The Flickering Flames event for Arc Raiders is set to begin tomorrow, bringing a gentle blanket of snow to various outdoor maps. This wintery addition will not only enhance the atmosphere but also introduce new hazards such as environmental effects and frostbite.

The snowy condition, termed Cold Snap, will be implemented on the live servers alongside the ongoing Night Raids and Electromagnetic Storms rotations. Under the Cold Snap condition, water will freeze, creating unstable terrain, vision will be impaired, and lingering outdoors for too long will inflict damage on your raider. Players will need to seek shelter indoors to avoid the effects of frostbite.

Simultaneously, the Flickering Flames event aims to keep the community engaged in a festive spirit. Participants will gather Candleberries from their surroundings, alongside sources of warmth and light to maintain comfort underground. This event appears to function similarly to the Stella Montis map unlock, requiring raiders to return specific resources to the hub.

Gathering Candleberries will reward players with cosmetics, weapons, raider tokens, new items, and more when submitted. It’s definitely worthwhile to log in and commence your collection efforts, as you’ll have until January 13th to obtain everything available.

Additionally, a new Raider Deck will debut in the game on December 26th. The Goalie Raider Deck is entirely free and permanent, functioning similarly to the initial Raider Deck. It promises a range of rewards, with a standout feature being the introduction of a new hockey stick raider tool.

This December also marks the opening of the first departure window for Arc Raiders, allowing players to send their leveled-up characters on permanent explorations in exchange for an XP boost and exclusive rewards.

With the Flickering Flames event wrapping up, we will reach the conclusion of the initial roadmap released by Embark Studios. What lies ahead for Arc Raiders in 2026 remains largely uncertain. Personally, I am looking forward to diving back in, collecting some exclusive rewards during the Christmas season, and beginning anew with a fresh character next year.