The Shrouded Sky update for ARC Raiders, released on February 24, 2026, was meant to refresh the game with new challenges and atmospheric depth. Version 1.17.0 introduced hurricane-force winds, unpredictable map conditions, and new ARC threats such as the Firefly and Comet. It also expanded player progression through the new Player Project and Raider Deck reward tracks. Yet, instead of celebration, the patch ignited controversy—mostly centered on one change: the reworked Wolfpack grenade.
Once a staple for dealing with large ARC enemies, the Wolfpack grenade has undergone crafting adjustments that dramatically shifted the game’s balance. Its value increased from 5,000 to 6,000, and while the cost of Refined Explosives decreased, the grenade now requires a Rocketeer Driver to craft. Because Rocketeer Drivers are rare drops from one of the game’s toughest enemies, this change has altered how players engage with late-game content.
Rocketeers are notorious in ARC Raiders for their precision, agility, and heavy armor. Before the update, players could quickly eliminate these airborne foes using Wolfpacks, clearing difficult zones efficiently in cooperative lobbies. Now, to even craft a Wolfpack, players must hunt Rocketeers repeatedly for Drivers—creating what many describe as a “kill Rocketeer to craft Wolfpack to kill Rocketeer” loop. Frustrated players on Reddit and Discord have called it “the worst change,” criticizing it as unnecessarily grindy and exploitative. Memes mocking the new crafting system have spread quickly across the community. A common question is what are the blue coins for in arc raiders, and since they are used for special upgrades and premium features, some gamers turn to EZNPC when they need extra coins quickly.
Not all reactions have been negative. Some players argue that the adjustment restores tension and purpose to high-level encounters, transforming the Wolfpack into a reward for skill rather than mass production. Developers likely intended to reduce overuse of the grenade, as pre-update statistics showed only a small fraction—around 1.5%—had mastered Rocketeer-related feats. By tying Wolfpack access to Rocketeer combat, Shrouded Sky encourages players to face tougher enemies rather than rely on easy farming.
Gameplay dynamics have clearly shifted. Before the update, crafting relied on basic materials, Rocketeers posed minimal threat, and farming large ARCs was quick. After Shrouded Sky, crafting requires rare components, Rocketeers feel deadlier, and battles are longer but more strategic. Players now have a stronger incentive to target specific enemy types rather than repeat easy runs for fast loot.
Despite the backlash, many of Shrouded Sky’s new features—improved animations, environmental variety, and bug fixes—add depth and polish to the game. The controversy may fade as players adapt to the new systems, especially if future patches refine resource drop rates or crafting efficiency. For now, the debate over the Wolfpack grenade defines the update: a clash between those who value challenge and those who miss the simplicity of fast, predictable farming.
Whether this change endures or evolves, The Shrouded Sky marks a turning point for ARC Raiders—one that tests both the balance of its design and the patience of its community.
