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ARC Raiders Turns into a True Survival Test... Starting Tomorrow

Prepare for an exhilarating winter transformation in ARC Raiders, starting December 16th! Experience snowy landscapes, new survival mechanics, seasonal events, and even a free Goalie Raider Deck with hockey-inspired gear.

Ahmed Hassan · 2 min read

Transforming ARC Raiders: Winter Takeover & Challenges Start Dec. 16th

Starting December 16th, Embark Studios' Cold Snap update will transform ARC Raiders with a temporary winter storm, introducing new cold-weather challenges and limited-time events. The free update also includes a second Raider Deck in the base game. The update's central feature is the winter takeover of Speranza. This blankets maps like Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and The Blue Gate in a "Cold Snap" condition, dynamically impacting raids with blizzards that reduce visibility, freeze lakes, and make terrain treacherous. Players will need to adapt their routes and carefully plan extractions. The extreme cold introduces the threat of frostbite, which gradually depletes a Raider's health. Raiders must prioritize healing, seek shelter, and adjust their equipment to combat the cold. Resource management becomes crucial. The update includes two winter-themed events: Flickering Flames: This event tests Raiders' endurance, offering rewards across 25 levels earned through Merits. Candleberry Banquet: This project encourages Raiders to collect unique items and Candleberries across five stages to earn rewards. Arriving on December 26th, the Goalie Raider deck will be added to the base game, permanently introducing new items, feats, and rewards, including a hockey-inspired Raider outfit and a hockey stick Raider tool.

Cold Snap Update Introduces Survival Challenges & Project Raider (Dec. 16th - Jan. 13th, 2026)

The Cold Snap update also introduces ice burns. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures gradually depletes a Raider's health, further incentivizing shelter and careful resource management. Available for a limited time from December 16th, 2025, to January 13th, 2026, the Cold Snap update marks the second major content update since the game's release. Alongside the icy climate, the Goalie Raider Deck will become a permanent addition. Finally, the update introduces Expedition Project Raider, an optional seasonal reset that allows players to begin a new journey with a new Raider. Completing this process resets character progress but grants exclusive bonuses and rewards that carry over to the new adventure.

In Case You Missed It

Ever felt a wave of nostalgia for classic gaming or been curious about AI's role in game creation? We've got you covered! Ahmed Hassan explores the groundbreaking tale behind Codex Mortis, an indie game entirely created by artificial intelligence, from coding with TypeScript to utilizing tools like Claude Code and ChatGPT Indie Creator Claims This is the First Game in the World Made Entirely with AI. Meanwhile, Sophie Laurent is taking us on a stroll down memory lane with her recent post on Players For Life, where she dishes the dirt on a major Nintendo 64 franchise revival in the works with Saber Interactive at the helm. Fancy revisiting classics like Banjo-Kazooie or Paper Mario? You won't want to miss this! A Massive Nintendo 64 Classic Preparing for Its Grand Return, Leaked And hey, did you catch Jonathan Dubinski's latest scoop? The man himself spilled the beans on Lenny Kravitz joining the James Bond universe as Bawma/King Bawma in "007: First Light." Wanna know how this Grammy winner plans to bring his signature swagger to a villainous role? Check out Jonathan's insightful article! Lenny Kravitz in New James Bond

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