The long-awaited Cold Snap update for ARC Raiders finally has an official release date. Embark Studios confirmed that the major winter update will launch on Tuesday, December 16, closing out the current seasonal roadmap and introducing some of the most ambitious gameplay changes the extraction shooter has seen so far. More than just a holiday event, Cold Snap adds dynamic weather, a new Flickering Flames event, a fresh progression pass, and multiple new missions. But the feature generating the most buzz is the addition of temperature mechanics — something players have speculated about for months. Below is a full breakdown of what to expect from the ARC Raiders Cold Snap update and why it may significantly change how players approach survival in the wasteland.
Temperature and Snowfall: A Survival Mechanic, Not Just Visuals
Players have long wondered whether winter in ARC Raiders would simply be cosmetic. But Embark’s teaser makes it clear the cold is real — and deadly. The key reveal shows a Raider collapsed in the snow, seemingly frozen. This strongly suggests:
- Cold exposure will impact player survival
- Time spent outdoors during blizzards may need to be managed
- Players may need to seek shelter, heat sources, or use items that provide temporary warmth
While ARC Raiders does not include armor with stat bonuses — a deliberate design choice to avoid pay-to-win concerns — environmental survival may now become a central part of gameplay. Items like incendiary grenades may also double as heat sources, adding a new layer of tactical depth to the sandbox.
Read also: The Best Ways to Find Blueprints in Arc Raiders
Flickering Flames Event: A New Seasonal Challenge
The new Cold Snap event, Flickering Flames, arrives as part of the update. Although Embark has not fully detailed the event’s structure, players can expect:
- A set of limited-time missions
- Themed objectives tied to cold survival and fire mechanics
- Exclusive event rewards
- Increased world activity during storms and power outages
This aligns with the game’s past seasonal events, but Cold Snap’s theme suggests more dangerous environmental hazards than usual.
New Progress Pass And Fresh Missions
Cold Snap will introduce a new seasonal pass, offering:
- Cosmetics
- Challenges
- XP rewards
- Unique winter-themed unlocks
Alongside the pass, Embark is releasing a batch of new missions that will expand both story content and end-game activities. For a game built on replayability and extraction-based progression, these additions should help maintain engagement well into early 2026.
What Comes After Cold Snap? 2026 Is Still a Mystery
Cold Snap marks the final step of the current ARC Raiders roadmap. What Embark has planned for the game in 2026 remains unknown, though the developers have reiterated their commitment to long-term support. Given the game’s strong player retention and steady content cadence, fans have high expectations for next year. The Cold Snap update looks to be one of ARC Raiders’ most innovative patches yet, adding:
- dynamic weather
- survival mechanics
- new missions
- a unique seasonal event
- a fresh progression path
Players wanting new challenges — and a new way to experience the wasteland — will find plenty to dive into when the update drops on December 16.
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