Embark Studios introduced the Shared Watch Event in ARC Raiders update 1.15.0, launching February 10 and running through February 24, 2026. The limited-time event shifts the multiplayer extraction shooter’s focus toward cooperative PvE gameplay, rewarding players who prioritize combat against the mechanized ARC threat over player-versus-player encounters.
The event introduces a Merit-based progression system where rewards are earned exclusively through damaging, assisting, and destroying ARC enemies. No Merits are awarded for PvP combat during the event period, encouraging Raiders to cooperate topside rather than engage in firefights with each other.
The Shared Watch Event
ARC Raiders Update 1.15.0
How Merit Progression Works
Update 1.15.0 Key Features
- Shared Watch Event active from February 10-24 with Merit-based progression
- Cold Snap map condition returns to outdoor maps with frostbite mechanics
- Increased loot value available for Raiders who brave the Cold Snap weather
- Candleberries now collectible year-round, no longer event-exclusive
- Snowballs can be collected and thrown during outdoor expeditions
- Two new cosmetic sets released: Vulpine and Slugger
- Trailblazer Grenade rebalanced with damage scaling adjustments
- Improved player reconnection stability after network disconnects
Content & Technical Fixes
- Fixed instances where players could not reconnect after disconnecting from matches
- Resolved issue where match start tunnel scene failed to display
- Fixed trials’ objective rewards failing to grant due to timeout errors
- Corrected end-of-round screen displaying incorrect Merits, XP, and Live Event points
- Platform icons now display accurately across all systems
- Resolved crafting cancellation issue that interrupted item creation
- Trailblazer Grenade explosions no longer deal damage through walls
- Trailblazer Grenade damage increased against small enemies, reduced against Leapers and Bastions
- Fixed inconsistent weapon cycling when bound to keys other than mouse wheel
- Complete patch notes available on official ARC Raiders website
Cold Snap Map Condition
- Cold Snap weather returns to rotation on outdoor expedition maps
- Frostbite damage accumulates when Raiders remain exposed to extreme cold
- Seeking shelter in structures temporarily halts frostbite accumulation
- Loot containers contain increased value items during Cold Snap conditions
- Risk-reward balance encourages quick exposure and strategic shelter timing
- Candleberries remain available for collection (no longer tied to winter events)
- Snowballs can be collected and thrown at other players or objects
Event Timeline
Event Cosmetic Rewards
ARC Raiders is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game features full cross-play functionality, allowing players to team up across all platforms.
📋 Official Patch Notes 🎮 More Gaming NewsThe Shared Watch Event in ARC Raiders runs from February 10-24, 2026, introducing a Merit-based progression system that rewards cooperative PvE combat against ARC enemies. Update 1.15.0 also includes the return of the Cold Snap map condition, two new cosmetic sets (Vulpine and Slugger), and multiple technical fixes addressing reconnection stability, UI display issues, and weapon cycling inconsistencies.
Event participation requires engaging with ARC enemies rather than player-versus-player combat, with exclusive cosmetic rewards available through Merit accumulation. The update was released by Embark Studios on February 10, 2026.