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Arc Raiders Cold Snap Update: Start Date, New Map Condition, And Everything We Know So Far
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https://www.gamespot.com/articles/arc-raiders-cold-snap-update-start-date/1100-6536803/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f
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https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/screen_medium/1632/16320660/4619854-screenshot2025-12-09112115.png
description
Arc Raiders has been the talk of the town in the multiplayer arena over the past two months, landing a nomination for Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards and becoming one of the most played games in recent weeks. As players prep for this month's upcoming Expedition--an optional wipe that resets much of their progress in exchange for in-game rewards--they'll also be treated to the fresh Cold Snap update. This new content includes an additional snow-based map condition, a premium Raider Deck, and another event to complete for goodies. Here's everything we know about it so far.
Cold Snap release date
Arc Raiders' Cold Snap update will release on December 16, 2025. While we don't know an exact launch time for this update yet, the previous North Line update launched at 1:30 AM PT / 4:30 AM ET, so it's safe to assume this one may also launch in the wee hours of the morning for US-based players.
The Cold Snap update falls just one day before the Expedition window opens, which will allow players to send their raider off and reset much of their in-game progress any time before December 22. This should give dedicated players at least a few days to see this fresh content on their current raider before sending them off and starting anew.
Snowfall map condition
The Cold Snap update will feature the new snowfall map condition. While we don't know everything this condition will entail, we do know that heavy snow will reduce visibility and muffle sound, which should force players to engage in close-quarters combat--or tuck tail and run in another direction. Choosing the latter, though, may open you up to ambushes, as players will leave footprints in the snow that allow other raiders to track you more easily.
As with other map conditions, snowfall will rotate across a few of the game's existing maps and almost certainly increase loot value as an incentive for visiting and exploring the hazards within. Embark hasn't specified which maps will receive this condition yet, but based on layouts and existing map condition rotations, our best guess is Buried City and Blue Gate.
More quests
As with the North Line update, the traders back in Speranza will have a few new quests for you to complete when Cold Snap releases. We don't know how many quests there will be yet, but we anticipate they'll require you to visit the Snowfall map condition to complete at least some of the requirements.
Once we've checked out the new quests, we'll be sure to add them to our full Arc Raiders quest list, where you can find guides on how to complete them.
Flickering Flames event
The Cold Snap update also includes an all-new event. Similar to North Line's Breaking New Ground update, players will be tasked with contributing resources or completing tasks during raids to work toward a series of rewards. These events function much like a mini-battle pass, requiring a meaningful time investment without asking too much of players who just want to dive in casually.
New Raider Deck
In addition to the Flickering Flames event, players will also have a new Raider Deck (seasonal battle pass) to complete for cosmetics and more. This one is expected to be a premium deck, meaning you'll likely need to purchase it with real money before you can access all its content. However, we assume that the game's existing Creds currency will be used to buy each item in-game after you've unlocked the premium access, but we'll certainly update you when we know for sure.
For more on this extraction shooter, check out our Arc Raiders guide hub.
content_html
Arc Raiders has been the talk of the town in the multiplayer arena over the past two months, landing a nomination for Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards and becoming one of the most played games in recent weeks. As players prep for this month's upcoming Expedition--an optional wipe that resets much of their progress in exchange for in-game rewards--they'll also be treated to the fresh Cold Snap update. This new content includes an additional snow-based map condition, a premium Raider Deck, and another event to complete for goodies. Here's everything we know about it so far.
Cold Snap release date
Arc Raiders' Cold Snap update will release on December 16, 2025. While we don't know an exact launch time for this update yet, the previous North Line update launched at 1:30 AM PT / 4:30 AM ET, so it's safe to assume this one may also launch in the wee hours of the morning for US-based players.
The Cold Snap update falls just one day before the Expedition window opens, which will allow players to send their raider off and reset much of their in-game progress any time before December 22. This should give dedicated players at least a few days to see this fresh content on their current raider before sending them off and starting anew.
Snowfall map condition
The Cold Snap update will feature the new snowfall map condition. While we don't know everything this condition will entail, we do know that heavy snow will reduce visibility and muffle sound, which should force players to engage in close-quarters combat--or tuck tail and run in another direction. Choosing the latter, though, may open you up to ambushes, as players will leave footprints in the snow that allow other raiders to track you more easily.
As with other map conditions, snowfall will rotate across a few of the game's existing maps and almost certainly increase loot value as an incentive for visiting and exploring the hazards within. Embark hasn't specified which maps will receive this condition yet, but based on layouts and existing map condition rotations, our best guess is Buried City and Blue Gate.
More quests
As with the North Line update, the traders back in Speranza will have a few new quests for you to complete when Cold Snap releases. We don't know how many quests there will be yet, but we anticipate they'll require you to visit the Snowfall map condition to complete at least some of the requirements.
Once we've checked out the new quests, we'll be sure to add them to our full Arc Raiders quest list, where you can find guides on how to complete them.
Flickering Flames event
The Cold Snap update also includes an all-new event. Similar to North Line's Breaking New Ground update, players will be tasked with contributing resources or completing tasks during raids to work toward a series of rewards. These events function much like a mini-battle pass, requiring a meaningful time investment without asking too much of players who just want to dive in casually.
New Raider Deck
In addition to the Flickering Flames event, players will also have a new Raider Deck (seasonal battle pass) to complete for cosmetics and more. This one is expected to be a premium deck, meaning you'll likely need to purchase it with real money before you can access all its content. However, we assume that the game's existing Creds currency will be used to buy each item in-game after you've unlocked the premium access, but we'll certainly update you when we know for sure.
For more on this extraction shooter, check out our Arc Raiders guide hub.
content_text
Arc Raiders has been the talk of the town in the multiplayer arena over the past two months, landing a nomination for Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards and becoming one of the most played games in recent weeks. As players prep for this month's upcoming Expedition--an optional wipe that resets much of their progress in exchange for in-game rewards--they'll also be treated to the fresh Cold Snap update. This new content includes an additional snow-based map condition, a premium Raider Deck, and another event to complete for goodies. Here's everything we know about it so far.Cold Snap release dateArc Raiders' Cold Snap update will release on December 16, 2025. While we don't know an exact launch time for this update yet, the previous North Line update launched at 1:30 AM PT / 4:30 AM ET, so it's safe to assume this one may also launch in the wee hours of the morning for US-based players.The Cold Snap update falls just one day before the Expedition window opens, which will allow players to send their raider off and reset much of their in-game progress any time before December 22. This should give dedicated players at least a few days to see this fresh content on their current raider before sending them off and starting anew.Snowfall map conditionThe Cold Snap update will feature the new snowfall map condition. While we don't know everything this condition will entail, we do know that heavy snow will reduce visibility and muffle sound, which should force players to engage in close-quarters combat--or tuck tail and run in another direction. Choosing the latter, though, may open you up to ambushes, as players will leave footprints in the snow that allow other raiders to track you more easily.As with other map conditions, snowfall will rotate across a few of the game's existing maps and almost certainly increase loot value as an incentive for visiting and exploring the hazards within. Embark hasn't specified which maps will receive this condition yet, but based on layouts and existing map condition rotations, our best guess is Buried City and Blue Gate.More questsAs with the North Line update, the traders back in Speranza will have a few new quests for you to complete when Cold Snap releases. We don't know how many quests there will be yet, but we anticipate they'll require you to visit the Snowfall map condition to complete at least some of the requirements.Once we've checked out the new quests, we'll be sure to add them to our full Arc Raiders quest list, where you can find guides on how to complete them.Flickering Flames eventThe Cold Snap update also includes an all-new event. Similar to North Line's Breaking New Ground update, players will be tasked with contributing resources or completing tasks during raids to work toward a series of rewards. These events function much like a mini-battle pass, requiring a meaningful time investment without asking too much of players who just want to dive in casually.New Raider DeckIn addition to the Flickering Flames event, players will also have a new Raider Deck (seasonal battle pass) to complete for cosmetics and more. This one is expected to be a premium deck, meaning you'll likely need to purchase it with real money before you can access all its content. However, we assume that the game's existing Creds currency will be used to buy each item in-game after you've unlocked the premium access, but we'll certainly update you when we know for sure.For more on this extraction shooter, check out our Arc Raiders guide hub.
pub_date
9 December 2025, 6:39 pm
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1100-6536803
creator
Billy Givens
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uid: vSLJa
insdate: 2025-12-09 20:20:01
title: Arc Raiders Cold Snap Update: Start Date, New Map Condition, And Everything We Know So Far
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category: Game Spot
md5: 5f358d621b19bc040da5469a3b2cddaf
link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/arc-raiders-cold-snap-update-start-date/1100-6536803/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f
image: https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/screen_medium/1632/16320660/4619854-screenshot2025-12-09112115.png
image_imgur:
description:
Arc Raiders has been the talk of the town in the multiplayer arena over the past two months, landing a nomination for Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards and becoming one of the most played games in recent weeks. As players prep for this month's upcoming Expedition--an optional wipe that resets much of their progress in exchange for in-game rewards--they'll also be treated to the fresh Cold Snap update. This new content includes an additional snow-based map condition, a premium Raider Deck, and another event to complete for goodies. Here's everything we know about it so far.
Cold Snap release date
Arc Raiders' Cold Snap update will release on December 16, 2025. While we don't know an exact launch time for this update yet, the previous North Line update launched at 1:30 AM PT / 4:30 AM ET, so it's safe to assume this one may also launch in the wee hours of the morning for US-based players.
The Cold Snap update falls just one day before the Expedition window opens, which will allow players to send their raider off and reset much of their in-game progress any time before December 22. This should give dedicated players at least a few days to see this fresh content on their current raider before sending them off and starting anew.
Snowfall map condition
The Cold Snap update will feature the new snowfall map condition. While we don't know everything this condition will entail, we do know that heavy snow will reduce visibility and muffle sound, which should force players to engage in close-quarters combat--or tuck tail and run in another direction. Choosing the latter, though, may open you up to ambushes, as players will leave footprints in the snow that allow other raiders to track you more easily.
As with other map conditions, snowfall will rotate across a few of the game's existing maps and almost certainly increase loot value as an incentive for visiting and exploring the hazards within. Embark hasn't specified which maps will receive this condition yet, but based on layouts and existing map condition rotations, our best guess is Buried City and Blue Gate.
More quests
As with the North Line update, the traders back in Speranza will have a few new quests for you to complete when Cold Snap releases. We don't know how many quests there will be yet, but we anticipate they'll require you to visit the Snowfall map condition to complete at least some of the requirements.
Once we've checked out the new quests, we'll be sure to add them to our full Arc Raiders quest list, where you can find guides on how to complete them.
Flickering Flames event
The Cold Snap update also includes an all-new event. Similar to North Line's Breaking New Ground update, players will be tasked with contributing resources or completing tasks during raids to work toward a series of rewards. These events function much like a mini-battle pass, requiring a meaningful time investment without asking too much of players who just want to dive in casually.
New Raider Deck
In addition to the Flickering Flames event, players will also have a new Raider Deck (seasonal battle pass) to complete for cosmetics and more. This one is expected to be a premium deck, meaning you'll likely need to purchase it with real money before you can access all its content. However, we assume that the game's existing Creds currency will be used to buy each item in-game after you've unlocked the premium access, but we'll certainly update you when we know for sure.
For more on this extraction shooter, check out our Arc Raiders guide hub.
content_html:
Arc Raiders has been the talk of the town in the multiplayer arena over the past two months, landing a nomination for Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards and becoming one of the most played games in recent weeks. As players prep for this month's upcoming Expedition--an optional wipe that resets much of their progress in exchange for in-game rewards--they'll also be treated to the fresh Cold Snap update. This new content includes an additional snow-based map condition, a premium Raider Deck, and another event to complete for goodies. Here's everything we know about it so far.
Cold Snap release date
Arc Raiders' Cold Snap update will release on December 16, 2025. While we don't know an exact launch time for this update yet, the previous North Line update launched at 1:30 AM PT / 4:30 AM ET, so it's safe to assume this one may also launch in the wee hours of the morning for US-based players.
The Cold Snap update falls just one day before the Expedition window opens, which will allow players to send their raider off and reset much of their in-game progress any time before December 22. This should give dedicated players at least a few days to see this fresh content on their current raider before sending them off and starting anew.
Snowfall map condition
The Cold Snap update will feature the new snowfall map condition. While we don't know everything this condition will entail, we do know that heavy snow will reduce visibility and muffle sound, which should force players to engage in close-quarters combat--or tuck tail and run in another direction. Choosing the latter, though, may open you up to ambushes, as players will leave footprints in the snow that allow other raiders to track you more easily.
As with other map conditions, snowfall will rotate across a few of the game's existing maps and almost certainly increase loot value as an incentive for visiting and exploring the hazards within. Embark hasn't specified which maps will receive this condition yet, but based on layouts and existing map condition rotations, our best guess is Buried City and Blue Gate.
More quests
As with the North Line update, the traders back in Speranza will have a few new quests for you to complete when Cold Snap releases. We don't know how many quests there will be yet, but we anticipate they'll require you to visit the Snowfall map condition to complete at least some of the requirements.
Once we've checked out the new quests, we'll be sure to add them to our full Arc Raiders quest list, where you can find guides on how to complete them.
Flickering Flames event
The Cold Snap update also includes an all-new event. Similar to North Line's Breaking New Ground update, players will be tasked with contributing resources or completing tasks during raids to work toward a series of rewards. These events function much like a mini-battle pass, requiring a meaningful time investment without asking too much of players who just want to dive in casually.
New Raider Deck
In addition to the Flickering Flames event, players will also have a new Raider Deck (seasonal battle pass) to complete for cosmetics and more. This one is expected to be a premium deck, meaning you'll likely need to purchase it with real money before you can access all its content. However, we assume that the game's existing Creds currency will be used to buy each item in-game after you've unlocked the premium access, but we'll certainly update you when we know for sure.
For more on this extraction shooter, check out our Arc Raiders guide hub.
content_text: Arc Raiders has been the talk of the town in the multiplayer arena over the past two months, landing a nomination for Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards and becoming one of the most played games in recent weeks. As players prep for this month's upcoming Expedition--an optional wipe that resets much of their progress in exchange for in-game rewards--they'll also be treated to the fresh Cold Snap update. This new content includes an additional snow-based map condition, a premium Raider Deck, and another event to complete for goodies. Here's everything we know about it so far.Cold Snap release dateArc Raiders' Cold Snap update will release on December 16, 2025. While we don't know an exact launch time for this update yet, the previous North Line update launched at 1:30 AM PT / 4:30 AM ET, so it's safe to assume this one may also launch in the wee hours of the morning for US-based players.The Cold Snap update falls just one day before the Expedition window opens, which will allow players to send their raider off and reset much of their in-game progress any time before December 22. This should give dedicated players at least a few days to see this fresh content on their current raider before sending them off and starting anew.Snowfall map conditionThe Cold Snap update will feature the new snowfall map condition. While we don't know everything this condition will entail, we do know that heavy snow will reduce visibility and muffle sound, which should force players to engage in close-quarters combat--or tuck tail and run in another direction. Choosing the latter, though, may open you up to ambushes, as players will leave footprints in the snow that allow other raiders to track you more easily.As with other map conditions, snowfall will rotate across a few of the game's existing maps and almost certainly increase loot value as an incentive for visiting and exploring the hazards within. Embark hasn't specified which maps will receive this condition yet, but based on layouts and existing map condition rotations, our best guess is Buried City and Blue Gate.More questsAs with the North Line update, the traders back in Speranza will have a few new quests for you to complete when Cold Snap releases. We don't know how many quests there will be yet, but we anticipate they'll require you to visit the Snowfall map condition to complete at least some of the requirements.Once we've checked out the new quests, we'll be sure to add them to our full Arc Raiders quest list, where you can find guides on how to complete them.Flickering Flames eventThe Cold Snap update also includes an all-new event. Similar to North Line's Breaking New Ground update, players will be tasked with contributing resources or completing tasks during raids to work toward a series of rewards. These events function much like a mini-battle pass, requiring a meaningful time investment without asking too much of players who just want to dive in casually.New Raider DeckIn addition to the Flickering Flames event, players will also have a new Raider Deck (seasonal battle pass) to complete for cosmetics and more. This one is expected to be a premium deck, meaning you'll likely need to purchase it with real money before you can access all its content. However, we assume that the game's existing Creds currency will be used to buy each item in-game after you've unlocked the premium access, but we'll certainly update you when we know for sure.For more on this extraction shooter, check out our Arc Raiders guide hub.
pub_date: 9 December 2025, 6:39 pm
guid: 1100-6536803
creator: Billy Givens
related_games:
processed: TRUE