Winter has arrived in ARC Raiders, and it’s far more than a simple visual refresh. The Cold Snap update represents the game’s second major content drop since launch, introducing a strong mix of seasonal atmosphere, meaningful gameplay changes, quality-of-life improvements, and limited-time progression opportunities. For an extraction shooter built on tension and player-driven encounters, Cold Snap meaningfully reshapes how raids play out—especially for those willing to brave the snow-covered maps.

As live-service games continue to compete for players’ time, ARC Raiders distinguishes itself through thoughtful design evolution and systems that respect player investment. Below, we break down everything new in the Cold Snap update, what it means for the community, and why this patch stands out as one of the game’s most important so far. Even players Buy Xbox Gift Card during the holiday season will find Cold Snap packed with atmosphere, value, and plenty of reasons to return to the fight.

A Frosty New Way to Raid

At the heart of Cold Snap is the new Snowfall map condition, now available across Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and Blue Gate. Snow blankets these maps, reducing visibility and dramatically altering how players move and fight. Footprints left in the snow allow enemies to track your path, adding a layer of tension even when no shots are fired.

More importantly, Snowfall introduces frostbite, a survival mechanic that slowly drains health when players remain exposed to the elements for too long. To counter it, raiders must seek shelter indoors, naturally funneling squads into tighter spaces. This design choice increases the frequency of close-quarters encounters, rewarding players who plan their routes carefully and manage resources wisely. Heals become more valuable than ever, and teamwork is essential to avoid being isolated and picked off.

Cold Snap 1.7.0 Patch Highlights

Beyond the seasonal features, update 1.7.0 delivers a substantial list of system updates and balance changes that improve the overall experience. Players can now reset their skill trees, toggle aim-down-sights behavior, and see their Cred soft cap directly in the wallet UI. Raider Tool customization has also been added, giving players more control over their loadouts.

Weapon balance received attention as well, with the Rattler’s magazine size increased from 10 to 12, buffs applied to Bettina, and extensive changes to the Shredder to improve usability. Several spawn and collision issues have been addressed, particularly on Stella Montis, helping reduce frustrating early encounters. Achievements are now enabled on the Epic Games Store, rounding out a patch that clearly prioritizes polish.

Flickering Flames Event

Cold Snap also launches the Flickering Flames limited-time event, automatically enrolling eligible players who have completed at least five raids. As you earn XP during matches, you gain Merits, which can be redeemed back in Speranza for up to 25 rewards. These include gear, cosmetics, and Raider Tokens, the game’s premium currency.

Progression is straightforward and friendly to regular play. Any XP-generating activity contributes, though players looking to maximize gains can focus on taking down larger ARC enemies like Bastions or Bombardiers. The event structure ensures that even casual raiders can unlock rewards without excessive grinding.

Candleberry Banquet Project

Adding more narrative flavor is the Candleberry Banquet project, ARC Raiders’ second major project system. Players complete five stages by finding Candleberries and other unique items while exploring. Each completed stage visually builds out a banquet table in Speranza, reinforcing a sense of world progression.

Rewards include cosmetics, Raider Tokens, and additional Merits that feed back into the Flickering Flames event. This interconnected design makes Cold Snap feel cohesive rather than fragmented, encouraging players to engage with multiple systems at once.

First-Ever Expedition Reset

Perhaps the most impactful addition is the game’s first Expedition reset, available for a limited time. Players who have completed the full Expedition can choose to send their raider away and start fresh. This wipes progress such as levels, blueprints, upgrades, and credits, but rewards players with permanent and temporary bonuses.

Permanent rewards include up to five skill points, additional stash space, unique cosmetics, and an Expedition icon. Temporary bonuses grant XP boosts, cheaper repairs, and increased Scrappy materials. Notably, permanent skill points are earned based on total credits at the time of reset, with one point awarded per million credits, up to five. This gives veteran players a meaningful long-term incentive while keeping the economy in check.

The Finals Crossover and Goalie Raider Deck

Cold Snap also introduces ARC Raiders’ first crossover event with The Finals. By playing three matches in any mode in The Finals, players unlock a special outfit in ARC Raiders, a simple but effective cross-promotion.

Additionally, the Goalie Raider Deck, the game’s second Raider Deck, arrives shortly after the update. This free, permanent progression track includes a hockey-inspired outfit, cosmetics, and useful in-game items. Unlike traditional battle passes, it doesn’t expire, allowing players to unlock rewards at their own pace using Creds earned from daily Feats.

A Strong Step Forward

The Cold Snap update reinforces ARC Raiders’ commitment to evolving its core experience without losing its identity. The Snowfall condition and frostbite mechanic fundamentally change how raids are approached, while events and projects add structure and motivation. Whether you’re a long-time raider or a newcomer jumping in via Xbox Live Key, there’s never been a better time to explore Speranza’s frozen streets.