When is the Arc Raiders Cold Snap release time, and what’s actually dropping with it? Those are the big ones everyone’s asking ahead of the extraction shooter’s winter update — and the wait’s almost over.
As you’d guess with a seasonal patch, snow is finally rolling into Speranza. But Cold Snap isn’t just a coat of white paint. The weather brings frostbite into play, a limited-time event to grind through, and a new project running alongside the expedition as the first one winds down.
Below you’ll find the Arc Raiders Cold Snap release time in your local zone and everything confirmed for the update.
When is the Arc Raiders Cold Snap release time in your time zone?
Arc Raiders Cold Snap goes live on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 4:30 a.m. EST. Here’s how that translates:
- 1:30 a.m. PST — west coast North America
- 4:30 a.m. EST — east coast North America
- 6:30 a.m. BRT — Brazil
- 9:30 a.m. GMT — United Kingdom
- 10:30 a.m. CET — western Europe
- 6:30 p.m. JST — Japan
- 8:30 p.m. AEDT — eastern Australia
So yes, if you’re in the Americas, it’s either a very early start or a very late night if you want in the second the servers flip. The Cold Snap phase runs until the same time on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.
What to expect in the Arc Raiders Cold Snap update
Cold Snap layers in several changes to Speranza, headlined by the new snowfall map condition. You’ll see it on Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and The Blue Gate. The highlights:
- Environmental hazard: Cold, harsh weather introduces new risks for raiders who stay exposed too long. Frostbite is a creeping condition that slowly chips away at your health bar.
- Shelter mechanics: To prevent frostbite, squads will need to tweak their approach — think loadouts that can heal yourself or teammates, smarter routes, and planning your extractions with nearby shelter in mind.
- Visual overhaul: Frost buildup, frozen lakes, deeper snow accumulation, and more across the affected maps.
There are two winter-flavored progression tracks to chase, too. First is the Flickering Flames event, with rewards across 25 levels — expect new gear, cosmetics, and raider tokens. Progression hooks into merits, which you earn alongside XP after each topside run.
Then there’s the Candleberry Banquet project, which lives next to the expedition in the Projects tab on the main menu. You’ll scoop up unique loot during raids and gather candleberries to cash out cosmetics, raider tokens, and more merits that feed into Flickering Flames.
a new project that brings raiders together to feel the fragile warmth that shines through the frigid cold
One more to circle on the calendar: on Friday, Dec. 26, a new raider deck called “Goalie” arrives. It’s a permanent addition, so no panic if you’re out for the holidays. The deck features a hockey-inspired outfit with multiple color variants and a hockey stick raider tool.
For the full rundown straight from Embark, head to the official site: https://arcraiders.com/news/whats-coming-in-the-december-update