Arc Raiders Cold Snap Survival Mechanics Fully Detailed — Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Arc Raiders Enters a Frosty New Phase with Cold Snap Update

Embark Studios, the developer behind the hit extraction shooter Arc Raiders, has unveiled the game’s latest update: Cold Snap. This winter-themed expansion brings a new survival twist to players, setting them in a brutal cold environment across key maps like Dam Battlegrounds and Buried City.

New Winter Survival Mechanics

The Cold Snap update transforms Arc Raiders into an entirely different experience with the addition of harsh, snow-laden conditions. Snowfall significantly reduces visibility, making navigation through hostile territory more perilous than ever. Lakes freeze over, turning them into treacherous ice fields.

The environment becomes a battleground in itself, compelling players to adopt new strategies.

One of the most critical changes is the introduction of frostbite, a condition that slowly drains health and requires careful management. Raiders must be vigilant about their exposure to extreme cold, which necessitates strategic use of healing items and indoor shelter. Loadouts will need to include warm gear, and players should consider spending more time indoors where warmth is available.

Unique Events to Test Survival Skills

In conjunction with the Cold Snap update, Embark Studios has introduced two major events that challenge players’ survival skills: Flickering Flames and the Candleberry Banquet Project.

The Flickering Flames event is a 25-level endurance test where players can unlock rewards by earning Merits. To activate this event, players must complete five rounds of the game. Each level offers new challenges and opportunities to earn Raider Tokens and customizations.

This system encourages long-term engagement and strategic play.

The Candleberry Banquet Project is another unique event that brings together players in a quest for warmth. By scavenging for unique items and collecting Candleberries, players can unlock cosmetic rewards such as new outfits and tools. Each stage reveals more of the banquet table’s story, adding a narrative layer to the survival experience.

Expedition Project Offers Optional Reset

In line with the Cold Snap update, Embark Studios has also introduced the Expedition Project, an optional reset that allows players to restart their journey with new advantages. This project is unlocked by collecting key materials to build a Caravan for the existing Raider. By departing on this expedition, players receive buffs and exclusive rewards that carry over into their next journey.

Embark Studios explains the rationale behind these seasonal resets: “Progression wipes are a notoriously difficult thing to balance in online multiplayer games—We get that,” they said in a blog post. “Mandatory global wipes have some obvious benefits, but we wanted to offer you the choice of continuing your progression or starting anew with new challenges and rewards.”

Success and Recognition

Arc Raiders has seen significant success since its launch, selling over 4 million copies worldwide within two weeks. The game’s popularity is further evidenced by its massive concurrent player count and even a surprise appearance in The Simpsons: Mathematical Secrets. This commercial success culminated with Arc Raiders winning Best Multiplayer at last week’s The Game Awards, cementing its place as a standout title in the extraction shooter genre.

“With polished gunplay and an irresistible grind,” IGN praised, awarding it a perfect 9/10. “Arc Raiders sets a new standard for extraction shooters.”

For those considering a plunge into Arc Raiders’ winter wonderland, there’s plenty of support available. IGN provides guides on setting up the game, unlocking skills, and earning loot through deliveries to field depots.

The Cold Snap update is scheduled for release on Tuesday, December 16, at 10:30am CET / 9:30am UK time / 1:30am PT / 4:30am ET. Players will have until January 13, 2026, to enjoy the new content before it fades away.