ARC Raiders Shrouded Sky Content Update: New ARC Machines, Surgeon Deck, Facial Hair, and Dam Battlegrounds
Everything in the Shrouded Sky Update
Two new ARC machines, a free Raider Deck, facial hair customization, a new map zone, cosmetic bundles, and the Weather Monitoring project. Here is the full breakdown.
Key Takeaways
- Two new ARC machines join the surface: the Firefly (armored flamethrower drone) and the Comet (spherical suicide bomber that locks on before detonating).
- The free Surgeon Raider Deck is purchasable with Cred earned from topside Feats. It unlocks a full set of medical-themed cosmetics as you progress.
- Facial hair is finally in the game. Stubble is free for everyone, the Full Beard unlocks through the Surgeon Deck, and the Thick Moustache is available in the store.
- Dam Battlegrounds gets a new zone called the Controlled Access Zone, a previously locked high-security area with the "Rocketeer chandelier" as a landmark.
- The Weather Monitoring System is a new project from Shani that rewards cosmetics for collecting specific materials topside.
- Four new cosmetic bundles hit the store: The Volare Set, The Devotee Set, a new Backpack Set, and a new Raider Tool Set.
The Shrouded Sky Update at a Glance
The Shrouded Sky content update dropped on February 24, 2026, and it is one of the larger patches ARC Raiders has received since launch. The Hurricane map condition is the headline feature and we already have a full guide covering the wind mechanics, debris damage, visibility changes, and First Wave Cache locations. But the Hurricane is only one piece of the update.
Embark Studios packed in two new ARC machine types, a free cosmetic progression track, the first facial hair options since launch, a brand new combat zone on Dam Battlegrounds, a community project tied to the storm narrative, and a batch of store cosmetics. If you have been away from the game since the February patch, there is a lot to catch up on.
New ARC Machines: Firefly and Comet
The Firefly is an armored flying ARC that emits a sustained jet of flame. It hovers above the ground and tracks player movement, making cover your only real defense. If you are caught in the open without a wall between you and a Firefly, your shield will melt in seconds. The armor plating makes it tankier than a Hornet or Wasp, so expect to burn through more ammo per kill.
The Comet looks calm at first. It rolls through patrol routes on the surface without reacting to nearby players. But the moment it detects you, it locks on with an intense focus period before charging and detonating with seismic force. The explosion radius is large enough to catch teammates standing nearby. Killing it before the charge completes is the only safe play, so ranged weapons are recommended.
Both machines appear during regular surface expeditions, not just during Hurricane conditions. They join the existing ARC machine roster as permanent additions. The Firefly fills a gap in the flying enemy lineup by adding a close-range fire threat that punishes players who rely on tight corridors for cover. The Comet adds a ticking clock element to surface encounters, similar to how the Tick works underground but with a much bigger explosion.
If you are running the medium shield with a Combat Augment, the extra shield durability will help against Firefly encounters. For the Comet, keeping distance and using a rifle or marksman weapon to drop it before the charge completes is your safest bet.
Weather Monitoring System: Shani's New Project
The Hurricane caught Speranza off guard. In response, Shani has assigned Raiders to a new project: constructing a weather monitoring system that can track incoming storms. This is a material collection quest that requires you to gather specific items from topside expeditions.
The reward track is cosmetic, not functional, but completing the project ties into the Shrouded Sky narrative. If you are already running recycling routes and picking up materials during your regular loops, you will likely accumulate most of what you need without going out of your way. The workbench for the project is located in Speranza near Shani's usual spot.
Free Raider Deck: Surgeon
The Surgeon is the latest free Raider Deck, purchasable with Cred that you earn by completing Feats during topside expeditions. No real money required. Once you buy the deck, it unlocks a progression track of medical-themed cosmetics: surgical scrubs, gloves, a field medic mask, and more.
The cosmetic range goes from a professional, clean surgeon aesthetic to something more ragged and battlefield-worn. The design clearly leans into the idea that in the world of ARC Raiders, a "surgeon" does not work in a sterile hospital. They patch people up between firefights with whatever they can scavenge.
If you have been saving Cred from previous seasons, you can grab this deck immediately. New players should focus on completing surface Feats. The mastery system and regular expedition objectives are the fastest ways to accumulate Cred.
Facial Hair Customization
The community has been asking for facial hair since launch, and the Shrouded Sky update delivers with three options:
- Stubble is immediately available to all players at no cost.
- Full Beard unlocks through the Surgeon Raider Deck progression.
- Thick Moustache is available in the in-game store starting February 24.
It is a small addition by itself, but character customization options have been one of the more consistent community requests. You can apply facial hair in the same character customization screen where you adjust your Raider's other appearance settings.
Dam Battlegrounds: Controlled Access Zone
Dam Battlegrounds gets a significant map expansion with the Controlled Access Zone, a previously sealed high-security area that is now open for exploration. Embark describes it as a zone that players can locate by finding the "Rocketeer chandelier," a distinctive landmark involving a Rocketeer fixture near the entrance.
The Controlled Access Zone adds new vertical terrain, tighter sightlines, and what appears to be higher-density loot spawns based on the "high-security" designation. If you have been running the same routes on Dam Battlegrounds since it was added, this new section gives you a reason to rethink your pathing. Expect heavier ARC presence in the zone, likely including the new Firefly and Comet machines.
For players who prefer PvP, the tight corridors and new verticality make this zone a natural hotspot. Bring a loadout that handles close-quarters encounters. The blueprint system can help you craft weapons suited for these tighter spaces.
New Store Cosmetics
The store refresh brings four new cosmetic bundles alongside the Shrouded Sky update:
- The Volare Set is a military-tactical outfit with a hooded jacket, night vision goggles, and utility pouches. It leans into the "prepared operator" look.
- The Devotee Set features a red-hooded scavenger aesthetic with a layered vest, goggles, and a more improvised survivor style.
- New Backpack Set adds a fresh equipment cosmetic option for your Raider's loadout silhouette.
- New Raider Tool Set changes the visual appearance of your equipped tool.
All four bundles are purchased with the premium store currency. If you are only interested in the free content, the Surgeon Deck and Stubble facial hair are both available without spending anything beyond Cred.
Survive the Hurricane
Our full Hurricane guide covers wind mechanics, debris damage, visibility strategies, and First Wave Cache farming routes.
Read the Hurricane GuideFrequently Asked Questions
When did the Shrouded Sky update go live?
The Shrouded Sky content update launched on February 24, 2026, across all platforms (PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S).
Are the Firefly and Comet permanent or event-only?
Both new ARC machines are permanent additions to the game. They appear during regular surface expeditions regardless of whether the Hurricane map condition is active.
How do I get the Surgeon Raider Deck?
The Surgeon Deck is purchased with Cred, which you earn by completing Feats during topside expeditions. No real money is required. Once purchased, it unlocks a progression track of cosmetics that you unlock by playing.
Is facial hair free?
Stubble is free for all players. The Full Beard is unlocked through the Surgeon Deck progression. The Thick Moustache is available in the in-game store for premium currency.
Where is the Controlled Access Zone on Dam Battlegrounds?
Look for the "Rocketeer chandelier" landmark near the high-security section of Dam Battlegrounds. The new zone features tighter corridors, vertical terrain, and higher ARC density.
What is the Weather Monitoring System project?
It is a material collection project assigned by Shani. Gather specific items during topside expeditions to build a weather monitoring station in Speranza. The rewards are cosmetic items tied to the Shrouded Sky narrative.
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