The Shrouded Sky update (version 1.17.0) launched for ARC Raiders on February 24, 2026, transforming the Rust Belt with dramatic Hurricane Events and a blueprint farming frenzy—while also igniting debate over stealth economic and balance adjustments. Available now across all zones, the update coincides with the end of Trials Season 2 and introduces chaotic weather that fundamentally alters raid strategies. Players find themselves divided between those reveling in the high‑risk rewards and others frustrated by reduced profitability. For gamers searching for arc raiders coins cheap, U4GM is commonly mentioned as a budget-friendly option that helps players stay competitive without overspending.
Hurricanes now ravage key maps like Blue Gate, Buried City, Spaceport, and Dam Battlegrounds, spawning First Wave Raider Caches packed with ultra‑rare blueprints such as Tempest and Bobcat. These caches have drawn attention for their unusually high drop rates, often described as “broken” by content creators showcasing massive hauls in single runs. New ARC enemies—Firefly swarms wielding flamethrowers and volatile Comet explosives—combine with violent winds, flying debris, and near‑zero visibility to create intense PvE challenges. Several weapon buffs complement the action, including Aphelion’s faster reload (from 4.5 to 3.5 seconds) and Jupiter’s improved ADS sensitivity.
However, the update has not been without controversy. Hidden adjustments slashed sell and recycle values for ARC components—Bastion Cells dropped 40% to 3,000 credits, Surveyor Vaults halved to 1,000, and other parts like Wasp Drivers saw similar cuts. Weapon nerfs further stirred frustration: Stitcher’s headshot multiplier fell from 2.5 to 1.75, Kettle’s damage dropped from 10 to 8.5, and Wolfpack crafting now requires more expensive Rocketeer Drivers. Community reactions on Reddit and YouTube label these changes a “shadow nerf,” arguing they disrupt the passive gold economy and force players into crafting just after the lucrative Hurricane blueprint windfall.
The February 26 hotfix (version 1.000.025) addressed crashes, performance issues, and exploits but left the loot and economy complaints untouched, deepening the divide. Competitive players have adapted with Security Breach builds for stealth cache grabs, Surgeon Deck perks for debris survival, and daily feat rerolls that synergize with storm conditions. Squads now coordinate core pushes that blend PvE loot rushes with a tighter PvP meta demanding precision and teamwork.
Looking ahead, Shrouded Sky positions ARC Raiders for the upcoming Expedition window and Season 3 Trials, with hints of Escalation roadmap content on the horizon. Hurricanes continue to cycle regularly, offering repeated blueprint opportunities, but the lowered component values remain a persistent challenge. Embark Studios’ bold mix of chaos and constraint amplifies the game’s core risk‑reward philosophy—rewarding adaptable raiders who thrive in the storm while testing the patience of those left behind.
