ARC Raiders Cold Snap update: Everything we know

ARC Raiders Cold Snap is an upcoming feature update expected to arrive in December 2025. Initially showcased in the yearly roadmap, the winter patch is expected to introduce quite a few additions to Embark Studios' extraction shooter. Unlike the North Line update, Cold Snap will not be introducing any new maps. However, fans need not worry too much as various additions are planned during the holidays.

This article sheds light on everything we know about the ARC Raiders Cold Snap update.

Note: Patch release date is an estimate and does not indicate official news. Embark Studios has yet to make an official post revealing this information.

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ARC Raiders Cold Snap update release date

Although there is no official news regarding the winter patch release date, taking a look at the ARC Raiders 2025 roadmap reveals key information. This update is supposed to coincide with the Expedition Departure window.

This means the Raiders can expect the Cold Snap patch to arrive during the third week of December 2025. Since Embark pushes updates on Thursdays, players can be on the lookout for December 19, 2025.

ARC Raiders 2025 Roadmap (Image via Embark Studios)

What to expect from the ARC Raider Cold Snap update?

New map condition

A brand new map condition is making its way into Embark Studios' popular extraction shooter. A "Snowfall" condition will include winter-themed snowy variants of the maps present in Rust Belt Ridge. This condition will introduce fresh mechanics, such as visible footsteps, reduced visibility, and blizzard weather conditions.

Map conditions offer exciting challenges (Image via SK Gaming || Embark Studios)

New event

ARC Raiders Cold Snap will introduce a new Flickering Flames event in-game. You should expect new, tougher challenges that require venturing into cold and harsh climates. Bundled with a new map condition, lack of long-range visibility will force you to rethink your usual loadouts and go for something suited to survive the snowy topside.

North Line update event (Image via SK Gaming || Embark Studios)

Expedition departure

Since the Cold Snap patch coincides with the Expedition Project departure window, willing participants send their current Raiders beyond the horizons of the Rust Belt Ridge and start fresh with a new character. There are various benefits to be obtained for sending players away after having built your own caravan.

Expedition Project caravan (Image via SK Gaming || Embark Studios)

New Raider Deck

Fresh items, outfits, and resources can be obtained as a brand new Deck is set to be introduced with the ARC Raiders Cold Snap patch. This means you can jump into the latest update and spend all your stacked tokens to get a boosted start.

New quests

After having completed all in-game quests, especially the newer ones from Stella Montis, players can expect a fresh round of missions from Speranza traders as soon as the ARC Raiders Cold Snap patch arrives.

Following suit with the previous quests, the upcoming ones will offer new challenges and reward those who dare to brave the harsh climates and come out alive.

That concludes our coverage of the ARC Raiders Cold Snap patch. This winter update will be the last addition to Embark Studios' extraction shooter for the current year. As we slowly head towards Christmas, the Raiders can fully embrace the holiday spirit with the upcoming snow-laden patch.

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Edited by Sankalpa Das