Arc Raiders Cold Snap Guide 2025 — Snow Mechanics, Events & Tips

The Cold Snap update for Arc Raiders is arriving on December 16, 2025. It will bring snow-covered maps, new quests, and seasonal events that will challenge players in visibility, sound tracking, and temperature management.

This guide will prepare you for Cold Snap before it goes live. From snow mechanics and the Flickering Flames event to Raider Deck rewards and expedition timing, you’ll get practical advice to stay ahead and make the most of the upcoming winter update.

What Cold Snap Will Add in Arc Raiders

Cold Snap is the December 16, 2025 update for Arc Raiders. It will introduce snowfall on existing maps, affecting visibility, sound, and movement. Players should expect footprints that reveal paths and possible temperature effects that could influence stamina or movement.

The update will also launch the Flickering Flames event, which will include time-limited quests and seasonal rewards. In addition, a new Raider Deck with free and premium tracks will become available.

Finally, Cold Snap will coincide with the first expedition departure window and prestige reset. Preparing for these changes will help both solo and team players adjust their strategies for combat and resource management.

Arc Raiders Cold Snap Snow Mechanics — Visibility, Sound & Tracking

Snow Visibility in Arc Raiders Maps

Snowfall will reduce long-range visibility across outdoor areas. Snipers and players relying on sightlines will need to adjust their strategies for closer engagements.

Reduced sightlines will make ambushes more effective, allowing teams to approach enemies from unexpected angles.

Lighting may also slightly change during snowfall, making shadows and hiding spots more important for tactical positioning.

Sound Dampening Effects in Cold Snap

Fresh snow will dampen footsteps and distant gunfire, making sounds at a distance less reliable. Close-range noises, however, will still be audible.

Players will need to move carefully and consider the timing of their actions. Heavy equipment or sprinting will leave louder traces, making stealth more challenging.

Sound effects from grenades and other area-of-effect weapons may also be muted, requiring players to rely more on visuals.

Footprints Tracking Guide for Cold Snap

Walking in snow will leave visible footprints. This will allow players to track enemies, adding a new layer to stealth and pursuit.

Follow footprints: Track enemies or predict their movement.
Mask footprints: Loop back, use vehicles, or sprint through deep snow to confuse trackers.

Teams will benefit from assigning a dedicated tracker, while other players can flank or ambush using low-visibility routes.

Temperature & Status Effects in Cold Snap

Cold Snap may introduce temperature mechanics, which could affect movement or stamina after prolonged exposure.

Players should prepare heat consumables and plan routes that include shelter or heat sources. Staying near fires, vehicles, or other warming points may prevent negative status effects.

This mechanic will add a strategic layer to missions, requiring careful planning and resource management even for short treks across snowy terrain.

Arc Raiders Flickering Flames Event — Quests, Rewards & Tips

The Flickering Flames event will be a seasonal community challenge. It will combine solo and team objectives, rewarding players with cosmetic items, Raider Deck progression, and limited-time event items.

Players will likely need to:

Defend fires from waves of enemies
Escort NPCs safely across snowy areas
Collect heat sources or other mission-specific objectives

Event rewards are expected to include exclusive winter-themed cosmetics and Raider Deck progression points. Players who complete multiple quests may advance faster and gain more valuable rewards.

The event will also serve as a way to test new snow mechanics, giving players early insight into movement, stealth, and combat challenges.

Cold Snap Raider Deck Guide — Free vs Premium Rewards

The Cold Snap Raider Deck will include both free and premium tracks. Players can earn rewards through gameplay or purchase the premium tier for faster progression.

Free rewards: Basic cosmetics, event currency, minor consumables.
Premium rewards: Exclusive cosmetics, faster tier progression, and high-value consumables.

Quick decision guide:

Criterion	Recommendation	Who Should Choose
Time available	Purchase premium if you can play 6–10 hours during the event	Dedicated players who can invest time daily
Cosmetic value	Buy if you want specific seasonal items	Players who prioritize exclusive cosmetic rewards
Progression	Buy if you want to reach top tiers before the event ends	Competitive players aiming for max rewards quickly

Free tracks will still provide valuable rewards, making participation accessible to all players. Premium tracks offer convenience and exclusive items for those committed to maximizing event gains.

Arc Raiders Expedition & Prestige Timing — How to Prepare

Cold Snap will coincide with the first expedition departure window and prestige reset. Timing will be crucial to maximize rewards.

Sending your Raider: Ensure all resources are ready and contributions are prepared before the departure window opens.
Holding back: Focus on gathering materials and crafting consumables if you cannot participate immediately.
Missed windows: Failing to participate will delay progress until the next expedition cycle.

Players should monitor timers closely and coordinate with their team to ensure resources are used efficiently.

Cold Snap Gameplay Changes — Movement, Stealth & Combat Tips

Snowfall in Cold Snap will change how players move, fight, and interact with the environment. Adapting to these changes is key to surviving and gaining an advantage.

Movement

Movement on snowy maps requires caution. Open areas are especially risky because snow reduces visibility and leaves footprints that can reveal your position. Players should avoid long sprints across open terrain unless they are confident no enemies are nearby. Using natural cover such as rocks, buildings, or terrain features is essential for staying hidden. Low-visibility paths like forests, snowbanks, or shadows provide safer routes, reducing the chance of being spotted. Planning movement routes in advance helps minimize exposure while traveling between objectives or checkpoints.

Stealth

Stealth becomes even more important during Cold Snap due to footprints and sound dampening. Footprints can give away a player’s location even if they move quietly. Moving slowly and crouching reduces noise, but fast movement will still generate tracks. To avoid detection, players can loop back or use irregular paths to confuse trackers, rather than traveling in straight lines across open snow. Team coordination further enhances stealth; one player can scout ahead while others remain hidden, using footprints strategically to mislead enemies.

Combat

Combat strategies must adapt to snowy conditions. Long-range engagements become less reliable because reduced visibility makes targets harder to spot. Close-to-mid-range weapons, such as shotguns, SMGs, or carbines, will perform better on snowy maps. Mid-range rifles remain versatile, but players must be ready to move closer quickly if needed. Suppressors can be effective, as snow dampens sound and allows for more discreet approaches. Positioning near cover is crucial, since open terrain exposes players to ambushes and sudden attacks.

Team Tactics

Team coordination is critical in Cold Snap maps. Snowfall affects both sight and sound, making communication and role assignment more valuable. One player can act as a tracker, following enemy footprints and relaying movement information to teammates. Other players can use this information to flank or set ambush positions. Rotating roles between rounds helps teams adapt to map layout and changing snow conditions. Maintaining clear communication, whether through voice chat or in-game pings, ensures smooth coordination and maximizes the effectiveness of ambush strategies.

Best Loadouts & Consumables for Arc Raiders Cold Snap

Players should select equipment and consumables based on roles to handle Cold Snap challenges effectively.

Role	Primary Weapon	Must-have Consumable
Close Assault	Shotgun / SMG	Thermal stimulant / medkit
Flanker / Tracker	Carbine / PDW	Footprint masking / smoke
Support / Long-range	DMR with IR sight	Heat source / bandages