Arc Raiders Update Patch Notes: Shrouded Sky 1.17.0 Adds Hurricane Map Condition, Weapon Buffer Fixes and Targeted Rebalances

The latest arc raiders update patch notes center on the Shrouded Sky 1. 17. 0 changes: a new Hurricane map condition that alters topside navigation and visibility, fixes to weapon input buffering that curb a recent "shadow buff, " and a round of targeted weapon balance adjustments aimed at addressing low-tier versus high-tier performance gaps.

Arc Raiders Update Patch Notes: Weapon input buffering and balance changes

Patch 1. 17. 0 continues work begun in earlier updates to resolve unintended interactions in weapon firing behavior. An earlier optimization introduced a change that briefly reduced total semi-automatic fire-rates; a subsequent revert reintroduced another unintended effect that allowed players to bypass intended firing cadence by spam-clicking. To address this, developers added more granular control over each gun's input buffering window and adjusted semi-automatic weapons so that the game is still responsive to faster inputs while rewarding players who pace their shots.

The update also begins rebalancing perceived disparities between lower-tier and higher-tier weapons. The team is initiating changes that touch several named weapons: overall TTK adjustments for the Stitcher and Kettle, increased maneuverability for the Aphelion and Jupiter, and a further pass on the Venator. These moves are framed as attempts to shift balance while preserving meaningful player choice and skill expression.

More detailed technical notes in the patch discuss intent per weapon. For the Stitcher, the aim is to reduce situations where high headshot output produces much faster TTK than comparable weapons by lowering full-spray accuracy and reducing the headshot multiplier, bringing headshot TTK closer to body-shot TTK. For the Kettle, the team intends to reduce base damage to bring its TTK more in line with design goals while retaining a high headshot multiplier to reward precision. Work on the Venator continues, with another adjustment pass planned.

Players reading the arc raiders update patch notes should expect semi-automatic weapons to feel more consistent: spam-clicking delivers responsiveness but should no longer circumvent cadence-based skill entirely.

Hurricane map condition: What you need to know

The Shrouded Sky notes introduce a Hurricane condition affecting the topside of Speranza. Violent gales and low clouds dramatically change how players move and fight. Tailwinds make traversal feel faster and more nimble, while fighting the storm saps speed and drains stamina. Throwables behave differently in strong winds, and other mechanics including smoke, gas, and jumping are affected by the storm's force.

Gale-driven debris and kicked-up dirt interact with shields: small impacts will make shields glitch and spark, degrading them and increasing visibility when out in the open. Reduced sightlines from low cloud cover make ARC threats more likely to appear as sudden encounters, but the same low visibility can be used strategically; shieldless players may be harder to spot amid the storm.

The patch frames the Hurricane as both hazard and opportunity: rumors of Raider Caches unearthed by the winds are said to exist for those willing to brave the elements and contend with ARC machines and rival Raiders. The map condition is presented as a test of players' ability to read weather, choose when to engage or withdraw, and use environmental chaos to gain an edge.

What to expect next

This update is a mix of systems fixes and situational content. Weapon input buffering changes are intended to land players in a middle ground between responsiveness and preserving cadence-based skill, while the Hurricane map condition forces tactical adaptations around movement, visibility, throwable behavior, and shield management. Balance passes on named weapons are the first step in a broader tuning effort.

Details in the patch emphasize that some adjustments are iterative; players should expect further tuning as data and feedback are collected. Recent notes suggest follow-up passes for items still under evaluation.