If you’ve been spending your time scavenging the Rust Belt and dodging ARC machines in ARC Raiders, things just got a whole lot more atmospheric.
Embark Studios has dropped the Shrouded Sky content update, and it’s bringing a literal storm to the surface.
Here at Ninja Refinery, we love a good mechanical shake-up, and adding “The Hurricane” as a map condition sounds like exactly the kind of chaos we need.
We got frozen before, and that was a great little twist to regular excursions. So we’re expecting similar here.
Weathering the Storm
The headline act is the Hurricane. This isn’t just a bit of light rain; we’re talking high-velocity winds that batter your Raider. Debris that messes with your shield integrity, and visibility so low you’ll be checking your compass every five seconds.
The trade-off? High risk, high reward. The storm has unearthed “First Wave Raider Caches” along the surface. If you’re brave enough to head out when Shani tells you it’s unsafe, there’s some serious loot to be found.
Fireflies and Comets
In what can only be described as good, bad news. Two new ARC machines have joined the party:
The Firefly: An armoured flying unit that breathes fire. Because why not? You’ll need to stay mobile or find cover fast if you don’t want to be toasted. It’s nasty! I’ve already had a close call trying to escape with flames coming into the lift.
The Comet: A rolling sphere that looks calm until it locks onto you. Once it does, it charges for a “seismic boom” explosion. These are horrible mofos of the highest order.
As someone that’s barely gotten used to the ARC machines that have been wrecking me since launch, I’m nervous. But also really keen to see what new additions bring to the game.
That moment-to-moment gameplay is going to change up with some new behaviours to contend with.
Scrubbing Up with the Surgeon Deck
A new free Raider Deck, too! “The Surgeon” is now available. By earning Cred through feats topside, you can unlock the Surgeon cosmetic set.
Whether you want to look like a life-saving medic or a back-alley “mad doctor” is entirely up to you.
ARC Raiders is full of free decks at this stage, so you have plenty to unlock and work at. It’s really nice to see all these earnable cosmetics that don’t come at significant cost. There’s plenty to buy, of course. But it feels like there’s a really good balance on the cosmetic front.
Tactical Beards and New Zones
In a move that we can only describe as “essential gaming features,” facial hair has arrived. Stubble is free for everyone, while the “Full Beard” is a reward in the Surgeon Deck. If you’ve ever felt your Raider’s chin was a bit too chilly in the Rust Belt winds, Embark has you covered.
Something that’s never truly bothered me. Being facially folically challenged in real life, I tend to eschew the beard in customisation, so I’m not seen as digitally cosplaying a grown up…..
Map-wise, the Dam Battlegrounds has been expanded with a new high-security “Controlled Access Zone.” It’s a high-value loot area marked by a distinctive Rocketeer chandelier.
Final Thoughts
ARC Raiders continues to lean into its strengths: atmosphere, tension, and stylish sci-fi design. The Shrouded Sky update feels like a solid step in making the world feel more reactive and dangerous.
Embark Studios are relentless is giving us more and more to do and to enjoy, at no extra cost. Which is how you keep your live-service games running, right? But they could do less and still keep people happy.
The update is live now (February 24th).
Are you heading into the storm, or staying safe in the Tubes? Let us know in the comments or over on the socials!