Embark Studios has published all the information you could want to know about the upcoming Cold Snap update, which includes the Flickering Flames event and the new Raider Deck. The update drops on all platforms tomorrow, and there are stacks to learn about what’s coming next in ARC Raiders.
The update includes a new community challenge, a fresh series of Feats to complete to unlock free rewards, and map conditions that present a dire threat to Raiders everywhere.
Cold Snap: New Map Condition
From December 16, ARC Raiders players will be able to jump onto maps blanketed with snow and featuring a new map condition: Cold Snap. This condition is harmful and poses a serious threat to players:
During the Cold Snap condition, the clock is ticking. The freezing weather will cut your Raider down in minutes unless you get indoors, or heal up quickly. Bear this in mind when engaging other Raiders – getting pinned down in the open is a death sentence during a Rust Belt winter.
Flickering Flames is the new event coming to ARC Raiders tomorrow. The details have been outlined in a recent blog post published by Embark Studios:
Below ground, the tenacity of the human spirit endures. Despite food scarcity and rolling blackouts, survivors gather to light candles, swap war stories, and appreciate what little they have. The festival of Flickering Flames is about to begin.
The Candleberry Bush forms the centerpiece of these festivities. For Speranzans, this hardy plant is a versatile asset during the winter months: boiling the berry creates a wax that burns for hours. Crushing them yields a refreshing juice while the roots make for a tea that drives out the toughest colds. Candleberries make hearty stews, warming soups, and gifts of perfume and soap, while the wreaths can be fashioned into festive decorations that offer Speranzans a hint of Topside’s greenery. Speranza needs A LOT of them for the Candleberry Banquets!
Speranzans rely on other essential items through the winter too. Light and heat sources boost morale and help keep Speranzans comfortable, while giving them the best chance to fight through to the spring.
When you collect Candleberries and ‘other special items’, you’ll receive Raider Tokens, new items, rare utility items, weapons, cosmetics, and merit tokens, so there’s some give and take there. Players can unlock Merits simply for playing ARC Raiders, but finding and extracting Candleberries will elevate their gains.
An all-new Raider Deck will be introduced from December 26th, featuring a series of exclusive and free unlocks:
With our Winter Update, we’re also introducing our second free, permanent Raider Deck. Available from the 26th December, The Goalie Raider Deck lets you unlock a series of items, Raider Tokens, and Cosmetics as you earn Cred Topside.
The flagship skin of the new Raider Deck is an old world outfit that some Speranzans have claimed was worn by the world’s most fierce and respected gladiators. Who knows, really? But hey, it comes with a pretty cool new hockey stick Raider Tool.
As explained, the new skin comes with the first new Raider Tool, which takes the form of a hockey stick, because why not?
Flickering Flames is a limited-time, winter-themed event that runs from December 16 until January 13, so be quick if you want to maximize your rewards.
Let us know on the Insider Gaming Discord server if you’re looking forward to the Cold Snap update.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that Stellar Blade’s director has received a presidential commendation
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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