Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky Patch Notes: 1.17.0 Brings Hurricane Map, Weapon Buffer Fixes, and New Threats

The latest Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky Patch Notes deliver a weather-driven map update and a series of weapon fixes that respond to player feedback about input buffering and balance. Patch 1. 17. 0 centers on violent hurricanes topside that create low-visibility combat, powerful gales, and hurtling debris, while the team also outlines adjustments tracing back to changes shipped in 1. 13 and reverted in 1. 13. 1.

Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky Patch Notes: Hurricane conditions and new ARC types

Violent hurricanes are now sweeping topside in the Shrouded Sky update, forcing new strategies for low-visibility combat. The update notes describe powerful gales and hurtling debris as core environmental hazards. Scouts have spotted two new ARC types in the Rust Belt; players are advised to exercise caution while the storm runs its course, though the update suggests those who know how to read the weather will find opportunity in the chaos.

Weapon input buffering fallout from 1. 13 and 1. 13. 1

Patch history matters to the changes in 1. 17. 0. In 1. 13 an optimization fix was shipped that included an adjustment for weapons but had the unforeseen consequence of lowering the total fire-rate of semi-automatic weapons. That fix was reverted in 1. 13. 1, but 1. 13. 1 introduced an unintended effect: a so-called "shadow buff" to weapons traced to impacts on weapon input buffers.

The core issue was that input buffering changes allowed players to spam-click the fire button and bypass the previous requirement to time inputs to a weapon's intended cadence. The update describes a middle ground solution: additional tuning levers for the weapon input buffering window on a gun-to-gun basis, and corresponding adjustments to semi-automatic weapons. Post-fix behavior should still make weapons feel more responsive when spam-clicking, while players who choose to pace their shots will see better results.

Balance adjustments: low-tier vs high-tier weapons

Developers are also addressing concerns that some low-tier weapons can outperform higher-tier options at significantly reduced cost. The stated plan is to shift that balance while retaining room for skilled players to "punch above their weight. " The team says it is starting by reducing the overall TTK of the Stitcher and Kettle, and increasing the maneuverability of the Aphelion and Jupiter. The Venator will receive another pass after earlier adjustments.

Dev notes on Stitcher, Kettle, and Venator

Dev notes provide granular intent for individual weapons. The Stitcher is characterized as a close-quarters weapon that rewards thoughtful positioning, but its fast TTK can create cases where targets are ambushed and killed before they have time to react. High headshot damage is noted as a major contributor. Changes aim to bring headshot TTK closer to body-shot TTK by reducing full-spray accuracy and lowering the headshot multiplier.

The Kettle is described as being in a "weird place": intended for medium-range, deliberate use, but often employed in close quarters like an SMG. To distinguish it from the Stitcher, the update reduces the Kettle's base damage to bring its TTK more in line, while retaining a high headshot multiplier to incentivize aiming for the head.

The team says it is taking a second stab at the Venator, which still seems to be dominating a lot of PvP encounters. Dev Note: Since the last nerfs to the Venator in 1. 3. 0, we've kept an eye on our data to unclear in the provided context.

Small, odd inclusion

One brief non-technical line appears in the provided material: "Short and stout, this is my handle, this is my spout. "

What to expect and how to approach the patch

• Map play will require weather-aware tactics: low visibility plus gales and debris change engagements.
• Weapon handling will feel different: input buffering windows are now adjustable per gun, intended to balance responsiveness and skillful pacing.
• Expect follow-up tuning: the Venator is receiving another review after past nerfs, and multiple weapons have targeted adjustments.

Details that are missing or truncated in the provided notes are unclear in the provided context. Players should treat current guidance as the update's stated intent and anticipate further tuning as data on the new conditions and weapon adjustments arrive.