ARC Raiders’ Gathering Candleberries event is here, and it’s your chance to unlock 25 exclusive rewards before January 13, 2026. The event runs alongside the Cold Snap update, bringing snowfall topside and creating new challenges—but also opportunities. Whether you’re after the complete Hi-Tech Hiker outfit set or that exclusive Space Wrench Raider Tool, this guide breaks down exactly how to maximize your Merit gains.
You’ll need 15,000 Merits to unlock everything, which translates to roughly 1.5 million XP. That might sound intimidating, but with the right strategy, casual players can complete the event in 45-60 minutes of daily play. The key is understanding how Merits work, which XP sources are most efficient, and how to optimize your raid strategy for consistent progress.
This guide covers every reward, calculates exactly how long you’ll need to farm, and provides week-by-week milestones so you never fall behind.
Gathering Candleberries Event Dates and Requirements
The Gathering Candleberries event launched on December 16, 2025 and runs until January 13, 2026, giving you 28 days to earn rewards. It’s completely free—no premium pass required.
- 25 total rewards including cosmetics, Raider Tokens, and Candleberries
- 15,000 Merits unlocks the final reward (Space Wrench Raider Tool)
- Earn Merits by gaining XP during any raid on any map
- Bonus Merits available through the Candleberry Banquet Project
The event ties directly into Cold Snap weather conditions, which add Frostbite mechanics to outdoor areas. You’ll be collecting Candleberries from bushes while managing the new survival challenges.
How to Earn Merits in Gathering Candleberries Event
Merits are the event currency, and they’re earned automatically. Every 100 XP you gain converts to 1 Merit immediately after each raid, whether you extract successfully or die. This means your progress is never lost.
To unlock all 25 rewards, you need 15,000 Merits, which equals 1,500,000 total XP. Your progress tracks across all maps and game modes, so you can play however you prefer.
There are two ways to accelerate your Merit gains:
The Banquet Project is optional but highly efficient. It can reduce your total grind time by 30-40%, which we’ll break down in detail later.
Complete Gathering Candleberries Rewards List (All 25 Items)
The event track has 25 rewards spread across merit milestones. Each reward unlocks sequentially, so you can’t skip ahead. Here’s the complete breakdown:
| Merit Cost | Reward | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 600 | Hi-Tech Hiker outfit | Cosmetic Set |
| 600 | Candleberries x10 | Event Item |
| 1200 | Scanner (Hi-Tech Hiker Variant) | Accessory |
| 1200 | Candleberries x10 | Event Item |
| 1800 | Check Compass Emote | Emote |
| 1800 | Candleberries x10 | Event Item |
| 2400 | Raider Tokens x50 | Currency |
| 3000 | Blue Camo (Hi-Tech Hiker Color) | Color Variant |
| 3600 | Candleberries x30 | Event Item |
| 4200 | Field Phone (Hi-Tech Hiker Variant) | Accessory |
| 4800 | Candleberries x30 | Event Item |
| 5400 | Sprayed Eyes Red | Cosmetic |
| 6000 | Raider Tokens x50 | Currency |
| 6600 | Orange (Hi-Tech Hiker Color) | Color Variant |
| 7200 | Candleberries x40 | Event Item |
| 7800 | Mask (Hi-Tech Hiker Variant) | Accessory |
| 8400 | Raider Tokens x50 | Currency |
| 9000 | Yellow Camo (Hi-Tech Hiker Color) | Color Variant |
| 9600 | Candleberries x40 | Event Item |
| 10200 | Headgear (Hi-Tech Hiker Variant) | Accessory |
| 10800 | Raider Tokens x50 | Currency |
| 11400 | White (Hi-Tech Hiker Color) | Color Variant |
| 12000 | Goggles (Hi-Tech Hiker Variant) | Accessory |
| 12600 | Raider Tokens x50 | Currency |
| 15000 | Space Wrench Raider Tool | Exclusive Tool |
That’s 180 total Candleberries from the event track, which covers most of what you need for the Banquet Project.
The complete Hi-Tech Hiker set includes the base outfit plus 6 color variants (Blue Camo, Orange, Yellow Camo, White) and 4 accessory variants (Scanner, Field Phone, Mask, Headgear, Goggles). You’ll also earn 250 Raider Tokens total, which you can spend on other cosmetics or crafting materials.
The final reward at 15,000 Merits is the Space Wrench Raider Tool—a unique cosmetic item that won’t be available after the event ends.
Best XP Farming Methods for Merit Gains
XP is the lifeblood of Merit farming, and not all XP sources are equal. Understanding which activities give the best return per minute played will cut your grind time significantly.
Looting is your foundation
Every container, crate, toolbox, and drawer you open awards XP, even if it’s already been looted. A typical raid where you thoroughly loot one area can net 1,500-2,500 XP just from containers. This adds up fast and requires zero combat risk.
During Cold Snap weather, prioritize indoor locations like warehouses, bunkers, and facilities. You avoid Frostbite damage while maintaining high loot density. Open everything you see, even if you don’t need the items.
Large ARC kills provide XP spikes
When you down a Bastion, Bombardier, Rocketeer, or Leaper, you get a substantial XP chunk. But here’s the trick most players miss: you need to loot the ARC’s individual parts after killing it.
Let’s say you kill a Bastion. That’s 800-1,000 XP for the kill. Then you loot its chassis, limbs, and power core for another 400-600 XP. That’s nearly double the value. Always loot your kills.
The most efficient weapons for large ARC takedowns are:
- Hullcracker: High burst damage, takes down Bastions in 3-4 shots
- Wolfpack Grenades: Area damage, perfect for grouped ARCs or weak points
If you’re running low on heavy weapons, focus on looting first and ARC killing second.
Time on surface matters more than you think
You earn approximately 181 XP per minute just for surviving topside. A 16-minute raid awards ~2,900 XP from time alone, before factoring in any looting or kills.
This means patience pays off. Don’t rush to extract at the 8-minute mark. Play it safe, loot thoroughly, and extract around 12-15 minutes for optimal XP gains. The extraction bonus adds another 1,147 XP on top.
Here’s the math on a typical efficient raid:
- Looting (10 minutes): ~2,000 XP
- 2 large ARC kills + parts: ~2,500 XP
- Time survived (15 minutes): ~2,700 XP
- Extraction bonus: ~1,150 XP
- Total: ~8,350 XP (83.5 Merits per raid)
At that rate, you’d need about 180 raids to hit 15,000 Merits through standard farming alone. But the Candleberry Banquet Project changes the equation.
How Long Does Gathering Candleberries Event Take to Complete?
Let’s get specific about time investment. Your total grind depends on your XP-per-hour rate, which varies based on playstyle and skill.
Average Player (50,000-75,000 XP/hour)
If you’re playing casually—looting, avoiding risky fights, extracting safely—you’ll average around 50,000-75,000 XP per hour. That translates to 500-750 Merits per hour.
At this rate:
- Total time needed: 20-30 hours
- Daily play time: 45-60 minutes for 28 days
- Raids per day: 4-6 (assuming 10-15 minute raids)
This is the most realistic pace for players who have work, school, or other commitments. You’ll hit 15,000 Merits with consistent daily sessions and maybe one longer weekend session.
Efficient Player (100,000+ XP/hour)
Experienced players who optimize routes, take calculated ARC fights, and extract efficiently can push 100,000+ XP per hour. That’s 1,000+ Merits per hour.
At this rate:
- Total time needed: 15 hours
- Daily play time: 30-35 minutes for 28 days
- Raids per day: 3-4 high-efficiency runs
If you’re comfortable with Cold Snap mechanics, know the best loot spawns, and can consistently down large ARCs, you’re in this category.
Best Raid Strategy for Gathering Candleberries Event
Let’s talk loadout and approach. You want gear that supports fast looting, safe ARC kills, and reliable extraction—especially during Cold Snap.
Before each raid, bring a Safe Pocket to protect high-value loot. Pack either a Hullcracker or Wolfpack Grenades for taking down large ARCs efficiently. A CQB weapon like an SMG or shotgun is essential for Cold Snap indoor fights. Don’t forget medkits and armor since Frostbite constantly drains your health outdoors.
Your in-raid priority should follow this sequence:
This approach averages 7,000-9,000 XP per raid (70-90 Merits) with minimal risk. Over 4-6 daily raids, you'll clear 300-500 Merits even on casual sessions.
Map selection doesn’t matter for XP efficiency. All maps award XP at the same rates. However, during Cold Snap, indoor-heavy maps like Buried City facilities and Blue Gate warehouses are safer because you spend less time exposed to Frostbite.
If you’re comfortable navigating outdoor areas quickly, maps like Dam Battlegrounds have excellent Candleberry spawns in the swamp zones. Balance your comfort level with your current event goals.
Cold Snap Tips for Gathering Candleberries Farming
Cold Snap weather introduces Frostbite, a damage-over-time effect that triggers outdoors. It ignores armor and gives you about 3-5 minutes of outdoor survival before forcing you to find shelter.
Three key survival tactics:
Stay indoors between objectives. Plan routes from building to building rather than crossing open fields. Indoor spaces provide complete Frostbite protection while maintaining high loot density.
Watch for snow buildup on your character. Heavy snow accumulation is your visual warning that you’re reaching critical exposure. Get inside immediately when you see it.
Use CQB weapons. Long-range outdoor combat is risky during Cold Snap. Equip SMGs, shotguns, or assault rifles that excel in close-quarters building fights where you’ll spend most of your time.
Gathering Candleberries Event Weekly Progress Guide
Having weekly milestones keeps you on track and prevents last-minute panic grinding. Here’s a realistic breakdown for casual players.
Week 1 (Dec 16-22): Foundation
Goal: 3,750 Merits (25% completion)
This week is about establishing your routine and learning the new Cold Snap mechanics. Play 5-7 raids per day, focusing on the basics: thorough looting and safe extractions. Don’t worry about optimizing ARC kills yet—consistency matters more than efficiency.
You’ll unlock the Hi-Tech Hiker outfit, Scanner variant, Check Compass Emote, and your first Raider Tokens by the end of Week 1.
Expected playtime: 45-60 minutes daily (6-7 hours total)
Week 2 (Dec 23-29): Acceleration
Goal: 7,500 Merits total (50% completion)
Week 2 is where your consistency pays off. You’re hitting your stride with Cold Snap mechanics and your XP-per-hour is improving naturally through practice.
You’ll cross the halfway point and unlock the Field Phone variant, Blue Camo and Orange color options, and Sprayed Eyes Red cosmetic. Start optimizing your ARC kill routes—identify which ARCs spawn near your preferred landing zones and develop a circuit that hits 2-3 large targets per raid.
Expected playtime: 45-60 minutes daily (6-7 hours total)
Week 3 (Dec 30-Jan 5): Push Phase
Goal: 11,250 Merits total (75% completion)
This is your heaviest week. You’re deep into the event track, unlocking multiple color variants (Yellow Camo, White) and accessory pieces (Mask, Headgear). The rewards are coming fast now.
By the end of Week 3, you should be at 11,250 Merits with only 3,750 remaining. The finish line is in sight.
Expected playtime: 45-60 minutes daily (6-7 hours total)
Week 4 (Jan 6-13): Final Sprint
Goal: 15,000 Merits (100% completion)
Week 4 is your victory lap. You need 3,750 Merits across 8 days, which is about 470 Merits daily—easily achievable with your established routine.
Claim your Space Wrench Raider Tool. You’re done.
The extra days serve as buffer time for any missed sessions earlier in the event. Even if you had a busy week or took a break, Week 4’s cushion ensures you still finish.
Expected playtime: 30-45 minutes daily (4-5 hours total)
Total event time investment: 23-26 hours over 28 days
That’s incredibly reasonable for a free event with 25 rewards. Most live service events demand 40-60 hours for full completion.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a good strategy, small mistakes can cost you hours of progress. Here are the most common traps and how to avoid them.
- Skipping already-opened containers. This is the #1 newbie mistake. Players assume opened containers are worthless and run past them. Wrong. Even empty containers award XP when you interact with them. Open everything, every raid. Free XP adds up to hundreds of Merits over the event.
- Overextending during Cold Snap. Frostbite will kill you faster than you think. New players try to “tough it out” outdoors and die with 3,000+ uncached XP. Respect the weather. When you see heavy snow on your character, get inside immediately.
- Ignoring ARC parts after kills. You killed the Bastion. Great. Now loot its chassis, limbs, and core. Skipping this step means you only got 60% of the available XP from that fight. Always loot your kills.
- Starting late. The event is 28 days, but if you start in Week 3, you’ll be grinding 2-3 hours daily to catch up. Start early, play consistently, and you’ll coast to completion. Procrastination turns a casual event into a stressful marathon.
Wrapping Up Your Gathering Candleberries Journey
The Gathering Candleberries event represents one of ARC Raiders’ most accessible limited-time offerings. With 25 rewards spanning cosmetics, currency, and exclusive items, it’s designed to reward consistent play rather than hardcore grinding. The 28-day window gives you plenty of flexibility to fit sessions around your schedule, and the straightforward Merit system means every raid counts toward your progress.
Whether you’re targeting the complete Hi-Tech Hiker set or specifically want that Space Wrench Raider Tool before it disappears on January 13, the path forward is clear: loot thoroughly, take down large ARCs when it’s safe, and prioritize successful extractions over risky plays. Cold Snap adds a layer of challenge, but adapting to indoor combat and watching your Frostbite exposure keeps things manageable.
Remember that consistency beats intensity in long events like this. Four 45-minute sessions spread across a week will always outperform a single exhausting 3-hour marathon. Pace yourself, enjoy the gameplay loop, and the rewards will come naturally.
If you find yourself short on time or would rather skip the repetitive grind, our Carry Lord boosting services can help you complete the Gathering Candleberries event efficiently. Whether you need assistance reaching specific Merit milestones, unlocking particular rewards like the Space Wrench, or completing the entire 25-reward track before January 13, our experienced players handle the farming while you focus on other aspects of the game. We offer flexible options including full event completion, targeted tier unlocks, and hourly boosting sessions that fit your schedule.
