ARC Raiders Cold Snap Update: Everything We Know So Far

The Cold Snap seasonal update of ARC Raiders is going to be one of the most significant remaining parts of the seasonal game of effect. This is the most important and one of the latest seasonal updates of ARC Raiders, with a gradual December 2025 release. These changes bring a new winter, themed gameplay, variable weather, new quests, and a new progression system. Cold Snap changes the player interaction significantly via environmental mechanics and long-term seasonal features, although the game doesn't have a new map.

Cold Snap Release Window

The release of this update is definitely scheduled for December 2025, and based on the trend of the last hotfixes, we may be sure of the release around the middle of the month. The exact time of patch deployment is still a mystery; however, the developers share that the launch will follow ARC Raiders' regular Thursday patch cycle.

Major Features of the ARC Raiders Cold Snap Update

1. Snowfall Environmental Condition

Cold Snap features a new environmental condition system for ARC Raiders called SNOWFALL. This converts current maps into snow-covered combat zones and has an impact on the gameplay of the players' interactivity. Some of the key influences are:

• Visibility is limited due to heavy snow
• Noise has changed, so the detection is more difficult
• More focus on stealthier playstyles
• Footprints and environmental traces affecting PvP encounters

It is not only for looks that this feature is brought in, it actually alters the flow of the combat and how you make your tactical choices.

2. Flickering Flames Seasonal Event

Cold Snap brings in the limited-time event titled FLICKERING FLAMES, comprising the elements of the coldest winter of the year.

Certainly, the players can anticipate:

• Winter, themed challenges
• Event-driven missions
• Exclusive seasonal objectives
• Rewards tied to the new Raider Deck

It surely provides short-term objectives, as well as it encourages the players to discover the snow-covered area. For players who recently faced issues like the How to Fix the “Connection to Online Services Failed” Error in ARC Raiders guide, this update should also help stabilize overall gameplay moments.

3. New Raider Deck

Besides weather changes, the ARC Raiders Cold Snap update is breaking new ground by adding a new Raider Deck to offer a fresh seasonal progression path.

These features:

• New cosmetics
• Unlockable rewards
• Themed seasonal items
• Tasks linked to Cold Snaps events and weather effects

The deck makes the season's progression fun.

4. New Quests and Tasks

First of all, the player community will receive an abundance of winter-themed quests. These quests aim to utilize the Snowfall condition, broaden the plot of the season, and give more progression possibilities.

5. Expedition Reset Window

One of the major changes is the debut of the Expedition Departure (Progression Reset) system. This is a reset of progression that is intentional and allows users to have a fresh start while keeping necessary account items.

The system features:

• An optional progression wipe
• Cosmetics and premium currency kept
• An opportunity to optimize builds from scratch
• Increased replayability in the long run
• Leading to a more balanced competition for progression

That is the point where the ARC Raiders' long-term seasonal reset cycle starts.

Cold Snap has an important role

The ARC Raiders Cold Snap update is a significant one, in terms of gameplay, without a new map. Combat is radically altered by the use of dynamic snow effects, seasonal events provide new goals, and the Expedition Reset system seeds the structure for upcoming seasonal plays. In a nutshell, these functions keep the game alive and allow it to constantly upgrade with every major update. For players returning for the ARC Raiders Cold Snap update, our guide on How to Resolve ARC Raiders ARAU0297 Error, and Update 1.4.0 Patch Notes is a useful resource to stay updated on earlier fixes.