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Everything in the Arc Raiders Cold Snap event and when it launches

Guides
By Leon Hurley last updated 15 December 2025

Here's when Cold Snap brings winter to Arc Raiders, with new risks, rewards and a seasonal warm glow

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Everything in the Arc Raiders Cold Snap event and when it launches
(Image credit: Embark)
Jump to:
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  • Cold Snap quick guide
  • Cold Snap weather changes
  • Goalie Raider Deck
  • Flickering Flames event
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Arc Raiders Cold Snap is adding some seasonal winter with snow map changes, a new Frostbite survival mechanic, two limited time events to earn rewards from, and an all new Raider Deck full of gear to unlock as you play.

This is also when the Arc Raiders Expedition launches, finally giving you the ability to prestige and reset your progress in return for certain rewards and buffs. We've covered that in far more detail already, so check that guide for the specifics of how that all works and what stand to gain and lose.

Let's take a look below at what to expect and how to prepare in more detail, starting with the Cold Snap launch times:

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Arc Raiders Cold Snap release time

Cold Snap runs from Tuesday December 16 starting at 1:30am PST / 10:30am CET and runs until Tuesday January 13, ending at 1:30am PST / 10:30am CET.

Across all regions the Arc Raiders Cold Snap start time on Dec 16th looks like this:

  • PT - 1:30am
  • ET - 4.30am
  • CET - 10.30am
  • GMT - 9.30am

Arc Raiders Cold Snap quick guide

Here's a quick run down of everything in the Cold Snap update:

  • New snow maps - Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and The Blue Gate maps all get winter variant maps.
  • Frostbite - The new snowy climate introduces a frostbite mechanic where cold weather will drain your health.
  • Flickering Flames event and Candleberry Banquet project - Two new seasonal challenges with unique loot and rewards, based around finding Arc Raiders Candleberries.
  • Goalie Raider deck - A new raider deck arriving on December 26.
  • Expedition Project - An all new prestige mode where you can reset your progress in exchange for buffs, advantages, and rewards.

Arc Raiders Cold Snap weather changes

Arc Raiders Cold Snap weather changes

(Image credit: Embark)

The Cold Snap event in Arc Raiders introduces snow storms to the game world on specific maps. This new weather condition will reduce visibility, freeze over lakes, and generally make things far more dangerous to be out and exposed on the surface. Frost will build up and snow accumulate, changing maps visually and physically where these freezing temperatures hit them. It means you'll run a whole new gamut of risks when you venture out into Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and The Blue Gate.

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New Arc Raiders Goalie Raider Deck

New Arc Raiders Goalie Raider Deck

(Image credit: Embark)

There's an all new Raider Deck arriving in Cold Snap, free to anyone who’s bought the game. The new stuff arrives on Friday December 26 and brings a host for fresh rewards you can unlock, such as Raider tokens, cosmetic items, plus a new ice hokey inspired outfit and Raider tool.

Arc Raiders Cold Snap Flickering Flames event

Flickering Flames is a seasonal event that will let you unlock 25 levels of rewards in Arc Raiders during Cold Snap. That includes new gear customization options and Raider Tokens. The new rewards are all earned via Merits you will get from the XP you earn in a round. You'll need to play five rounds to activate this event.

Arc Raiders Cold Snap Candleberry Banquet Project

(Image credit: Embark)

Arc Raiders Cold Snap Candleberry Banquet Project

The Cold Snap Candleberry Banquet Project is another new Arc Raiders event that sees you looking for unique items and Candleberries. There are five stages to this challenge, with each unveiling a new scene on the banquet table, so it's sort of like an Advent Calendar. Just with more dying alone on the surface. As you progress through each tier you'll earn rewards like cosmetic items, Raider Tokens, and Merits that will also contribute to the Flickering Flames event above.

Arc Raiders Toxic SwampBest Arc Raiders weapons tier listBest Arc Raiders skillsArc Raiders blueprintsArc Raiders Loot Cheat Sheet

Arc Raiders Toxic Swamp
Best Arc Raiders weapons tier list
Best Arc Raiders skills
Arc Raiders blueprints
Arc Raiders Loot Cheat Sheet

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

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Leon Hurley
Leon Hurley
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Managing editor for guides

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website.

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