Arc Raiders is getting a major shake-up with the Cold Snap update arriving on December 16, 2025, and it's more than just a visual makeover. The update pushes the game into full winter survival mode, covering large parts of Speranza in heavy snow and ice. The event runs until January 13, 2026, and brings limited-time activities, exclusive rewards, a new Raider Deck, and the first-ever Expedition reset option for experienced players ARC Raiders Boosting.

One of the biggest changes is the Snowfall map condition. Like night raids or storms, it can roll randomly, but it completely changes how raids play out. Snow builds up across the environment, icy winds slow movement, and sound doesn't travel as far, making stealth both easier and more dangerous. Frostbite stacks when you're out in the open, but you can manage it by sticking close to heat sources, equipping winter gear found in crates, or using items that generate warmth. Ignore it, and you'll start staggering, taking extra damage, and even leaving glowing footprints that ARC machines can track. Frozen lakes add new routes across maps, but they can crack under gunfire or heavy movement, sending careless raiders straight to their deaths. Snowdrifts hide loot just as often as they hide enemies, so every white patch on the ground feels suspicious.

Two limited-time events run alongside Cold Snap. Flickering Flames is aimed at more experienced players and unlocks after completing a handful of qualifying matches. Progression is tied to Merits earned through normal gameplay, which you can spend on frosty weapon skins, winter outfits, lantern-style backpacks, and Raider Tokens for blueprints. Candleberry Banquet is more lighthearted, leaning into the holiday theme with scavenger-style quests where you collect ingredients, trade them in, and unlock emotes and cosmetic effects that leave trails in the snow. Both events reward players who handle the cold well, whether that means surviving long exposures or completing raids without taking frostbite damage.

A new Raider Deck also launches with the update, bringing a full seasonal progression track. It's packed with winter-themed cosmetics like insulated armor that visibly steams in the cold, animated snowball grenades, and charms inspired by frozen ARC machines. Free tiers still offer plenty of useful rewards like credits, consumables, and blueprints, while the premium track stays cosmetic-focused rather than affecting gameplay balance. Story elements are woven into the Deck as well, expanding on Stella Montis' push north and hinting at harsher environments to come.

Cold Snap also tweaks how combat and movement feel in snowy conditions. Flamethrowers can now melt snow to expose hidden paths or force enemies out of cover. Shotguns perform more consistently in blizzards, while new thermal scopes help cut through fog and snowfall at mid-range. On the quality-of-life side, vaulting over snowbanks feels snappier, the HUD can show customizable heat indicators, and squads can ping warmth sources to coordinate survival. Balance changes reduce the effectiveness of static camping spots by adding environmental dangers, encouraging constant movement instead. Solo and duo players get a small boost as AI companions gain cold resistance, making them more reliable during harsh weather.

For long-term players, the Expedition Project is the most interesting addition. Running from December 17 to 23, it gives veterans the option to reset their progression in exchange for permanent bonuses like faster leveling, exclusive titles, and legacy blueprint caches. Levels, quests, upgrades, and credits are wiped, but cosmetics and core unlocks remain. It's completely optional, aimed at players who feel stuck at endgame and want a fresh challenge without waiting for a full seasonal reset. Rewards scale with how much progress you had before resetting, so grinders have real incentives, while casual players can ignore it entirely.

Cold Snap pushes Arc Raiders closer to what it wants to be: a tense, atmospheric extraction shooter where the environment is just as dangerous as enemies. Snowstorms force smarter play, events give clear short-term goals, and the Expedition system offers a long-term hook for veterans ARC Raiders Coins for sale. With early issues already addressed in pre-launch patches, the update feels like a confident step forward, keeping the frontier brutal, unpredictable, and very much alive going into the new year.