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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo survive Cold Snap in ARC Raiders, keep an eye on frost and your Raider’s breathing, carry bandages, and choose routes with indoor shelter nearby. Frostbite can become lethal within minutes if you stay exposed without shelter or quick healing, while the condition also raises the value of loot at stake. The exact live map rotation is not published in the February 2026 update, so check the in-game rotation for current availability.
How Cold Snap and frostbite affect a run
Cold Snap is an outdoor map condition. Embark’s February 10, 2026 version 1.15.0 notes confirm it returned to outdoor-map rotation with increased loot value at stake. Exposure brings the risk of frostbite: Embark warned that a Raider caught outside can be cut down in minutes unless they get indoors or heal quickly. That is a qualitative warning, not a published countdown or exact exposure timer.
Watch for visible frost on clothing and increasingly intense breathing rather than waiting for exposure to become severe. Gameplay Programmer Fredrik Åhström explains: “When you see your breath freezing in the air that means you are getting colder.” The developer guidance does not specify a numerical threshold or exact time remaining after these cues appear.
How to survive Cold Snap
Prepare before leaving shelter
- Bring bandages so you have a way to heal if exposure or a fight leaves you hurt.
- Choose a route with indoor shelter options in mind, especially before heading toward a distant objective.
- Keep the squad moving between cover points. Embark warns that being pinned down outside is dangerous during Cold Snap.
Warm up or redirect danger when needed
If shelter is far away, an Embark Gameplay Engineer says, “Being on fire is the fastest way to warm up.” Treat that as a situational in-game option, not a guarantee or a substitute for planning a route to shelter.
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Snowballs can also create an opportunity to move without drawing as much ARC attention: Embark’s Code & Animation Tech says, “Throwing Snowballs on alarmed cars can create a noise distraction to divert the ARC away from your location.” The distraction is a possibility, not a guaranteed way to make an enemy leave.
Finding Candleberries during Cold Snap
Look for evergreen bushes bearing bright red fruit. Game Designer Andreea Dragoman describes the plant this way: “The Candleberry bush is evergreen and bears bright red fruits.” World & Level Designer Marika Ohlsson says the bushes can usually be found around smaller structures, rocky areas, and other foliage.
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Embark recommends having stamina available for longer sprints and carrying bandages while gathering. Keep shelter in mind when planning a Candleberry route, rather than treating the fruit as a reason to remain exposed indefinitely.
Loot, blueprints, and event rewards
Cold Snap can make light-related loot, including light bulbs and candle holders, more common. Firecrackers and fireworks can appear in any map condition; the Firework Box blueprint, however, was exclusive to Cold Snap according to Embark’s December 20, 2025 developer tips.
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Candleberries remain collectible, but the February 2026 update says they are no longer tied to an event. This is distinct from the historical Flickering Flames event, which ran from December 16, 2025 through January 13, 2026. During that event, players earned Merits through XP and could redeem Candleberries and special items for Raider Tokens, new items, rare utility items, weapons, cosmetics, and Merits. Those dates have passed; the event should not be treated as currently active.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the extra loot worth the exposure?
There is no official numeric formula for weighing loot against frostbite risk. Make the decision based on how long you expect to be outdoors, how far the next shelter is, whether you have healing available, and whether the target loot is worth that exposure. A short detour near cover is a different risk from a prolonged search that leaves the squad exposed or pinned in a fight.
Embark’s February update confirms Cold Snap returned to the outdoor-map rotation but does not publish its schedule, frequency, or which map is currently affected. Check the in-game rotation rather than relying on a fixed timetable.
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Official sources
- Embark Studios: “Cold Snap – tips and tricks from the devs” (December 20, 2025)
- Embark Studios Help Center: “February Update 1.15.0” (last updated February 10, 2026)
- Embark Studios: “Winter hits the Rust Belt” (December 15, 2025)
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