Arc Raiders Cold Snap Patch Notes Bring Winter Warfare to the Rust Belt

Winter Arrives in Arc Raiders with Major Cold Snap Update

The Cold Snap update went live on December 16, 2025, delivering patch 1.7.0, adding snowy map conditions, winter events, weapon buffs, skill tree resets, and major fixes to Embark Studios’ popular extraction shooter. The update marks the final major milestone on Arc Raiders’ 2025 roadmap, transforming the Rust Belt into a winter battleground where survival depends on more than just combat skills.

Cold Snap Map Condition Changes Gameplay

The headline feature introduces dramatic environmental challenges. The Cold Snap map condition transforms familiar locations with snow, blizzards, and freezing winds, with Blue Gate’s valleys now battered by icy storms and the abandoned Spaceport swept by blizzards. Players will be unsteady over frozen water and will have limited visibility due to the downpour of snow, while frostbite is a real danger, as the freezing weather will cut your Raider down in minutes unless you get indoors or heal up quickly.

Flickering Flames Event and New Rewards

Embark has launched the Flickering Flames event where players can earn a new event currency and unlock up to 25 rewards, including gear, cosmetics, and Raider Tokens. Flickering Flames is a limited-time, winter-themed event that runs from December 16 until January 13, giving players nearly a month to collect rewards. Additionally, the Goalie raider deck features hockey-inspired outfits with multiple color variants launching December 26.

Weapon Balance and Quality of Life Improvements

The patch delivers significant weapon adjustments, particularly to the Bettina assault rifle. These changes aim to make the Bettina a bit less reliant on bringing a secondary weapon, and the weapon should now be a bit more competent in PVP, without tipping the scales too much. The update also introduces Skill Tree Reset functionality and an option to toggle Aim Down Sights. From inventory management and quest tracking to VOIP reliability and menu navigation, nearly every system in Arc Raiders has seen polish or fixes in this patch.

Conclusion: A Comprehensive Winter Experience

The Cold Snap update represents a substantial evolution for Arc Raiders, combining seasonal atmosphere with meaningful gameplay improvements. The final major patch of the year sees Embark Studios taking a much-needed break over the holiday period, though they will continue to monitor and work on critical issues and will be back in January with continued updates. For players seeking new challenges and rewards, this winter update offers fresh content that extends well beyond cosmetic changes, fundamentally altering how raiders approach survival in the frozen Rust Belt.