Arc Raiders’ Cold Snap update arrives December 16 — snow map, winter event, and first Expedition window
Arc Raiders developer Embark Studios has confirmed the release date for the game’s first major update: the Cold Snap winter patch lands on December 16.
Embark teased the date and a snowy image with the short, cryptic line “A cold snap is coming.” The tweet is here:
16.12.25 pic.twitter.com/UxQH0nAP1L
— ARC Raiders (@ARCRaidersGame) December 9, 2025
According to the roadmap Embark published at launch in late October, Cold Snap will introduce a new snowfall map condition — so expect the usual winter toolbox of slippery surfaces, reduced visibility, and the extra risk-versus-reward gameplay that brings. The update is also set to include an in-game seasonal event called Flickering Flames, new quests, a fresh raider deck, and the “departure window” for the game’s first Expedition — essentially the title’s first opt-in character wipe.
It’s not clear whether Embark will share more details before the patch drops next week. The studio also hasn’t outlined its post-Cold Snap plans for Arc Raiders in the new year. We’ll have a clearer picture once the update goes live and players can test how Embark handles a larger content drop.
“Former Nexon boss who took a risk on Arc Raiders says “the AAA industry is structurally at its end” and “it’s going to end in more disaster than it has already” without a “serious rewrite”.”