ARC Raiders Shrouded Sky Update: New Enemies, Hurricane Weather, and Facial Hair Arrive

BERLIN, 24 February 2026 — Embark Studios has officially deployed the “Shrouded Sky” update for ARC Raiders today, marking the second of four major content milestones planned for the game’s current roadmap. As the extraction shooter continues to evolve following its release on 30 October 2025, this latest patch introduces significant meta shifts, including lethal weather patterns and highly requested character customisation options.

Shrouded Sky: A New Era of Aerial Threats

The headline of today’s update is the introduction of two formidable ARC units designed to challenge Raiders who have grown comfortable with ground-based combat. The Firefly and the Comet have been added to the enemy roster, forcing players to keep their eyes on the horizon. These aerial units are specifically tuned to disrupt extraction attempts and punish squads caught in the open.

The Hurricane Map Condition

Environmental hazards have taken a turn for the chaotic with the “Hurricane” map condition. This dynamic weather event significantly reduces visibility and affects projectile physics, making long-range engagements much riskier. The update also expands the Dam Battlegrounds, providing new tactical routes and verticality to one of the game’s most contested zones.

Raider Customisation: The “Beard” Update

In a move that has delighted the community, Embark Studios has finally added facial hair customisation. Following the update, all players will receive a “stubble” cosmetic by default. For those seeking a more rugged look, a full beard option is now unlockable through the Surgeon raider. This addition addresses one of the most frequent requests since the game’s launch last year.

ARC Raiders PC System Requirements

With the graphical intensity of the new Hurricane effects, players are advised to check their hardware against the official specifications. The game remains exclusive to current-gen consoles (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S) and PC.

Roadmap and Future Content

The Shrouded Sky update is the second major drop in a four-part seasonal cycle. Based on the current release cadence, the next significant content update is projected to arrive on or around 10 March 2026. This upcoming patch is expected to focus on “Raider Decks” and further expansions to the loot economy, following recent efforts by Embark to crack down on duplication exploits that surfaced earlier this month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the ARC Raiders Shrouded Sky update go live?

The update launched on 24 February 2026, with rolling deployments starting at 01:30 PST / 10:30 CET.

What are the new enemies in the update?

The update introduces the Firefly and the Comet, two new types of aerial ARC machines that change the verticality of combat.

Can I change my character’s facial hair now?

Yes. The Shrouded Sky update added a stubble option for all players and a full beard that can be unlocked via the Surgeon.

Is there a map expansion in this update?

Yes, the Dam Battlegrounds area has been expanded, and the new Hurricane weather condition has been added to the map rotation.