ARC Raiders Cold Snap Loadout Guide (2025): Best Weapons, Gear & Survival Tips to Dominate the Blizzard

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The winter blizzards have officially turned Speranza into a survival gauntlet. ARC Raiders’ Cold Snap update doesn’t just make the world look colder—it fundamentally changes how combat works. With the brutal Snowfall map condition, reduced visibility, and a relentless frostbite mechanic, every raid now demands smarter preparation and tighter execution.

If you’re still running your standard all-purpose kit, you’re already at a disadvantage.

This ultimate Cold Snap loadout guide breaks down the best weapons, essential gear, and proven tactics you need to survive the snow—and dominate every indoor firefight it forces you into.

❄️ How Cold Snap Changes Combat in ARC Raiders

Before choosing your gear, you need to understand why Cold Snap completely reshapes the meta.

1. Frostbite & Shelter Warfare

Spending too long outdoors on a Cold Snap map triggers frostbite, draining 1 HP per second and bypassing armor entirely. The only way to stop it is to reach indoor shelter, instantly transforming buildings into high-value combat zones.

What this means:

  • Indoor spaces are now the most contested locations

  • Expect close-range ambushes and fast, brutal fights

  • Control of buildings equals survival

2. Reduced Visibility & the Close-Range Meta

ARC Raiders Cold Snap Loadout Guide

Heavy snowfall drastically limits sightlines, making long-range scouting unreliable.

Cold Snap favors:

  • Close- and mid-range weapons

  • Fast room clears

  • Audio awareness over visual scouting

Sniper dominance is out. Indoor control is king.

🔫 Best Cold Snap Loadout: Weapons That Win Winter Fights

Your loadout must counter frostbite pressure and excel in tight spaces.

Aggressive Control Loadout: Vulcano & Tempest

Perfect for confident PvP-focused Raiders.

Vulcano (Primary – Shotgun)

  • Absolute monster in indoor combat

  • Deletes enemies in hallways and rooms

  • Ideal for shelter control and ambushes

Tempest (Secondary – Assault Rifle)

  • Smooth recoil and reliable mid-range damage

  • Excels in the 20–50m fights between buildings

  • Covers your weaknesses when shotguns can’t reach

Versatile & Accessible Loadout: Bettina & Anvil

A powerful combo that shines across all Cold Snap maps.

Bettina (Primary – Assault Rifle)

  • Buffed in the Cold Snap update

  • Larger magazine and faster reload

  • Excellent against both Raiders and ARC enemies

Anvil (Secondary – Hand Cannon)

  • One of the best-value weapons in the game

  • Massive damage per shot

  • Perfect for finishing enemies or clutch last stands

🧰 Essential Cold Snap Gear & Consumables

Weapons alone won’t keep you alive—your gear choices matter more than ever.

Healing Is Mandatory

Frostbite damage adds constant pressure, so carry far more healing than usual:

  • Medkits

  • Sterilized Bandages

  • Vita Sprays

It’s common—and smart—to sacrifice ammo or grenades for extra healing.

Combat MK.2 Augment (Highly Recommended)

  • Regenerates 1 HP every 5 seconds when not taking damage

  • Extremely valuable once you reach shelter

  • Saves healing supplies over long raids

Grenades for Indoor Control

With combat focused inside buildings, grenades are stronger than ever:

  • Snap Blast Grenades – Flush enemies from rooms and corners

  • Blaze Grenades / Fireball Burners – Emergency option

    • Instantly removes frostbite

    • Damages shield durability

    • Use only when trapped outdoors with no shelter

🧠 Cold Snap Tactics That Win Raids

Even the best loadout fails without smart play.

Move With Purpose

  • Plan routes building to building

  • Never cross open ground without a destination

  • Treat outdoors as a danger zone, not a battlefield

Exploit Frostbite Pressure

  • Bait enemy squads into chasing you across open snow

  • Let frostbite drain them before engaging

  • Retreating can be a winning move

Listen More Than You Look

Visibility is poor—audio is everything:

  • Doors opening

  • Healing item use

  • ARC enemy alerts

Sound cues often reveal enemies before you see them.

🗺️ Map-Specific Loadout & Strategy Tips

MapKey ThreatRecommended Focus
Dam BattlegroundsVast open areas, limited shelterMax healing, mid-range primary (Tempest/Bettina). Avoid central valley
Buried CityDense buildings, tight corridorsShotguns dominate. Vulcano excels. Control vertical spaces
Spaceport & The Blue GateMixed terrainVersatile loadouts like Bettina & Anvil. Be ready for any range

❄️ Final Thoughts: Turn the Blizzard Into Your Advantage

Cold Snap doesn’t just punish mistakes—it rewards preparation.

By prioritizing:

  • Close-range firepower

  • Excess healing

  • Smart shelter-to-shelter movement

You can turn the frozen wasteland from a death sentence into a tactical advantage. The snow doesn’t have to claim you.

Gear up, manage your frostbite, and make the storm fear you.                   

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