When is the Arc Raiders Cold Snap release time, and what’s coming in the update? Those are the two big questions surrounding the extraction shooter’s long-awaited December update, but thankfully there isn’t long to go until we get our hands on it.
As you’d expect with a winter-themed update, snow is making its way to Speranza for the first time, hence the “Cold Snap” update name, but it isn’t just a visual change. It’s going to affect gameplay in the form of frostbite, not to mention a new limited-time event, and the second project now that the first expedition has almost come to a close.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Arc Raiders Cold Snap update, including when it releases in your time zone and the full patch notes.
When is the Arc Raiders Cold Snap release time in your time zone?
Image: Embark Studios
Arc Raiders Cold Snap will go live on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 4:30 a.m. EST. Here’s the release time in some other popular time zones:
- 1:30 a.m. PST for the west coast of North America
- 4:30 a.m. EST for the east coast of North America
- 6:30 a.m. BRT for Brazil
- 9:30 a.m. GMT for the United Kingdom
- 10:30 a.m. CET for western Europe
- 6:30 p.m. JST for Japan
- 8:30 p.m. AEDT for the east coast of Australia
Of course, this means folks in North and South America will have an extremely early start — or a very late night — if you want to jump in as soon as it goes live. The Cold Snap phase of Arc Raiders will run until the same time on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.
What to expect in the Arc Raiders Cold Snap update
Cold Snap is bringing a bunch of exciting new additions to Speranza, the flagship one being the snowfall map condition. This can be found on Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and The Blue Gate, and features the following changes, as per the official press release:
- Environmental Hazard: Cold, harsh weather introduces new risks for raiders who remain outdoors too long. Players must watch out for frostbite, a creeping condition that slowly drains their health bar.
- Shelter Mechanics: To prevent frostbite, raiders will need to adapt their tactics as the cold gradually seeps into their bones. Raiders must rethink their loadouts, ensuring they can heal themselves or their teammates and plan their extractions with care, finding shelter if needed.
- Visual Overhaul: Frost buildup, frozen lakes, snow accumulation and more.
Alongside the snowfall map condition, there will also be two winter-themed challenges. First up is the Flickering Flames event, which will offer rewards across 25 levels, including new gear, cosmetic rewards, and raider tokens, which can all be earned by spending merits, granted alongside XP after each visit topside.
Then there’s the Candleberry Banquet project, which can be found alongside the expedition in the projects tab on the main menu. Described as “a new project that brings raiders together to feel the fragile warmth that shines through the frigid cold,” players can earn rewards by looting unique items during raids, alongside collecting candleberries. Again, you’ll earn plenty of cosmetics, raider tokens, and merits for the Flickering Flames event.
On Friday, Dec. 26, there will also be a brand-new raider deck, called “Goalie.” This will be available permanently, so don’t worry if you’re not around to play immediately, and includes a “hockey-inspired raider outfit in several color variants, along with a hockey stick raider tool.”
You can read more about the Cold Snap update on the official site, or if you want to check out details on one of Arc Raiders’ rarest events, check out our Locked Gate deep dive.
