A new Arc Raiders update just made the world even deadlier, but with fresh, hidden rewards if you're brave

Arc Raiders just got even more dangerous, but potentially more rewarding too. The Embark Studios extraction shooter has shot up the Steam charts and is making a name for itself as one of the best multiplayer games of the year. However, its developer is already rolling out patches to make sure that you don't get tired of the Arc Raiders maps too quickly, and this first enhancement sees the introduction of electromagnetic storms, a night raid, and even a new hidden bunker to infiltrate.

These new map conditions were snuck in with Arc Raiders patch 1.1.0, but they were lying dormant until right now. Embark held off until Saturday November 8 to ensure that as many people as possible can experience them for the first time together. "The Rust Belt's lighting up, literally," it writes. "Bolts crack the sky, frying Arc and old junk aside. Risky business, but a smart raider can use the elements to their advantage. There's even rumors of some strikes leaving behind curious formations."

The electromagnetic storm brings some serious extra danger to Arc Raiders, with lightning strikes bombarding the map in unpredictable ways. Naturally, that can pose a real threat to your chances of survival, limiting extraction options or outright ending a run if you're not careful (personally, I'd be inclined to avoid open spaces and high ground). But it can also damage Arc units and buildings, and Embark's hinting suggests there could even be good reason to pursue the destruction left in its wake.

As night falls over Blue Gate, there are opportunities to grab rarer salvage, but that comes at a higher price. "Arc grow meaner in the dark, as do raiders," Embark warns. Make sure you've optimized your Arc Raiders skill tree before you jump into the Blue Gate night raid, then, because there's a good chance your build is going to be put through its paces. Manage to overcome the increased enemy presence, however, and you could get your hands on some particularly valuable Arc Raiders blueprints.

The new Arc Raiders hidden bunker can be found on Spaceport. "Radios are chirping, raiders and Arc alike are swarming," Embark teases, "whatever's inside must be worth the static." It's no easy feat, however; you'll need to reach four antennas dotted around the map and activate them in order to open the door to this new underground location. Naturally, you'll also need to fend off some heavy resistance in the process. Once inside, you can claim downloads for experience rewards, but perhaps there are more hidden secrets to be discovered as well?

I'm glad to see Embark already being quick to roll out additions to keep things feeling fresh, something that it took a while to get into the rhythm of with The Finals, but which has eventually put the FPS game in a really strong place. If it's able to achieve a similar cadence with Arc Raiders then Shroud's Game of the Year argument might actually carry some real weight; I'm already anticipating the release of the Stella Montis map later in November.