Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky Update
When does the Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky update drop? Players around the world are searching “what time is Arc Raiders update” and “Arc Raiders update release time” — and this guide delivers verified timings, patch note breakdowns, new content insights, and strategic takeaways you need to stay competitive.
Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky Update: Release Time, Patch Notes & Gameplay Changes
With the arrival of Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky, Embark Studios shifts the game’s landscape with dynamic weather effects, new threats, and significant balance changes that impact how Raiders play the extraction shooter. This isn’t just a minor patch — it’s a transformative update that redefines match flow and enemy encounters.
Shrouded Sky Update Release Time — Global Launch Explained
Players worldwide want to know “what time is the Arc Raiders update” and “when does the Arc Raiders update come out.”
The Shrouded Sky update officially went live February 24, 2026 with a staggered global rollout. Release timings for major regions included:
- 1:30 AM PST (West Coast USA)
- 4:30 AM EST (East Coast USA)
- 9:30 AM GMT (UK)
- 10:30 AM CET (Europe)
These times reflect the Arc Raiders update time you should expect on launch day.
Specifically, players searching “What time is the Arc Raiders update?” can use the EST/PST windows above to plan play sessions and patch downloads.
Core Features in the Shrouded Sky Update
The Arc Raiders update Shrouded Sky introduces several headline features that have reshaped the metagame:
New Dynamic Weather — Hurricane Map Condition
Shrouded Sky’s biggest addition is a hurricane weather system that alters visibility, movement, and combat across multiple maps. Gusting winds push characters, obscure sightlines, and even disrupt gear like shields and grenades.
Key changes include:
- Wind impacts player movement and stamina
- Debris and weather effects degrade shield utility
- Visibility changes require more tactical positioning
This fulfills one of the core Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky update objectives: introducing dynamic elements that force players to adapt.
New ARC Enemies & Threats
The Shrouded Sky update expands the roster of ARC threats with two new enemy types designed to challenge seasoned Raiders:
- Firefly: A speedy airborne enemy equipped with flamethrower capabilities
- Comet-style threat: A patrolling ARC that delivers explosive impacts and seismic disturbances
These additions diversify combat encounters, especially in open map areas, and reinforce the storm-focused theme of this update.
Map Updates & Loot Zones
In addition to weather, map changes to Dam Battlegrounds introduce the Controlled Access Zone, a high-risk/high-reward loot area that encourages tactical play and coordinated team pushes.
Map refreshes like this address long-standing community feedback about loot distribution and diversity. They ensure the world feels fresh rather than static with each major update.
New Player Rewards and Cosmetic Content
While Arc Raiders update patch notes focus on combat and environment, the Shrouded Sky update also delivers:
- Surgeon Raider Deck: A new progression deck with medical-themed rewards
- Facial hair cosmetics: Stubble available for all players, with full beards unlocked through progression
- Premium armor sets: Store-featured cosmetics for style-forward Raiders
These cosmetic and progression options continue to keep long-term players engaged beyond pure gameplay changes.
Patch Notes & Balance Adjustments (Update 1.17.0)
The Shrouded Sky update notes go beyond new content — they reshape weapon balance and item utility:
- Stitcher & Kettle nerfs: Popular weapons receive adjustments to reduce dominance
- Wolfpack crafting changes: Requires a Rocketeer Drive for crafting, increasing strategic resource planning
- Additional meta adjustments refine combat pacing and item viability
These balance shifts are among the most significant in the game’s life cycle and can immediately change how competitive Raiders approach loadouts.
Expedition Window & Seasonal Systems
Another notable Shrouded Sky inclusion is the Expedition Window, which allows players to trigger expeditions — resetting progression with bonuses and new challenges. This feature connects well with the seasonal Escalation roadmap that Embark outlined earlier in the year.
FAQs: Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky
Q: When does the new Arc Raiders update come out?
A: The Shrouded Sky update launched on February 24, 2026.
Q: What time is Arc Raiders update released?
A: Major regional times include 1:30 AM PST / 4:30 AM EST / 9:30 AM GMT.
Q: Does Shrouded Sky include new enemies?
A: Yes — multiple new ARC enemy types increase the challenge.
Q: Are patch notes available?
A: Yes — balance changes and weapon adjustments are detailed in the official 1.17.0 patch notes.
Strategic Takeaways for Competitive Players
Pro players and veteran Raiders should prioritize:
- Adapting to hurricane conditions — dynamic weather changes mean positioning matters more than ever.
- Reevaluating loadouts — weapon nerfs shift competitive balance.
- Targeting new ARC threats — understanding attack patterns of new enemies pays dividends in survival.
Conclusion
The Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky update is one of the most impactful patches yet, blending environmental hazards with combat changes, enemy variety, and expanded player progression. Whether you’re racing to ask “when is the Arc Raiders update” or evaluating “Arc Raiders patch notes” for meta planning, the Shrouded Sky rollout delivers depth, challenge, and replay value that elevate your Raiders experience.
