ARC Raiders Update 1.7.0 Patch Notes – Cold Snap Brings Winter and Major Changes

Embark Studios has released Update 1.7.0: Cold Snap for Arc Raiders on December 16, 2025. Snowstorms now move through the Rust Belt and Topside, blizzards appear in Blue Gate, and cold weather affects every expedition.

Raiders may slip or lose stamina as new systems, events, balance changes, and quality-of-life updates change how the game plays.

Below is a full breakdown of what arrives with the Cold Snap update.

ARC Raiders Update 1.7.0 Patch Notes – Overall Highlights

Before providing the complete patch notes, let’s take a look at the main features of ARC Raiders Update 1.7.0 Cold Snap.

• Among other things, the update alters the game environment, giving it a new condition called Cold Snap, which is icy, snowy and with stronger effects here and there in the map.
• There has been a world event of Flickering Flames, along with new quests, items and winter-themed cosmetics introduced to the game.
• Players can get the free Raider Deck “Goalie”, and with the new Skill Tree Reset option, can completely reset their builds.
• Quality-of-life improvements are an ADS toggle, Cred wallet display with the 800 soft cap showing, and expanded Raider Tool customisation.
• Expeditions now have a new Departure Window. Progression has also been revised, with the Aphelion blueprint drop switched to Stella Montis.

The update also includes bug fixes, balance changes, and overall improvements in stability and quality in all aspects of the game.

ARC Raiders Update 1.7.0 Weapon Balance Changes

The primary weapon changes include the following:

Bettina (Assault Rifle)

• Adjusted to improve PvP reliability while maintaining PvE effectiveness.
• Durability burn reduced from ~0.43% to ~0.17% per shot
• Weapon lifespan increased from ~12 to ~26 magazines
• Magazine size increased from 20 to 22
• Reload time reduced from 5s to 4.5s

Rattler

A small early-game PvP buff:

• Magazine size increased from 10 to 12

ARC Raiders Update 1.7.0 ARC Enemy Updates

Most ARC enemies remain unchanged, but the Shredder has received significant improvements:

• Decreased weapon knockback, which permitted more boldness in movement.
• Enhanced speed and turning rate of movement.
• Head health was raised to avoid unintentional destructive behaviour.
• Navigation was improved to reduce corner-sticking.
• Combat faster engagement when damaged or approached.
• Body parts are more destructible for tactical combat.

If you're looking to take advantage of these updates and earn more ARC Raiders Candleberries, then please visit our website to learn where to get them.

ARC Raiders Update 1.7.0 Map and World Changes

Global Updates

• The issue with reconnect spawns that put players in too close proximity to each other has been fixed.
• All maps' collision, geometry, textures, and VFX have been improved.
• Security Lockers will now spawn at different locations during each game.
• Electromagnetic Storm lightning has the chance to drop loot.
• Great Mullein spawn locations have been increased.

Location-Specific Changes

• Dam Battlegrounds: Matriarch's spawn moved to a place that is better for combat flow.
• Spaceport: Locked room protection has been improved in Container Storage.
• Blue Gate: The Map condition of the Locked Gate has been added.
• Bounds and tree LODs have been improved.
• Loot spawns have been fixed and new visual props added.
• Stella Montis: Item and blueprint spawn rates have been increased. Window clarity has been improved. Rubber Duck drops have been removed from selected containers.

ARC Raiders Update 1.7.0 Systems, Progression, and UI Improvements

Here's everything you need to know about the improvements made in the recent ARC Raiders update.

Skill Tree & Progression

• The Skill Tree Reset has been added (2,000 Coins per point).
• The Wallet now shows the Cred soft cap (800).
• Expedition tracking, rewards, and statistics have been improved.

Movement & Gameplay

• Effortless Roll has become more effective in reducing stamina cost.
• Calming Stroll works during ADS.
• Sliding has now become a stamina-consuming action.
• Dodge roll responsiveness has been improved.

UI & Settings

• Now, the option for Aim Down Sights can be toggled.
• New Cinematic graphics preset
• Motion blur intensity slider
• Improved tooltips, HUD clarity, and localisation

Audio, Animation, Stability, and Social Updates

• Improved directional audio for ARC enemies
• Fixed missing footstep, mine, and trigger sounds
• Multiple animation fixes, including sliding and dodge rolls
• Crash fixes, including AMD-related stability issues
• Updated PlayStation 5 controller icons
• Fixed Xbox crashes when viewing profiles
• VOIP microphone test added
• Improved Discord presence and party joining
• Reduced end-of-round surveys with an optional feedback button

The ARC Raiders new update, Cold Snap event, brings a change in the way maps are played, weapon balancing seems to be more even, the ARC foes become a real threat, and the quality-of-life improvements enhance the experience throughout the game.

These new features are accompanied by the update that also links with the current content in the form of the ARC Raiders The Finals Skin Crossover, so the players get their hands on more personalisation options that are related to the larger universe.