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

Arc Raiders Cold Snap is bringing seasonal winter fun to the game with map changes, a new Frostbite survival mechanic, two limited time events, and challenges to earn rewards from, plus a new Raider Deck full of gear to unlock.

This is also when the Arc Raiders Expedition launches, giving you the ability to reset your progress in return for certain rewards and buffs. We've covered that in far more detail in that linked guide, so check that for the specifics of what you'll get, and lose.

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

Arc Raiders Cold Snap release time

Cold Snap runs from Tuesday December 16 starting at 1:30am PST / 10:30am CET 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 Arc Raiders 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 survival will require new strategies, using healing items and specific loadouts, as you look for indoor shelter to counter its effects.
• Flickering Flames event and Candleberry Banquet project - Two new seasonal challenges with unique loot and rewards.
• 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

The Cold Snap event in Arc Raiders introduces snow storms to the game world. This new weather will reduce visibility, freeze over lakes, and generally make things far more dangerous to be exposed on the surface. Frost will build up and snow accumulates, changing maps visually and physically where 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.

New Arc Raiders Goalie Raider Deck

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 will let you unlock 25 levels of rewards in Arc Raiders during Cold Snap. That includes new gear customization options and Raider Tokens. These 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

The Cold Snap Candleberry Banquet Project is a new Arc Raiders project 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 an Advent Calendar. Just with more dying. As you progress you'll earn rewards like cosmetic items, Raider Tokens, and Merits that also contribute to the Flickering Flames event above.

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