Bundle up, gamers! Embark Studios is about to launch its new ARC Raiders update, and despite what the snow may have you thinking, the new content will bring the heat. The seasonal update, titled “Cold Snap,” drops on Tuesday, December 16, and will introduce Speranza to dynamic weather events like snowstorms. The “Cold Snap” update also brings enhanced survival mechanics, reward improvements, a seasonal Raider reset with the Expedition Project Raider, and another Raider Deck included directly in the base game.
In these brutal conditions, players have to strategize to ensure low visibility, increased snowfall, frozen surfaces, and other icy hurdles don’t complicate their run.
Icy New Content
Check out some of the gameplay changes you’ll see tomorrow when the ‘Cold Snap’ update drops:
- Environmental Hazards. Cold, harsh weather introduces new risks for those who stay outdoors for too long. Players must protect themselves from the gradual onset of Frostbite, a condition that slowly drains health.
- Shelter Mechanics. To prevent Frostbite, players must think on their feet. Make sure you can heal yourself or teammates when in a bind. Strategize every move, plan extractions with care, and be prepared to seek shelter at a moment’s notice.
- Visual Overhaul. Frost buildup, frozen lakes, snow accumulation — this weather is brutal. You’ll find harsh, icy conditions across the Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and The Blue Gate maps.
“Cold Snap” also introduces the second Raider Deck to all players regardless of which version of ARC Raiders is in their library. The “Goalie Raider Deck” is free beginning on Friday, December 26, and will be permanently accessible to players without time restrictions. The new deck will offer Raider tokens and cosmetic items, including a hockey-inspired Raider outfit and a hockey stick Raider tool.
Surviving the Freeze
During Cold Snap, Raiders can nab seasonal items and try two wintery challenges for rewards like:
- Flickering Flames Event — There’s no better time than during this ‘Cold Snap’ to test your endurance and put those survival skills into practice. Raiders can unlock rewards across 25 levels — gear, Raider Tokens, and more — by earning Merits. These are automatically gained from XP in rounds. Raiders must play five rounds of the game to activate this event.
- Candleberry Banquet Project — We’re walking in a winter wonderland, it seems! Earn rewards by picking up new items and collecting Candleberries. This event features five stages, each one revealing a banquet table scene. Make it through the five-stage event for cosmetics, Raider Tokens, and Merits. (If you recall, the latter contributes to progress in the Flickering Flames event)
These seasonal events will be available from Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 1:30 a.m. PST/4:30 a.m. EST until Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1:30 a.m. PST/4:30 a.m. EST.
Expedition Project Raider: Seasonal Reset
The Expedition Project offers players a chance to reset by giving them a new Raider and story.
This opportunity (a totally optional reset, by the way) is unlocked by collecting Caravan materials for your current Raider, then signing up for the departure during the Expedition window. Departing means wiping your character progress, but some buffs, advantages, and rewards carry over to your new Raider.
Pick up Embark Games’ hit extraction shooter ARC Raiders on PC via Steam and Epic Games, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S now.
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