The Hurricane Map Condition is one of the most impactful environmental modifiers introduced with the Shrouded Sky update. Unlike earlier conditions that mainly affected atmosphere or visibility, hurricanes fundamentally change movement, combat, stealth, and risk-reward decisions across affected maps.
This condition turns the storm itself into a gameplay system. Wind direction, debris, and low visibility force the Raiders to rethink routes, positioning, gear choices, and combat in the open.
1. What is the Hurricane Map Condition?
Hurricane Map Condition Blue Gate
The Hurricane is a dynamic weather condition that can appear on select topside maps. When active, the environment becomes hostile and unpredictable with new Arcs like Firefly and Comet on the move. Hurricane changes following:
- Directional wind alters movement speed and stamina usage
- Projectiles and throwables are pushed off their normal trajectories
- Flying debris gradually degrades shields
- Visibility is heavily reduced by haze, dust, and cloud cover
- Rare First Wave Raider Caches can be unearthed by the storm
Rather than simply making the map harder, hurricanes reward players who adapt, plan routes carefully, and use sound, terrain, and timing to their advantage.
2. Wind & Movement Mechanics
Tailwinds
Wind is the defining mechanic of the Hurricane condition in ARC Raiders. It is fully directional, meaning your experience changes based on how you move, fight, and reposition across the map. Here are all the wind mechanics:
- Tailwinds: Moving with the wind increases movement speed, reduces stamina drain, allows faster rotations between POIs, extends jump distance and airtime, and makes extraction safer. Smart Raiders plan routes and rotations to take advantage of tailwinds.
- Headwinds: Moving against the wind reduces movement speed, drains stamina rapidly, shortens jump distance and airtime, makes sprinting inefficient, and complicates escapes. Always use cover or plan stamina before pushing into headwinds.
- Wind & Throwables: Wind affects all thrown items. Grenades, smoke, and gas drift in the storm’s direction; downwind throws travel farther, upwind throws may fall short, and smoke/gas clouds disperse unpredictably. Adjust utility use to account for wind and distance.
- Jumping / Vertical Movement: Wind alters airborne control. Tailwinds increase jump distance and airtime, while headwinds reduce them. Mid-air trajectory may shift, making precise landings harder, and poor jumps can leave you exposed. Always check wind direction before jumping or climbing.
- Overall Tactical Impact: Hurricanes change movement, positioning, stealth, and combat. Use tailwinds for mobility, avoid headwinds without planning, adjust throws and jumps, and factor in wind when rotating, engaging, or looting to survive the storm.
3. Debris & Shields
Shield Sparking
The wind in Hurricane kicks up dirt, metal fragments, and various debris from the surface. These objects can strike you in the open and impact your energy shield. When debris hits your shield, it causes visual glitches and sparks. Exposure to flying debris reduces the shield’s durability over time. Here’s how debris affects shields:
- Shields absorb debris impacts: Each hit causes your shield to spark and glitch, slowly reducing durability over time.
- Visual cues: Blue Sparking shields act like beacons, making you more visible to enemies in the storm.
- Shielded play: Wearing a shield gives extra protection in direct combat, especially close-range fights, but increases visibility.
- Shieldless play: Going without a shield improves stealth in low-visibility conditions but leaves you vulnerable to damage.
- Use cover: Structures and terrain reduce debris hits, slowing shield degradation and allowing safer rotations.
- Tactical trade-off: Success depends on balancing defense vs visibility — decide when to shield up or drop it depending on enemy presence and position.
4. First Wave Raider Caches
During the Hurricane map condition, storm activity can unearth First Wave Raider Caches, previously buried relic containers that rarely appear under normal conditions. These caches contain high-value loot, including rare weapons, attachments, and consumables, making them prime objectives for Raiders willing to take on additional risk.
4.1. How to Farm First Wave Raider Caches
First Wave Raider Caches
Farming First Wave Raider Caches during the Hurricane map condition requires planning, timing, and awareness of both the environment and other Raiders. Here’s how to efficiently farm First Wave Raider Caches:
- Scout for exposed caches: Move through hurricane-affected areas and listen for the unique audio cues that signal uncovered First Wave Raider Caches.
- Prioritize high-value loot: Target these caches first to grab rare weapons, attachments, and consumables.
- Plan for PvP encounters: Expect other Raiders to contest the caches — approach carefully, use cover, and coordinate with teammates.
- Balance risk vs reward: Only push for a cache if you have a safe escape route and are ready to deal with wind, debris, and enemy fire.
- Use wind to your advantage: Rotate with tailwinds to reach caches faster, and avoid headwinds when escaping after looting.
- Integrate caches into your route: Include them strategically while planning rotations, ensuring you maximize loot without overexposing yourself.
5. Tips For Hurricane Map Condition
Extraction in Hurricane
Below are the best tips and tricks for Hurricane Map conditions in Arc Raiders.
- Adjust throws for wind: Factor in wind drift for grenades, smoke, and gas instead of relying on straight arcs.
- Avoid open terrain: Stick to cover, buildings, and natural obstacles whenever possible.
- Plan around headwinds: Don’t push into strong winds unless necessary — it slows movement and drains stamina.
- Choose shields wisely: Bring a shield if you need protection, or go shieldless to stay stealthy.
- Listen closely: Use wind noise and environmental sounds to detect enemies and ARC movement.
- Use utilities strategically: Grenades and smoke behave differently in wind — plan their use around storm conditions.
- Track caches: Rely on audio and visual cues to locate First Wave Raider Caches safely.
- Switch playstyles: Alternate between aggressive and stealthy approaches depending on terrain, visibility, and enemy presence.
- Learn the maps: Study terrain and wind patterns to optimize rotations, escape routes, and positioning.
- Communicate with teammates: Share enemy positions, cache locations, and wind updates to coordinate safer and faster raids.
