ARC Raiders’ Cold Snap update (version 1.7.0) arrived on December 16, 2025, bringing a snow-driven survival hazard, the time-limited Flickering Flames event, new quests, and other game changes. Embark also announced the free, permanent Goalie Raider Deck, which became available on December 26, 2025. These are historical dates: later updates have since appeared on the official news index.
What Cold Snap added to ARC Raiders
Embark published the 1.7.0 patch notes on December 16, 2025. The notes call the update’s arrival “Winter hits the Rust Belt.” Its headline additions were the Cold Snap map condition, Flickering Flames event, new quests and items, and the Goalie Raider Deck. The event had a scheduled end date; the deck was described as permanent.
| Feature | What it did | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Snap map condition | Added snow and cold-weather survival pressure to topside runs. | Announced to begin December 16, 2025. |
| Flickering Flames | Paired Candleberry contributions and XP earned topside with event progression and rewards. | Scheduled for December 16, 2025–January 13, 2026. |
| Goalie Raider Deck | Added a free progression track with in-game items, Raider Tokens, and cosmetics. | Available from December 26, 2025; described as permanent. |
How the Cold Snap map condition worked
Cold Snap made weather part of the survival challenge, not just a change in scenery. Embark said snow reduces visibility, frozen water makes footing unsteady, and frostbite creates a timer that threatens Raiders who stay exposed. The developer advised getting indoors or using healing to withstand the cold; its preview said freezing weather could take down a Raider in minutes without shelter or healing. That duration is Embark’s description of the mechanic, not an independently measured guarantee for every run.
The practical trade-off was to account for exposure and visibility alongside the usual dangers topside. A route across frozen water could be less reliable, while remaining outside too long risked frostbite. The update materials do not specify a universal safe exposure time.
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How Flickering Flames progression and rewards worked
Flickering Flames ran on a defined schedule, from December 16, 2025 through January 13, 2026. Players could gather Candleberries and special items to contribute to Candleberry Banquets. Merits were also earned through XP gained at any topside location, giving players a progression route beyond the contribution activity.
Embark listed Raider Tokens, new items, rare utility items, weapons, cosmetics, and Merits among the event rewards. Its preview summed up the seasonal challenge with the line “Stay warm. Stay alive.”
What the Goalie Raider Deck included
The Goalie Raider Deck was presented as ARC Raiders’ second free, permanent Raider Deck. Starting December 26, 2025, players could unlock items, Raider Tokens, and cosmetics as they earned Cred topside. Its hockey-themed look included a flagship hockey-inspired cosmetic and a hockey-stick Raider Tool. These are in-game unlocks, not evidence of a physical hockey product.
The 1.7.0 notes also introduced a cap on accumulated Cred so it could not fully unlock new Raider Decks. Embark said Cred players had already accumulated would not be removed.
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Other notable changes in patch 1.7.0
Cold Snap was only one part of the update. Embark’s patch highlights included these quality-of-life, content, and balance changes:
- Skill tree: added skill-tree reset functionality.
- Aiming: added a toggle option for Aim Down Sights.
- Cred: added a wallet display for the soft cap.
- Raider Tools: added customization.
- Maps: included collision fixes.
- Aphelion blueprint: moved its drop location from the Matriarch to Stella Montis.
- Expeditions: added an Expedition Departure Window.
- Seasonal items: added festive items.
The notes also recorded weapon balance adjustments. Bettina durability burn per shot was reduced from about 0.43% to about 0.17%; its base magazine increased from 20 to 22, and reload time fell from 5 to 4.5. Rattler’s magazine increased from 10 to 12. These figures describe the patch-note changes, not independent testing of their effects in play.
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- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety, and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game
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Is Cold Snap still the current ARC Raiders update?
No. Cold Snap was the December 2025 update 1.7.0, and Flickering Flames’ stated run ended on January 13, 2026. The Goalie deck was described as permanent, but that does not make the seasonal event ongoing. The official news index shows that later updates have been published.
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