ARC Raiders: Cold Snap – Everything You Need to Know About the New Mode

"Cold Snap" is a new round condition introduced with the winter update in ARC Raiders. Players can explore the snow-covered maps of the "Rust Belt" until mid-January. Along with a visual overhaul, the cold front introduces several new mechanics, such as frostbite, candleberries, and more.

How to Access the Snow Map in ARC Raiders

Snow is only available during the "Cold Snap" weather event, which will be in the permanent rotation until January 13. This modifier lasts for two hours on one location before rotating to another. You can encounter the frost on the following maps:

• Dam Battlegrounds
• Spaceport
• Buried City
• The Blue Gate

Since "Cold Snap" is a separate modifier (similar to "Night Raid" or "EM Storm"), the standard versions of the maps remain available. You can tell if a location is currently snow-covered by the gray text next to its name in the menu.

Key Changes in "Cold Snap" Matches:

1. Increased Loot Value: Locations feature more locked containers with a higher chance of rare drops, similar to "Night Raid."
2. Cold Damage: Staying out in the open for too long will eventually cause your health to deplete.
3. Snowstorms: Visibility is reduced for Raiders, though it barely affects robots. Your character will gradually be covered in a layer of snow, which can act as camouflage.
4. Snow Piles: You can find small mounds of snow (marked with sticks) to craft snowballs. They deal very little damage but are fun to use.
5. Candleberries: Bushes with bright red berries appear on the map. These can be sold or used for "Shimmering Lights" event projects.

How Frostbite Works

If your character spends too much time outdoors during a "Cold Snap," they will start taking constant damage. The game provides visual and audio cues: the edges of the screen frost over, and the character begins to shiver and rub their shoulders.

• Time to Damage: You can stay outside for approximately 2:30 minutes before you start losing health.
• Recovery: To fully warm up, you need to spend about 20 seconds in a warm area.

Shelter: You don't necessarily need a full building to warm up—any roof over your head counts. This includes shipping containers, buses, ruined houses, or under the wreckage of the "Baron."

Your character will sigh with relief when warming up, and the frost on the screen will fade. If you step back into the cold, the character will take a sharp breath, as if diving into cold water.

Where to Find Candleberry Bushes

Candleberries spawn randomly, so they might not be in the same spot every match. Generally, you should look away from large buildings and closer to areas where other natural resources (like lemon/apricot trees or cow parsnip) grow.

Best Locations:

• The Blue Gate: Along the northern border of the Village.
• Spaceport: East and southeast of Container Storage.
• Buried City: Across the eastern part of the map, from Plaza Rosa to Buried Properties.
• Dam Battlegrounds: Inside and north of the Hydroponic Dome Complex. (This map usually has the most spawn points).

Arc Raiders Flickering Flames Event

The Flickering Flames event serves as the seasonal centerpiece of Arc Raiders Patch 1.7.0, running from December 16 through January 13.

This limited-time event integrates winter survival mechanics and narrative progression directly into the standard PvPvE experience.

By exploring frozen maps and collecting seasonal Candleberries, players earn XP toward a 25-level reward track and gain a temporary currency known as Merits. Participation is automatic—simply head to Speranza to contribute to the Candleberry Banquet, a community project that unlocks story milestones and exclusive loot for all involved.

Arc Raiders Cold Snap Update FAQ

Will "Cold Snap" be available after the event?

The developers have not yet confirmed if the mode will return or stay in rotation after the event ends.

What should I bring to snowy maps?

• Adrenaline Injections: Essential for sprinting to shelter after gathering berries or fighting in the open.
• Bandages: Bring cheap bandages or craft them from cloth during the match to heal minor chip damage from the cold.

How Long Does the Arc Raiders Cold Snap Event Last?

Cold Snap is an event that occurs from December 16th, 2025, to January 13th, 2026, within the Flickering Flames season.

What Are Candleberries Used for in the Arc Raiders Flickering Flames Event?

Candleberries are seasonal resources. You can trade them with Speranza for Raider Tokens, loot, cosmetic items, and contributions to the Candleberry Banquet project.

Does Frostbite Damage Affect PvP Fights in Arc Raiders Cold Snap?

Yes. Frostbite affects all players. If you are outside for too long, your life will decrease regardless of whether you are fired upon by enemies. Clever groups take advantage of this.