Arc Raiders, Cold Snap Update Arrives December 16

Embark Studios will launch the next major update for ARC Raiders - Cold Snap, on Tuesday, December 16 at 10:30 AM CET. The update continues the game's momentum with a limited-time winter event, dynamic snowfall conditions, new survival mechanics, expanded rewards, a seasonal reset with the Expedition Project Raider, and the introduction of a second Raider Deck included directly in the base game. ARC Raiders is available digitally on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, and on NVIDIA GeForce NOW starting from €39.99 for the Standard Edition and €59.99 for the Deluxe Edition.
 
Weather Update: Cold Snap Has Arrived
Snowstorms are sweeping across Speranza, as winter conditions hit several raid locations. Snowfall reduces visibility, lakes freeze over, and the open surface becomes more dangerous than ever, turning every raid into a high-stakes race for survival. Key changes:

• Environmental Risk: The harsh, cold weather introduces new risks for Raiders who stay outdoors for too long. Players must watch out for frostbite, a condition that slowly drains their health bar.
• Shelter Mechanics: To prevent frostbite, Raiders will need to adapt their tactics as the cold gradually seeps into their bones. Raiders must reconsider their gear, ensuring they can heal themselves or their teammates and plan their extractions carefully, finding shelter if necessary.
• Visual Overhaul: Frost buildup, frozen lakes, snow accumulation, and more in the
• Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and The Blue Gate maps.

Cold Snap will include limited-time events and elements, running from Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 10:30 AM CET to Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM CET, and will be the second free content update since the launch of ARC Raiders.

Arc Raiders - Cold Snap Update Trailer

Raider Deck Expansion
Cold Snap also introduces the second Raider Deck, now included for free for all players who have purchased either edition of the game.
The Goalie Raider Deck will be available for free starting Friday, December 26, offering players a wide range of content and rewards. This Raider Deck will be permanently accessible to players without time limits. This new deck will offer:

• New items and challenges for players to complete, offering rewards such as Raider tokens, cosmetic items, and more.
  • Includes a hockey-inspired Raider outfit in different color variants, along with a hockey stick-shaped Raider tool.
• Surviving the Freeze

During Cold Snap, players can discover seasonal items and complete two winter-themed challenges related to the new map conditions, earning rewards such as:

• Flickering Flames Event — An act of resistance and patience that tests Raiders' survival skills during the Cold Snap. Raiders can unlock rewards across 25 tiers, including new gear, customization elements, and Raider Tokens by earning Merits, which are automatically gained with XP in rounds. To activate the event, Raiders must have played five game rounds.
• Candleberry Banquet Project — A new project that brings Raiders together to experience the fragile warmth that shines through the freezing cold. Raiders can earn rewards by scavenging unique items on the surface and collecting Candleberries. The event has 5 phases, each revealing a new scene on the banquet table. Completing phases earns rewards such as cosmetic items, Raider Tokens, and Merits, with Merits contributing to progress in the Flickering Flames event.

The Flickering Flames and Candleberry Banquet events will be available from Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 10:30 AM CET until Thursday, January 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM CET.

Arc Raiders - Winter Event Trailer

Expedition Project Raider: Seasonal Reset
Expedition Project will offer Raiders the opportunity to perform a reset, bringing with it a new raider and a new story for the player. This optional reset is unlocked by gathering key materials to build a caravan for the existing Raider, then signing up for departure during the Expedition window. By departing, players will reset their character's progress for a new journey with exclusive buffs, advantages, and rewards that will be retained.

Embark will publish a blog with a detailed analysis of Cold Snap, accompanied by additional December update notes. Raiders can find more information on the website or through in-game updates.
 
ARC Raiders is available on PC via Epic Games Store and Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and on cloud streaming through Nvidia GeForce NOW. For more information, visit the official website, join Discord, or follow the game via @arcraidersgame on X and  YouTube.