Everything New in ARC Raiders’ Cold Snap Winter Update
Cold Snap forces players to adapt with frostbite mechanics, limited visibility, and permanent progression choices.
Embark Studios has deployed "Cold Snap," the latest major content update that pivots Arc Raiders from speed-based looting to high-stakes environmental survival.
This expansion introduces several winter weather mechanics and new progression systems. It also adds a voluntary progression reset, exchanging current stats for permanent account upgrades. Here are the key features and changes included in the Cold Snap update.
Emmanuel Umahi
/1. Snowfall Map Condition
This is a dynamic weather modifier that now affects four specific sectors: Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and Blue Gate. Beyond the aesthetic changes, this condition drastically limits visibility and introduces a persistent tracking mechanic. Players now leave distinct footprints in the snow, allowing rival squads to track movement patterns and ambush competitors more effectively.
/2. Frostbite Survival Mechanic
Active exclusively on Snowfall maps, Frostbite is a status effect that slowly drains player health during prolonged exposure to the cold. This forces squads to frequently rotate into indoor shelters to warm up. The play here is to funnel players into confined spaces, increasing the likelihood of hostile close-quarters encounters with other teams seeking the same warmth.
/3. The First Expedition (Progression Reset)
From December 17 to December 23, this voluntary system allows players to "wipe" their current progress (blueprints, levels, quests) in exchange for permanent account upgrades. Rewards for resetting include up to 5 permanent skill points, 12 additional stash slots, and exclusive cosmetics like the Janitor Cap.
/4. Goalie Raider Deck
Also, from December 26, this new progression track functions as a permanently available, free battle pass. Players earn "Creds" via daily Feats to unlock hockey-inspired outfits and gameplay items. Unlike traditional passes, this deck does not expire, eliminating the pressure to grind within a specific timeframe.
/5. Flickering Flames Event
Players are automatically enrolled in this seasonal event after completing five rounds. By earning XP in standard matches, particularly by defeating large ARC enemies like Bastions, players earn "Merits." These can be exchanged for a pool of 25 rewards, including Raider Tokens (premium currency) and gear.
/6. Candleberry Banquet Project
This new collection quest requires players to scavenge for Candleberries and specific items during raids. Completing the project's five stages unlocks narrative scenes at the Speranza banquet table and awards additional merits for the Flickering Flames event.
Conclusion
The "Cold Snap" is a significant mid-cycle refresh that demands players rethink their approach to the topside by weaving genuine survival pressure into the extraction loop. Furthermore, Embark Studios' decision to implement a non-expiring battle pass with the upcoming Raider Deck signals a welcome, consumer-friendly shift away from FOMO-driven live-service models.
The update is live now on all supported platforms. Players have until December 23 to opt into the voluntary Expedition reset, while the permanent Goalie Raider Deck unlocks on Friday, December 26.
Emmanuel Umahi
