Embark Studios has released the Shrouded Sky Update, also known as Patch 1.17.0, for ARC Raiders, bringing new progression content, balance changes, and several technical fixes to the PC version of the game. The update is now live and will download automatically through Steam when players launch the client.
The highlight of Update 1.17.0 is the addition of a third Raider Deck. Called the Surgeon Raider Deck, it is available free of charge to all players and will remain permanently accessible. Unlike time-limited content, this deck does not expire, giving players the freedom to unlock its rewards at their own pace. The deck includes Raider Tokens and a range of cosmetic items. Among them is a surgeon-inspired Raider outfit offered in multiple color variants, along with a beard customization option and a themed backpack. The new deck expands customization options while also adding more progression incentives.
Embark Studios has also confirmed that the second Expedition will begin on February 25 and run until Sunday, March 1. Players who complete this limited-time event will receive five permanent Skill Points in addition to those earned during the first Expedition window. Those who did not obtain the full five Skill Points previously will be able to catch up during the second Expedition, allowing them to reach a total of ten permanent Skill Points. Additional rewards include one extra Permanent Stash Space, a new cosmetic item, and a new Scrappy outfit.
Patch 1.17.0 also delivers several gameplay adjustments. Weapon balance tweaks affect the Stitcher, Kettle, Venator, Jupiter, and Aphelion, with changes aimed at refining combat balance. The update also blocks the use of all NVIDIA Freestyle filters at the same time to address concerns related to competitive visibility. A piano has been added as a new interactable object in the game world. At the same time, ziplines can no longer be placed on carryable objects, and mines, traps, or remote flares can no longer be attached to other deployables.
On the technical side, the update introduces performance improvements and fixes for visual popping issues. The developers have resolved a crash that could occur when launching the game with DirectX 11, as well as another crash related to zipline traversal. With these changes, Update 1.17.0 focuses on both new content and improved stability for PC players.
