Navigating Arc Raiders and the Cold Snap Update
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Arc Raiders has launched its Flickering Flames event alongside the Cold Snap update, bringing new snowy maps, resource projects, and cosmetic rewards. Here is what you need to know about gathering candleberries, earning merits, and completing the event before it ends in January 2026.
Embark Studios has officially rolled out the Cold Snap update for Arc Raiders, bringing a frosty makeover to the maps alongside a brand new community event called Flickering Flames. While seasonal events are a great way to keep live service games fresh, this one has caught some players off guard due to its complex resource requirements. Running until January 13, 2026, the event challenges players to drop topside as frequently as possible to grind out merits and XP, tying progression directly into standard match loops.
At the heart of the event is a multi-stage project system where players must commit specific materials to unlock rewards, including a brand new raider tool for those who finish the entire track. A key ingredient for progression is the elusive candleberry. Players looking to stock up on these items need to brave the freezing weather conditions and search through bushes during their raids. Because the items required for donation are generally low value, the return on investment makes the grind worth your time, especially if you are already logging hours with your squad.
Live service titles live and die by how engaging their seasonal content feels, and adding specific weather-gated objectives like the candleberry hunt gives players a tangible reason to engage with new map mechanics. Whether you are aiming to complete every tier of the Flickering Flames project or just trying to knock out the newly added Clean Dream quest, understanding the spawn mechanics and reward loops will save you plenty of frustration. For a full breakdown of the resource requirements and milestone rewards, you can check out the original coverage on Polygon.
Tags: Arc Raiders, Embark Studios, PC Gaming, Console Gaming, Live Service
Original article: Polygon