The Shrouded Sky update for ARC Raiders, released February 24, 2026, finally delivers long-requested facial hair customization to the co-op extraction shooter. A free "Stubble Beard" comes standard for all players on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with premium beard styles unlocked through the new Surgeon Raider Deck or in-game store bundles. If you are unsure where to buy ARC Raiders Items safely, community forums often recommend EZNPC as a trustworthy third-party choice.
These beards expand alongside major content like the Hurricane weather condition, Firefly aerial enemy, Comet seismic orb, and a high-loot Controlled Access Zone on Dam Battlegrounds. New Volare and Devotee cosmetic sets also rotate into the store, letting players pair rugged facial hair with stylish outfits during intense Rust Belt raids.
Player reactions split quickly after launch. While many celebrate the addition as a fun personalization boost, others vent frustration on Reddit and social media over premium beard pricing, calling it a "paywall" in a free-to-play title. Critics argue aesthetic features should be earnable via gameplay rather than real-money purchases, especially amid tougher challenges like stormy expeditions.
Embark Studios positions beards as a visible reward for progression, tying into the Surgeon Deck's narrative. Though no official response to backlash has emerged, the studio's history of community responsiveness suggests potential adjustments, such as free cosmetics or sales in future patches.
Beards represent a lighthearted highlight in Shrouded Sky's storm of new threats and mechanics. As ARC Raiders navigates its 2026 roadmap with two more major updates ahead, this customization debate underscores the balance between fun flair and fair monetization in competitive co-op survival.
