The arc raiders cold snap update is confirmed to release on December 16, 2025, bringing major seasonal changes that introduce winter weather conditions, new quests, a themed event, and a fresh Raider Deck for players across all supported platforms. The update marks one of the most significant seasonal shifts for the game this year and arrives just ahead of the next Expedition cycle.
Latest verified features include:
- A new snowfall map condition that affects visibility
- A limited-time event titled Flickering Flames
- A new seasonal Raider Deck with winter cosmetics
- New missions and quest content tied to ongoing progression
- Updates connected to the upcoming Expedition reset window
Table of Contents
Snowfall: A New Dynamic Weather Condition
One of the most notable additions in the Cold Snap update is the introduction of snowfall, a dynamic weather feature that can drastically alter visibility on the battlefield.
Heavy snow and periodic whiteout conditions will push players toward more tactical approaches, especially in locations that previously favored long-range loadouts. With reduced clarity across large sections of the map, players will need to take advantage of close-range combat, cover, and stealth to remain competitive.
Snowfall will appear randomly in certain zones and is expected to encourage more varied weapon and gear choices during matches.
Flickering Flames: New Limited-Time Seasonal Event
Arriving alongside the weather overhaul is Flickering Flames, a timed event designed to introduce new goals, challenges, and cosmetics tied to the winter season.
Players can expect:
- Event-specific missions
- Rotating objectives throughout the event window
- Seasonal rewards unlocked through participation
- Additional progress earned through general in-game activity
While the event will run for a limited period, its challenges are designed to push players into exploring updated zones, weather effects, and fresh questlines.
Seasonal Raider Deck: Winter Cosmetics and Unlocks
The Cold Snap update also introduces the newest Raider Deck, a seasonal progression path that includes both free and premium cosmetic items.
Winter-themed designs dominate the track, and players will have the opportunity to unlock:
- Character skins
- Weapon wraps
- Emotes
- Seasonal banners and profile items
Progression will work the same way as previous seasonal releases, allowing players to gradually unlock rewards through regular gameplay.
New Quests and Updated Mission Content
Cold Snap brings multiple new quests to expand the game’s narrative and activity range. Some of these quests tie into broader seasonal progression systems, while others push deeper into ongoing mission threads available through the Stella Montis region and Expedition-related tasks.
Players can expect:
- Fresh mission objectives
- New narrative prompts
- Updated activity chains
- Opportunities to earn additional seasonal rewards
These quests are built to integrate with Cold Snap’s weather conditions and event mechanics, creating a cohesive winter-themed gameplay loop.
Expedition Timing and Reset Preparation
Cold Snap arrives just before the upcoming Expedition reset window, an important point for players working through long-term progression systems.
Because of this timing, players should consider:
- Completing active Expedition tasks before the reset
- Checking the Projects tab for soon-to-expire contributions
- Securing rewards tied to the current Expedition cycle
Once the reset occurs, progress connected to Projects, Expedition objectives, and seasonal unlocks may rotate or clear depending on the system’s design for the new season.
Gameplay Changes and What Players Should Adjust
The Cold Snap update brings meaningful gameplay shifts, most notably through the introduction of winter visibility conditions.
Players should prepare for:
- Reduced visibility in snowy areas
- More close-range encounters
- Adjusted strategies for ambushes and movement
- Loadout tuning that favors agility and adaptability
- Event-driven objectives layered into standard missions
Melee weapons, shotguns, SMGs, and mid-range rifles may see increased utility as longer sightlines become less reliable in snowy zones.
Community Response and Ongoing Fixes
Anticipation for Cold Snap has been strong across the community, particularly because players have been waiting for major content additions alongside ongoing fixes to common issues such as desync and event stability.
Recent developer updates have also addressed:
- Exploit fixes
- Temporary disabling of specific events
- Performance improvements
- Adjustments to mission flow
Cold Snap therefore represents both a content refresh and a reinforcement of ongoing quality-improvement work.
Release Timing and Expected Launch Experience
The update is scheduled for a December 16, 2025 rollout on all major platforms. Players should expect a brief maintenance window during deployment, which typically accompanies major seasonal updates.
Once servers reopen:
- Snowfall will begin appearing across select areas
- The Flickering Flames event will activate
- The new Raider Deck will unlock
- Updated quests will populate mission menus
Because Cold Snap precedes the Expedition reset period, players should review any near-complete Expedition progress before logging out.
Why the Cold Snap Update Matters
The arc raiders cold snap update is more than a cosmetic winter shift. It meaningfully changes how players navigate the world, how they approach combat, and how they participate in seasonal progression.
By blending:
- Dynamic weather
- A themed event
- Seasonal cosmetic progression
- Updated quests
- Expedition timing mechanics
…Cold Snap sets the tone for the game’s winter season and helps shape the direction of the content cycle moving into the new year.
Share your thoughts below — how will the new snowfall mechanics change the way you play?