ARC Raiders Players to Get Beards in Upcoming Shrouded Sky Update

Players of the free-to-play extraction shooter ARC Raiders are anticipating the arrival of the Shrouded Sky update on February 24, 2026, which is expected to introduce a long-requested feature: facial hair customization. Specifically, players will finally be able to add beards to their characters.

Community Demand for Beards

Despite the game’s post-apocalyptic setting and focus on intense combat, a significant number of ARC Raiders players have expressed a desire for more character customization options, particularly the ability to grow a beard. The addition of this seemingly minor detail is seen by many as enhancing the aesthetic appeal and immersion within the game’s world.

Shrouded Sky Update Trailer Hints at New Feature

Embark Studios recently released a trailer showcasing the new Hurricane map condition coming with the Shrouded Sky update. Eagle-eyed viewers noticed a character sporting a beard at the end of the trailer, sparking excitement and confirmation within the community that the feature is indeed on its way.

Cosmetic Integration and Community Expectations

Players are hopeful that the beard option will be a standard customization choice, rather than being tied to specific cosmetic purchases. The community is eager to witness how the new feature will be implemented and whether further customization options will be added in future updates.

Recent Player Numbers

As of February 21, 2026, ARC Raiders currently has 217,591 players online, with a 24-hour peak of 225,358 players SteamCharts. The game reached an all-time peak of 481,966 concurrent players on November 16, 2025 SteamDB. The game has also seen significant player engagement, with over 700,000 concurrent players reported in November 2025 Reddit, and 3.2 million unique players on January 5, 2026 Facebook. To date, ARC Raiders has sold 12 million copies.

What are your thoughts on the possibility of a beard option in the Shrouded Sky update? Will you be utilizing this feature in the game?