weapons which had the unforeseen consequence of lowering total fire-rate for semi-automatic weapons. A subsequent 1. 13. 1 build reverted that fix, but another issue arrived: many players reported a "shadow buff" to weapons. Investigation found 1. 13. 1 had inadvertently impacted weapon input buffers so that players could spam-click to bypass the intended timing and cadence of semi-automatic weapons.

To address this, the team added more levers to control the weapon input buffering window on a gun-to-gun basis and adjusted semi-automatic weapons accordingly. The stated aim is a middle ground: weapons remain more responsive when spam-clicking, but players who pace their shots should see better results.

Weapon balance moves: Stitcher, Kettle, Aphelion, Jupiter and Venator

Work on balance between low-tier and high-tier weapons is under way after feedback that some low-tier weapons outperform higher-tier options at reduced cost. Initial changes start by reducing the overall TTK of the Stitcher and Kettle, while increasing the maneuverability of the Aphelion and Jupiter. The patch notes state the team is taking a second stab at the Venator.

Developer notes expand on the Stitcher and Kettle: the Stitcher has been a close-quarters weapon that rewards positioning but its fast TTK can result in ambushes where targets die before they can react. High headshot damage is a large contributor; TTK is often fine when aimed at center of mass but becomes much faster when most shots land to the head. Changes aim to bring headshot TTK closer to body-shot TTK by reducing full-spray accuracy and reducing the headshot multiplier.

The Kettle is described as being in a weird place: its high damage was intended for medium-range, deliberate play, but players often use it up close like an SMG. The patch reduces base damage to bring its TTK more in line while keeping the high headshot multiplier to encourage skilled play.

Since the last nerfs to the Venator in 1. 3. 0, the team says it has kept an eye on data to unclear in the provided context

New Raider Deck and facial-hair cosmetics

The update introduces a new, free Raider Deck called The Surgeon. The Surgeon cosmetic is gradually unlocked by completing the Raider Deck; players face a cosmetic choice framed as whether to be Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde with the directive: "Scrub up, take your oath, and head topside to heal… or wreak havoc. "

Facial-hair is now a feature: the Stubble cosmetic will be instantly available to all players once the update is released, while the Full Beard is an unlockable feature of The Surgeon Raider Deck. Two additional styles, the Stubble Beard and Thick Moustache, will be available for purchase in the in-game store starting Feb. 24. "Don't worry if it feels weird at first… it grows on you, " the patch commentary notes.

Finally, a short and seemingly unrelated snippet present in the materials reads: "Short and stout, this is my handle, this is my spout. "

What to watch next: expect player feedback on hurricane-driven topside tactics, the Firefly and Comet threat behaviors, and whether the new input-buffer levers and weapon balance moves deliver a fairer pacing between low- and high-tier arms. Details left unclear in the provided context should be treated as such until clarified in future patch notes.