Arc Raiders Cold Snap Update Brings Snow, Frostbite, and New Holiday Events
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Embark Studios is launching the Cold Snap update for Arc Raiders on December 16, introducing a snowy map condition, a new frostbite survival mechanic, the Flickering Flames event, and winter-themed progression rewards.
Embark Studios is ready to test extraction shooter fans with the upcoming Cold Snap update for Arc Raiders. Arriving on December 16, 2025, the update blankets Speranza in snow across multiple maps like Dam Battlegrounds and Spaceport, introducing a new frostbite mechanic that forces players to adapt their survival strategies on the fly. The seasonal content runs until January 13, 2026, giving the community a solid month to brave the freeze and test out the new gameplay conditions.
The update packs plenty of progression incentives alongside the weather shift. Players can dive into the Flickering Flames limited-time event, featuring a 25-tier reward track packed with gear, cosmetics, and raider tokens earned by spending merits acquired during topside runs. Additionally, the Candleberry Banquet community project offers dedicated raiders the chance to earn unique cosmetic rewards by hunting down specific items and candleberries during their raids. For those looking to lean fully into the winter aesthetic, a permanent hockey-inspired Goalie raider deck drops on December 26.
As live-service titles increasingly rely on seasonal updates to keep core communities engaged, Embark is leaning into thematic shifts that alter how players move through familiar extraction zones. The addition of environmental hazards like frostbite raises the stakes for every loot run, reminding everyone that survival is never guaranteed. Original reporting and full patch notes can be found on Polygon.
Tags: Arc Raiders, Embark Studios, Extraction Shooter, PC Gaming, Console Gaming
Original article: Polygon