ARC Raiders Cold Snap Guide (Update 1.15.0 – Feb 2026): Frostbite Survival & 2x Loot Strategy

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The winter winds have returned to the Rust Belt — and this time, they’re permanent.

As of February 10, 2026 (Patch 1.15.0), the Cold Snap map condition is now part of the permanent outdoor rotation in ARC Raiders. While it introduces the lethal Frostbite mechanic, it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to play thanks to improved Trial efficiency and higher loot potential.

Table of Contents

1. How Frostbite Works

Frostbite is an environmental hazard that builds while exposed to snowfall and bypasses shields, damaging HP directly once triggered.

  • Approx. 2 minutes of outdoor exposure before damage begins
  • Screen frost effect appears
  • Heavy breathing audio cue

If snow is landing on you, your Frostbite meter is building.

2. The Roof Rule (Confirmed Safe Shelters)

ARC Raiders Cold Snap Guide (Update 1.15.0 – Feb 2026)

Frostbite only checks for overhead cover. Walls do not matter.

Safe structures that reset Frostbite instantly:

  • Bus stops & parking overhangs
  • Bridges & elevated walkways (Dam)
  • Intact awnings
  • Underground tunnels & bunkers
  • Fully roofed interiors

Mastering roof-to-roof rotations is the key survival mechanic of Cold Snap.

3. The Fire Reset Myth (Clarified)

There is confusion about fire interaction.

Standing near fire does NOT reset Frostbite.

Taking burn damage may interrupt the status temporarily, but this is inconsistent and costs HP. It should not be treated as a reliable survival strategy.

The only consistent reset method is proper overhead shelter.

4. Why Cold Snap Is the Current Meta (2x Strategy)

Cold Snap maps provide increased Trial efficiency compared to standard conditions.

This makes them ideal for:

  • Destroy Leapers challenges
  • Bastion damage Trials
  • Weekly elimination objectives

Indoor clustering increases combat frequency, accelerating Trial completion.

Cold Snap also increases high-value container potential and introduces Frozen Raider Caches requiring breach access.

5. Candleberries in 2026

Candleberries are now permanent Cold Snap spawn materials.

Where to find them:

  • Snow-covered bushes
  • Rocky outcrops (Dam)
  • Outdoor sections of Spaceport

They are used for crafting winter-tier gear and can also be sold for coin.

Pro Tip: Throw snowballs at alarmed cars to create distractions and pull ARCs away from harvest areas.

6. Best Cold Snap Loadout

Mid-Range Weapons

  • Renegade
  • Osprey
  • Ferro

Indoor / Close Quarters

  • Bobcat (SMG)
  • Vulcano (Shotgun)

Utility

  • Vita Spray
  • Standard Bandages

High damage per shot matters more than sustained fire due to reduced visibility.

7. PvP Changes During Cold Snap

Expect:

  • Indoor ambushes
  • Shelter camping
  • Extraction zone traps
  • Reduced long-range sniper duels

Shelter equals survival — which means shelter equals PvP hotspots.

8. Final Verdict

Cold Snap is no longer just an environmental nuisance. It’s a high-efficiency loot and Trial multiplier.

If you master shelter routing, indoor control, and smart extraction timing, Cold Snap becomes one of the strongest map modifiers in ARC Raiders 1.15.0.

FAQ: ARC Raiders Cold Snap

Does Frostbite bypass shields?

Yes. Frostbite damages HP directly once triggered.

Do Candleberries spawn outside Cold Snap?

No. They only spawn when the Cold Snap modifier is active.

Does standing near fire reset Frostbite?

No. Only overhead shelter reliably resets Frostbite buildup.

Are Cold Snap maps worth playing?

Yes. They offer faster Trial progression and improved loot potential.

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