Embark Studios launched the Cold Snap update on December 16, 2025, bringing winter conditions to the extraction shooter. This second major content drop adds snow-covered maps, survival mechanics, and limited-time events. Players face frostbite damage, reduced visibility, and footprint tracking across four maps while collecting candleberries and unlocking 25 event rewards.
The update runs alongside Arc Raiders’ first Expedition departure window from December 17-22, where players can reset their raiders for permanent skill points and temporary buffs. The Goalie Raider Deck arrives December 26 with hockey-themed cosmetics, while a crossover with The Finals offers free skins for players who complete three matches in Embark’s arena shooter.
Cold Snap Update
Arc Raiders’ Winter Overhaul Has Arrived
What’s New in Cold Snap
Cold Snap transforms the Rust Belt into a frozen battlefield. Each update element changes how players approach raids, from environmental hazards to progression resets. Here’s what arrived on December 16.
Snowfall Maps
Snow now covers four major maps: Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and Blue Gate. Visibility drops during blizzards while footprints reveal player movements through fresh snow.
- Reduced visibility makes encounters more unpredictable
- Footprints in snow reveal player movement paths to other raiders
- Higher chances for better loot and increased blueprint drops
- Lakes freeze over, changing map traversal routes
- New frostbite mechanic requires strategic shelter management
Frostbite System
Prolonged cold exposure drains health continuously. Raiders must locate indoor shelter to warm up, with visible frost effects appearing on characters as temperatures drop.
- Health slowly drains when exposed to cold for extended periods
- Find shelter indoors to warm up and stop health loss
- Visual frost effects appear on raiders as temperature drops
- Outdoor combat becomes significantly more dangerous
- Pack extra healing items for snow map expeditions
Flickering Flames
This event runs through January 13, 2026. Players earn Merits automatically from XP gains, unlocking 25 reward tiers including cosmetics, gear, and Raider Tokens.
- Automatic enrollment after playing 5 rounds
- 10 Merits earned for every 1,000 XP gained
- Rewards include cosmetics, gear boxes, and Raider Tokens
- Focus on killing larger ARC enemies for faster progression
- Bastions, Bombardiers, Leapers, and Rocketeers give high XP
Candleberry Hunt
Collect rare candleberries from bushes with bright red berries, found only during Cold Snap conditions. Complete 5 project stages to unlock exclusive rewards and witness new banquet scenes.
- Only harvestable during Cold Snap map conditions
- Find them in nature-marked areas and baskets
- Best locations: Swamp in Dam Battlegrounds, north trench in Space Port
- Each stage reveals new banquet table scenes in Speranza
- Completing stages awards Merits, Raider Tokens, and exclusive gear
Expedition Reset
The first Expedition window opened December 17 and closes December 22. Players who sign up will reset their raiders on December 22 for permanent bonuses and temporary buffs.
- Permanent bonuses: Up to 5 skill points (1 per million credits), 12 stash spaces, special icon
- Exclusive cosmetics: Janitor Cap for Scrappy, Patchwork Raider outfit
- Temporary buffs: 6% more Scrappy materials, 5% XP boost, 10% cheaper repairs
- Sign-up window: December 17-22, everyone departs December 22
- All blueprints, levels, quests, upgrades, and credits reset
Goalie Deck
Free hockey-themed battle pass launches December 26. Includes hockey outfit, stick tool, and various cosmetics. This permanent deck unlocks rewards through Creds earned via daily Feats.
- Completely free for all players
- Available from December 26 onward
- Includes hockey-inspired outfit in multiple colors and hockey stick tool
- Permanent addition – unlock rewards at your own pace
- Earn Creds through daily Feats to purchase deck items
Event Timeline
Cold Snap follows a structured schedule with specific dates for major events. Mark your calendar to avoid missing limited-time opportunities.
Update launched with snowfall maps, frostbite mechanics, six new quests, and Flickering Flames event. Candleberry Banquet project became available.
First Expedition sign-up period began. Players can register to reset their raiders until December 22.
Sign-up deadline and departure date. All registered players’ raiders reset simultaneously with permanent bonuses awarded based on stash value.
Free hockey-themed Raider Deck became available. Permanent addition with no time limit to complete.
Snowfall map condition and Cold Snap exclusive events (Flickering Flames, Candleberry Banquet) end.
Candleberry Hotspots
Candleberry bushes appear only during snowfall conditions. Look for distinctive bushes with bright red berries. Nature-marked zones on maps indicate higher spawn rates. Baskets inside buildings also contain candleberries.
Swamp area has high concentration of candleberry bushes near water sources.
North trench offers excellent spawn rates. Check nature-marked zones on map.
Nature icons indicate berry locations. Indoor baskets provide guaranteed finds.
Scattered in outdoor nature areas. Shelter buildings contain basket spawns.
Expedition Bonus Calculator
Calculate permanent skill points based on your credits and stash value. Each million credits (combined wallet and stash value) equals 1 skill point, maxing at 5 points for 5 million. Value gets tallied when the window closes December 22.
Credits Available
Free Skin from The Finals
Play 3 matches in The Finals (Embark’s free-to-play arena shooter) to unlock exclusive Arc Raiders cosmetics: red Ryder outfit variant, black Salvager backpack (for deluxe edition owners), and soccer finals ticket backpack charm. Connect the same Embark ID across both games. Rewards may take time to sync. Similar to crossover promotions in Fortnite, this collaboration rewards players engaging with Embark’s game ecosystem.
The Cold Snap update introduced winter survival mechanics to Arc Raiders on December 16, 2025. The content includes snowfall across four maps, frostbite damage, six new quests, and two limited-time events running through January 13, 2026. The Flickering Flames event offers 25 reward tiers unlocked through Merit earnings, while the Candleberry Banquet project requires collecting specific winter items.
The first Expedition departure window ran from December 17-22, allowing players to reset raiders for permanent skill points (up to 5 based on credit value), 12 stash spaces, exclusive cosmetics, and temporary buffs. The free Goalie Raider Deck launched December 26 with hockey-themed content. Players can also earn free cosmetics by completing 3 matches in The Finals. For more gaming updates, check GTA Online’s December update or Hollow Knight Silksong news.