Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
ARC Raiders update 1.17.0, Shrouded Sky, launched on February 24, 2026. It reduced the damage or headshot strength of the Stitcher, Kettle and Venator, while improving the Jupiter and Aphelion. The update also brought Hurricane weather, two new ARC enemies, and new activities and changes across the Rust Belt. These are the changes Embark listed for 1.17.0—not a statement of the game’s live balance in October 2026.
When did Shrouded Sky release?
Embark Studios published the 1.17.0 patch notes on February 24, 2026, the same date the studio had announced for Shrouded Sky’s release. Read the official 1.17.0 patch notes for the complete list of changes.
Which weapons changed in update 1.17.0?
Embark described its balance work as a response to semi-automatic weapons becoming more responsive after earlier input-buffer changes, including rapid clicks bypassing some intended firing cadence. It said the adjustment aimed to retain responsiveness while rewarding paced shots, and to address lower-tier weapons outperforming more expensive options. The studio’s stated rationale and the mechanical values below come from its patch notes; they are not independent post-update performance measurements.
| Weapon | Changes in 1.17.0 | Embark’s stated reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Stitcher | Headshot multiplier: 2.5 to 1.75; base damage: 7 to 6.5; per-shot dispersion increased about 50%. | Its fast headshot time-to-kill could leave ambushed players little time to react. |
| Kettle | Base damage: 10 to 8.5. | Embark said it was being used too much like a close-range SMG, while noting it wanted to preserve the weapon’s versatility. |
| Venator | Headshot multiplier: 2.5 to 2; base damage: 9 to 8. | Embark said its data placed it among the game’s highest-performing weapons and that it still seemed to dominate many PvP encounters. |
| Jupiter | ADS magnification: about 1.9x to 2.2x; equip time: 1.2 to 1.05 seconds; unequip time: 0.9 to 0.75 seconds. | Handling and sight magnification were improved. |
| Aphelion | Reload: 4.5 to 3.5 seconds; time between shots: 0.9 to 0.7 seconds; vertical recoil reduced about 50%; ADS settle speed improved about 35%. | Embark improved its firing cadence, recoil and aim-down-sights settling. |
All figures are the update values published by Embark, not independently tested measurements. The patch did not make every adjustment a nerf: the Jupiter and Aphelion received improvements. Embark summarized its goal as: “We’re starting by reducing the overall TTK of the Stitcher and Kettle, and increasing the maneuverability of the Aphelion and Jupiter.” The notes do not provide public pick rates, win rates, or post-patch weapon-performance figures, so they cannot establish how the changes affected the live meta.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
![ARC Raiders Deluxe - PC Steam [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I3Aj2PM0L._SL160_.jpg)
- ARC Raiders Deluxe Edition includes the base game and the following content: The Wanderer Set, including the following cosmetic items: “Valente” Outfit" “Pathfinder” Backpack,“Blanket Roll” Backpack Attachment.
- Plus: Character Cosmetic, Finger Gun Rapid Fire Emote, Cowboy Scrappy Body Type and Skin, 2 400 Raider Tokens.
What does Hurricane weather add?
Hurricane is a Rust Belt map condition that makes travel and combat less predictable. Powerful wind affects movement, visibility is reduced, and flying debris can damage shields and degrade their protection. The official Shrouded Sky announcement also describes First Wave Raider Caches as a loot incentive during the condition.
Hurricane’s risks are environmental as well as combat-related: wind can hinder movement, poor visibility makes navigation harder, and debris can wear down shield protection. Embark’s announcement put the danger this way: “The wind will batter you, debris will light up your shield while degrading its protection, and visibility will scatter your sense of direction.”
Which new ARC enemies appear in Shrouded Sky?
Firefly
Firefly is an armored flying machine that emits flame. Embark’s advice is to move quickly or use cover rather than stay exposed to its attack.
Comet
Comet patrols as a sphere. When it spots a Raider, it locks on and then explodes, making movement and awareness important when it is nearby.
Recommended Free Tools
What other content and features were added?
- Weather Monitoring System project: contribute materials toward building weather-monitoring features and earn rewards.
- Surgeon Raider Deck: a free deck was added.
- Expedition Window: the update added an Expedition Window for progression.
- Dam Battlegrounds: a high-security Controlled Access Zone was added.
- Customization: facial-hair options became available.
- Feats: PvP Feats were removed and three free daily Feat rerolls were added.
- World interaction and crafting: a piano became an interactable object, and the Shaker was added as a field-craft item.
The official notes also include bug fixes and interface changes beyond these headline additions. Because 1.17.0 dates to February 2026, later live-service updates may have changed the game’s current mechanics; consult the dated patch notes when checking what Shrouded Sky itself introduced.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ARC Raiders–Inspired Design: Bold, high-quality graphics with vibrant colors that capture the iconic ARC Raiders aesthetic.
- Durable Premium Vinyl: Made from thick, high-grade vinyl for long-lasting use on cars, laptops, skateboards, walls, and flasks.
- UV & Weather Resistant: Fade-proof, waterproof, and scratch-resistant—perfect for indoor and outdoor applications.
- Easy Application & Removal: Applies smoothly without bubbles and removes cleanly with no sticky residue left behind.
- Versatile Décor & Gift Idea: Ideal for personalizing gear, accessories, and spaces, and a great gift for ARC Raiders fans.
Rank #4
- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dyno herd
- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety, and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game
- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
- Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes, and styles
- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
