ARC Raiders’ February 24 update doesn’t just add a few minor tweaks. With the Shrouded Sky expansion, Embark Studios transforms a key area of the map and introduces a new objective that is already attracting all Raiders: a high-value loot room on the Dam Battlefield.
Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC, this update brings new ARC enemies, controversial balancing changes, and above all a Controlled Access Zone located in the north of the map. The problem ? The best equipment is locked behind a door that requires cooperation from four players.
A new controlled access zone on the dam
Regular Dam Battleground players quickly noticed the appearance of a new strategic point. Between the underpass and the energy production complex, the Controlled Access Zone now opens its doors. This area promises some of the best loot in the game. Rare weapon chests, valuable equipment, precious resources: it’s all there. But Embark Studios added a major constraint to limit easy access. To progress, players must first find a battery in order to unlock a first room. Only after this step does the real challenge begin.
A four-button door that changes the dynamic
The second door requires a new mechanism: four buttons must be pressed simultaneously. Problem is, ARC Raiders matchmaking limits squads to three players. Concretely, you must count on a fourth Raider outside your team. This might mean negotiating with a stranger in a hostile area, or attempting to cooperate briefly before the situation escalates. Once this step has been completed, a final door awaits players. It requires a specific object to be opened, often an engine, although several variations seem to exist. Inside, the rewards are substantial.
New enemies and controversial balancing
The Shrouded Sky update doesn’t stop at this secret room. It also introduces fearsome new ARC enemies. The Firefly, a flame-breathing version of the Hornet, requires careful distance management. The heavily armored Comet explodes with a seismic wave when it locks onto a Raider. Facing them requires suitable weaponry and solid coordination.
At the same time, balancing provokes reactions. If weapons like the Kettle and the Stitcher have seen their power reduced to no longer compete with the Bobcat, the modifications made to Deadlines and Wolfpacks disconcert some players. These items now require more crafting materials.
Can I access the room alone?
For solo players, access becomes a real headache. Everything will depend on the type of game. ARC Raiders uses an aggression-based matchmaking system. Players who favor PvE often find each other, which can facilitate temporary cooperation to open the room.
On the other hand, in more PvP-oriented sessions, convincing a stranger to press a button without triggering a confrontation is a gamble. With this new mechanicEmbark Studios introduces unexpected social dynamics to an extraction game where distrust usually dominates.