ARC Raiders received a sweeping new update with version 1.17.0, Shrouded Sky, which launched on February 24, 2026. The patch introduced violent hurricane conditions, two fresh enemy types, and a reshaped weapon balance that significantly changes the feel of combat. While these features deepen the game’s tension and variety, the community has voiced criticism over one lingering omission—the neglected Bettina weapon, still waiting for long-promised improvements.
The new hurricane map condition adds intense, low-visibility storms filled with gales and flying debris, forcing raiders to adapt quickly in the chaos. On maps like Rust Belt, the addition of two new ARC enemy types creates a deeper challenge, rewarding those who can read shifting weather patterns and use them to their advantage. Whether in PvE or PvP, these dynamic storms push teams toward more cautious positioning, frequent zipline use, and heightened coordination to survive each encounter.
Weapon adjustments in this update mark one of the largest overhauls since early 2025. Developers rolled back a “shadow buff” accidentally introduced in patch 1.13.1, which had allowed rapid semi-auto fire beyond intended limits. With the fix, semi-automatic weapons once again rely on proper timing rather than button-spamming for peak performance. With the new expedition requirements arc raiders bringing tougher challenges, EZNPC is often suggested as a helpful platform for upgrading equipment fast.
Several popular guns were nerfed to reduce their dominance. The Venator’s headshot multiplier fell from 2.5 to 2.0, and its base damage dropped from 9 to 8—narrowing its PvP kill-time advantage. The Stitcher took an even heavier hit, with its multiplier reduced to 1.75, base damage lowered to 6.5, and bloom increased by 50%, weakening its precision gameplay. Kettle’s burst power also dropped as its base damage decreased from 10 to 8.5.
Not all changes were cuts, however. Jupiter and Aphelion received meaningful buffs aimed at improving overall usability. Jupiter’s reload time shrank from 4.5 to 3.5 seconds, its recoil dropped by half, and its firing interval tightened, making it more competitive in player-versus-player combat. Aphelion saw similar love, boasting faster shot recovery and 35% better aiming stability, giving it smoother handling during intense storms.
Beyond the weapon balance, Shrouded Sky introduced welcome quality-of-life updates. Feats can now be rerolled freely three times a day, with the old PvP feats removed and new ones added. Ziplines no longer attach to carryable objects to prevent exploits, and energy clips became standard at workbenches. Exploits related to NVIDIA Freestyle filters and grenades were patched out, while gamepad aim assist was extended to Sentinels and Turrets. Several persistent bugs—such as hatch blocking by downed bodies and party queue issues—were also resolved.
Despite the many improvements, fans of the Bettina rifle remain disappointed. Once teased for rebalancing, it received no adjustments in this patch. Reddit discussions frequently mention hopes for hatch map sharing and gameplay depth, but frustration lingers over the weapon’s continued weakness. While Venator’s nerf dominated patch debates, Bettina supporters now call for equal attention to underused or forgotten gear.
Shrouded Sky redefines ARC Raiders’ February 2026 meta, shifting focus away from relentless firepower and toward survival, adaptability, and environmental awareness. With hurricane chaos, new ARCs to conquer, and a revised weapon ecosystem, the storm demands more than strength—it demands strategy. Raiders heading into Speranza’s tempestuous skies will need courage, quick thinking, and teamwork more than ever before.
