The latest ARC Raiders patch is now available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, bringing tons of new content to the game as part of the Shrouded Sky update. Alongside new ARC enemies and a deadly new map condition, the February 24 ARC Raiders update also makes a big change to Dam Battlegrounds, adding a new high-value loot zone. However, the location comes with one big catch, as all of its best gear is locked behind a door that requires 4 players to open.

ARC Raiders' Shrouded Sky update may be filled with content, but it also brought about tons of new balance adjustments and nerfs, many of which players are unhappy about. While Embark has finally nerfed the likes of the Kettle and Stitcher, two common weapons that were going toe-to-toe with high-tier guns such as the Bobcat, fans were left baffled as some major changes to Deadlines and Wolfpacks were made in today's ARC Raiders update. The two items, along with a handful of others, now require additional crafting materials, which many believe was an unnecessary change.

arc raiders skill tree revamp
ARC Raiders Says It Still Has Plans to Revamp the Game's Skill Tree

ARC Raiders developer Embark Studios confirms it still has plans to revamp the extraction shooter's controversial skill tree.

ARC Raiders Adds New High-Value Loot Room That Requires Teamwork to Open

Controversial balance adjustments aside, the latest ARC Raiders update has plenty of great content for players to check out. For those who regularly visit Dam Battlegrounds, you may have noticed a new high-value location appear on the map. The Controlled Access Zone is now accessible and can be found on the north side of the map, between the Underpass and Power Generation Complex. While it's filled with some of the best loot in the game, it does come with a catch. As explained in a post by Twitter user ARC Radar, the new spot includes a locked room that requires four buttons to be pressed at the same time, which means players must work together if they want to get inside.

As noted by ARC Radar, players will need to locate a battery to unlock the first room, before then pressing four buttons simultaneously to unlock a second door. As ARC Raiders' matchmaking only allows for three players per squad, this means you're going to have to rely on the help of a stranger to access this room. If you manage to convince a fellow Raider to lend a helping hand, the final door can then be opened with a Motor. However, it looks like there are multiple scenarios for the final door, and the required items to open it may not always be a Motor. But, once opened, there are multiple weapon cases and plenty of high-value loot to go around.

For solo players, this is going to be rather tricky and is likely going to depend on whether or not you're a PvE or PvP player. Although Embark recently claimed that there is no such thing as a friendly lobby in ARC Raiders, anybody who avoids shooting other players will disagree with that statement. Due to the game's aggression-based matchmaking, some players focus on taking down the ARC instead of other Raiders, which means their lobbies are often filled with those who have a similar playstyle. If you're in those types of lobbies, there's a good chance you can round together a small group of players and access the new room at Dam's Controlled Access Zone.

Players will also need to be on the lookout for the deadly new ARC enemies added in today's Shrouded Sky update. The Firefly, which is essentially a Hornet that shoots flames, is not to be messed with. As for the Comet, many are already referring to this new ARC as the Pops' older brother. It is heavily armored and explodes with a seismic bang once it locks on to a Raider. Although they can both be taken down with the correct weaponry, it's best to avoid them and sneak by if you see one out in the wild.

ARC Raiders Tag Page Cover Art
Extraction
Shooter
Third-Person Shooter
Survival
Systems
Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
Released
October 30, 2025
ESRB
Teen / Violence, Blood
Developer(s)
Embark Studios
Publisher(s)
Embark Studios
ARC Raiders release window announced with launch plans

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL

Genre(s)
Extraction, Shooter, Third-Person Shooter, Survival