Embark Studios has been busy behind the scenes, and Arc Raiders is about to feel the impact in a big way. From stricter anti-abuse measures to a content-heavy February roadmap titled Shrouded Sky, the team is clearly doubling down on fairness, long-term progression, and evolving the game's world.
Let's break down what's changed, what's coming next, and what it all means for raiders heading back into the field.
Steam Family Sharing Exploit Finally Shut Down with
ARC Raiders Materials,
One of the biggest behind-the-scenes changes targets an issue that's been quietly undermining fair play: Steam Family Sharing abuse.
Up until now, suspended players could use Steam Family Sharing to effectively dodge bans. The system allows multiple Steam accounts to share a single copy of a game (with some limitations, like not playing at the same time). In practice, this meant someone could:
Get suspended on one account
Switch to another linked account
Jump right back into Arc Raiders and keep playing
Since Steam Family Sharing allows up to five additional accounts, one purchase could essentially turn into multiple “second chances.”
Embark's community team has now closed that loophole. If one account is suspended, all accounts linked through Steam Family Sharing will also be suspended automatically. That means no more hopping between accounts to avoid consequences.
This is a big win for fair play and long-term health of the game. It makes cheating and repeated bad behavior far riskier—and a lot less attractive.
February Roadmap: Welcome to “Shrouded Sky”
With January in the rearview mirror, Arc Raiders is moving into its February update cycle, themed Shrouded Sky. And this one is stacked with features:
A new map condition
A new ARC threat
A substantial map update
A new Raider Deck
New player projects
An updated expedition window
Let's dig into the most interesting parts.
A New Map Condition: More Than Just Weather
Unlike the previous “minor” map condition, Shrouded Sky is being labeled as a full map condition—suggesting something much more impactful.
Based on developer comments and recent media coverage, this appears to be tied to unusual weather patterns that don't just change visibility, but may also affect ARC behavior. Possibilities being discussed include:
Thick cloud cover or heavy haze
Storm-like conditions or wind-based effects
Reduced visibility combined with altered enemy behavior
The backdrop art and hints like radar flares suggest this won't be just cosmetic. The condition could influence how enemies move, how players navigate, and how risky open areas become. Some outlets have even speculated about wind or movement-related mechanics playing a role.
In short: expect the environment itself to become a bigger part of the challenge.
A New ARC Threat in the Skies?
Every major condition needs a matching threat, and Shrouded Sky is no exception. Given the theme, the most likely scenario is a new flying or elevated-position ARC enemy.
January's Bird City pushed rooftop combat, and with recent additions like Shredders and Salamontis, the next logical step is a threat that:
Punishes rooftop and open-street play
Takes advantage of low visibility
Forces players to rethink long sightlines and high ground
If the skies are getting more dangerous, movement and positioning are about to matter even more than before.
A “Substantial” Map Update
This isn't a brand-new map, but Embark has described February's map update as substantial—and that's an important word.
Based on what we've seen in previous updates and what's being hinted at, this could include:
New traversal routes (ziplines, ladders, roof access)
Tweaks to points of interest (POIs)
More interiors and alternate paths
New cover lanes and entry points
Lighting and visibility adjustments to support the new condition
There was even a recent fix related to thick clouds, which might be groundwork for Shrouded Sky's visual and gameplay changes. Put together, this suggests the map will play noticeably differently, not just look different.
A New Raider Deck (Possibly the First Paid One)
February also brings a new Raider Deck. The last two were free, even though one was originally expected to be paid. This time, there's a strong chance we'll see the first premium Raider Deck.
That said, Embark has been very clear about one thing:
No pay-to-win.
Premium content is expected to focus on:
Cosmetics
Convenience features
Visual customization
All gameplay-impacting items should remain on the free track. This lines up with Embark's earlier statements about avoiding pay-to-win systems and keeping the playing field fair.
New Player Projects and the Expedition Window
A new player project is also on the way, though details are still under wraps. It may tie into the new map condition or the Shrouded Sky theme in some way.
Then there's the expedition window, which is opening for around 20 days. There's still some uncertainty about the exact requirements—whether it's based on stash value, currency, or a combination of both.
In past interviews, the dev team acknowledged feedback about the final-stage requirements for earning skill points and admitted they held back details while calibrating the economy and player balance. They've also confirmed they're looking into revisions for future expeditions, so this system is clearly still evolving.
Merch Updates and What's Next
On the community side, the Arc Raiders merch store recently got restocked—though many items sold out quickly again, including the soundtrack cassette. There are still a few clothing items available depending on size.
Interestingly, Embark's own studio merch store now appears to be behind a password page, replacing the old “coming soon” message. That strongly suggests a dedicated studio shop could be launching in the near future.
The Big Picture with
ARC Raiders BluePrints
Between tighter enforcement against exploiters and a feature-rich February update, Arc Raiders is clearly moving into a more polished and more serious phase of its lifecycle.
Fair play is being protected with real consequences
The world is getting more dynamic and dangerous
Maps are evolving, not staying static
Progression and monetization are being handled carefully to avoid pay-to-win
Shrouded Sky looks like it's shaping up to be more than just another monthly update—it feels like a meaningful step forward for the game's systems, balance, and atmosphere.
If Embark sticks the landing, February could be one of the most important months for Arc Raiders yet.