Arc Raiders Cold Snap Update: Start Date, New Map Condition, And Everything We Know So Far

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Arc Raiders has been gaining a lot of attention in the multiplayer gaming world, even earning a nomination for Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards and becoming very popular recently. Players are getting ready for a new optional challenge this month called Expedition, which will reset some of their progress but offer valuable rewards. Alongside this, a new update called Cold Snap is launching, adding a snowy environment to the game, a special Raider Deck to purchase, and a new event with more rewards. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about the update.

Table of Contents [hide]

  • Cold Snap release date
  • Snowfall map condition
  • More quests
  • Flickering Flames event
  • New Raider Deck

Cold Snap release date

Okay, so the big ‘Cold Snap’ update for Arc Raiders is dropping on December 16th, 2025! We don’t have a precise time yet, but the last update, ‘North Line’, went live at 1:30 AM Pacific Time (4:30 AM Eastern). I’m guessing this one will probably launch around the same time, so if you’re in the US, you might want to stay up late or set an alarm!

The Cold Snap update releases right before the Expedition event begins. This lets players send their raider on an expedition and essentially start the game over anytime before December 22nd. This gives committed players a little time to experience the new update with their current raider before resetting their progress and beginning again.

Snowfall map condition

The upcoming Cold Snap update introduces snowfall as a new map condition. Heavy snow will make it harder to see and hear, likely leading to more intense, close-up fights—or encouraging players to avoid conflict altogether. However, running away isn’t without risk. Footprints left in the snow will make it easier for other players to track and ambush you.

Okay, so it looks like we’re getting snowfall on a few maps soon! Like with other events, this will probably mean better loot – they always want to give us a reason to risk heading into those tough areas. Embark hasn’t said exactly which maps will get snowed in yet, but if I had to guess, I’d say Buried City and Blue Gate seem like the most likely candidates based on how things usually go with map rotations.

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More quests

When the Cold Snap update arrives, the merchants in Speranza will offer some new quests for you to tackle. We haven’t finalized the total number of quests yet, but expect that you’ll need to experience the Snowfall map condition to finish at least a few of them.

I’m really excited to dive into the new quests in Arc Raiders! As soon as I’ve had a chance to check them all out, I’ll be adding them to my complete quest list, along with guides to help everyone beat them. I want to make sure everyone has what they need to succeed!

Flickering Flames event

The Cold Snap update introduces a new event where players can earn rewards by contributing resources or completing tasks during raids. It works like a smaller version of a battle pass – you’ll need to put in some time to get the rewards, but it’s designed to be accessible for both dedicated and casual players.

New Raider Deck

Alongside the Flickering Flames event, a new seasonal battle pass called the Raider Deck is coming. This pass will likely require a purchase with real money to unlock all its rewards. Once unlocked, you’ll probably use the in-game currency, Creds, to buy individual items, but we’ll confirm the details as soon as possible.

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2025-12-09 22:40