ARC Raiders Cold Snap Update FAQ – Master Frostbite, Events & Free Goalie Deck Rewards

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The Rust Belt has frozen over in December 2025! The Cold Snap update in ARC Raiders has brought frigid weather, new mechanics, limited-time events, and a slew of exciting rewards. Whether you’re a fresh recruit or a veteran Raider, you probably have burning questions:

  • Is the Goalie Raider Deck really free?

  • How do you survive frostbite in the snow-covered maps?

  • Where can you farm Candleberries efficiently?

This ultimate Cold Snap FAQ cuts through the chaos and gives you clear, actionable answers to thrive in ARC Raiders’ winter overhaul.

❄️ Cold Snap Update & Map Changes

Q: When did the Cold Snap update go live, and what is it?
A: The December Update 1.7.0 – Cold Snap launched on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. It’s a major seasonal patch introducing:

  • Snowfall weather on existing maps

  • Limited-time holiday events

  • New quests, balance changes, and a free progression track

Affected Maps:

  • Dam Battlegrounds

  • Buried City

  • Spaceport

  • The Blue Gate

Note: Stella Montis is indoors, so it’s unaffected by the Cold Snap weather.

Q: Can I play normal maps instead?
A: Yes. Players can choose standard or Cold Snap versions from matchmaking, giving you full control over the challenge level.

❓ Frostbite & Survival Mechanics

ARC Raiders Cold Snap Update FAQ

Q: How does frostbite work?
A: Frostbite builds up after 1 minute 35 seconds outdoors on a Cold Snap map. Once active, it deals 1 HP per second, ignoring armor.

Q: How do I stop frostbite?

  • Seek shelter indoors (damage stops instantly)

  • Use Combat MK.2 Augment for passive healing

  • Emergency: Step into fire (Baron Husk, Blaze Grenade, Fireball Burner)

Q: How to survive and counter frostbite:

  • Heal Aggressively: Carry extra Medkits, Bandages, and Vita Sprays

  • Plan Your Route: Move strategically between buildings

  • Read Visual Cues: Shivering, heavy breathing, snow buildup

🎁 Events & Projects: Flickering Flames & Candleberry Banquet

Flickering Flames Event:

  • 25-tier personal reward track

  • Earn Merit (1 Merit per 100 XP) after 5 total raids

  • Rewards: Hi-Tech Hiker outfit, Space Wrench Raider Tool, Raider Tokens

Candleberry Banquet Project:

  • 5-stage community project

  • Donate items (permanently consumed) for Merit, Raider Tokens, unique items, and weapon blueprints

Candleberries Needed:

  • Total: 260

    • 180 from Flickering Flames reward track

    • ~80 from Candleberry bushes, Raider Caches, Nature Baskets

Efficient Farming Locations:

  • Dam Battlegrounds: Hydroponic Dome Complex

  • Buried City: Marano Park

  • Spaceport: Forest near Container Storage

Event End Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

πŸ’ Goalie Raider Deck – Free Rewards Explained

Q: Is the Goalie Deck free?
A: Yes! Launching December 26, 2025, it’s a permanent free progression track, unlocked with Cred.

Main Rewards:

  • Goalie Outfit (multiple colors)

  • Hockey Stick Raider Tool

  • Raider Tokens, emotes, utility items, and weapons

Best Cred Farming Strategies:

  1. Complete Feats (daily, weekly, lifetime)

  2. Play Topside matches

  3. Participate in events (Flickering Flames, Candleberry Banquet)

⚙️ Progression & Gameplay Changes

Expedition Reset/Project:

  • Optional one-time progression wipe (Dec 17–23, 2025)

  • Grants permanent bonuses: Skill Points, stash space

  • Temporary buffs: +6% materials, +5% XP, -10% repair costs

Weapon & Enemy Updates:

  • Bettina (AR): Buffed, mag size 20→22, faster reload

  • Rattler (Rifle): Mag size 10→12

  • ARC Shredder: Knockback reduced, faster movement, better navigation

Quality-of-Life Features:

  • Skill Tree Reset: 2,000 Coins per point

  • Aim Down Sights Toggle

  • Cred Soft Cap: 800

πŸ’‘ Expert Tips & Key Takeaways

  • Stay indoors to avoid frostbite

  • Prioritize Merit farming to progress through Flickering Flames

  • Stockpile Cred for the Goalie Deck launch

  • Farm Candleberries strategically

  • Use shelters for PvP advantage

With this FAQ, you can master the Cold Snap, claim all seasonal rewards, and survive the frosty Rust Belt like a true Raider.

For deeper dives on advanced frostbite strategies or Candleberry farming routes, check out our other dedicated ARC Raiders guides.                   

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