Arc Raiders’ Cold Snap update brings snow storms to most maps, new events and a new Raider Deck

Arc Raiders is kicking off its last major event of the year. The Cold Snap update arrives moments from now, and it’s perhaps the game’s biggest since its momentous launch in late October. We’ve known about the existence of Cold Snap for a while, of course, but we finally have a solid idea about what to expect.

Cold Snap is made up of different components – including new content – that all players have access to.

As the name suggests, of course, Cold Snap introduces the new snowfall Map Condition. As part of this, maps will be covered in snow, thanks to snowstorms sweeping across them. For one, snowfall makes it harder to see enemies, but it also turns all lakes solid.

There’s a new mechanic associated with this, and it’s actually similar to Battlefield 6’s Winter Offensive update. Staying outdoors for too long will cause you to catch frostbite, which slowly drains HP. Embark says you’re going to need to bring more healing items with you on raids, and it doesn’t look like there are firepits that could keep you warm – though staying indoors for a while will help.

Cold Snap arrives alongside limited-time events that will be available until Tuesday, January 13. The snowfall visual update and new frostbite mechanics are available on Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and The Blue Gate.

One of the new events is Flickering Flames, which comes with its own progression track of 25 levels. Content is, of course, unlocked using Merits, which are earned from XP in matches. The other event is the Candleberry Banquet Project, which requires you to donate items found on the surface (including Candleberries).

You’ll earn rewards each time, and each stage completed will reveal a new scene on the banquet table. Likewise, there are cosmetic rewards as part of each stage, and you can use it as a source of Merits, too.

While on the subject, the new update also kicks off a new Raider Deck (battle pass). Available from December 26, The Goalie Raider Deck is pretty much what you’d expect. You’ll find several pages of cosmetic and useful items. The new Deck will be available to all players for free.