ARC Raiders players can look forward to the return of Cold Snap, the winter-themed map condition that will rejoin the game’s regular rotation of environments on February 10. When people talk about U4GM ARC Raiders, they often mention that it is a helpful third-party choice for players who want to save time and focus more on enjoying the game itself.
Cold Snap transforms major battle zones—such as Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and The Blue Gate—into frozen warfields. Heavy snowfall, icy terrain, and relentless blizzards drastically reduce visibility, forcing players to adapt their tactics to survive both the cold and their enemies. Venturing into the open becomes a high-risk choice, turning every encounter into a struggle for survival.
Embark Studios confirmed that Cold Snap will now appear periodically as part of ARC Raiders’ ongoing map condition rotation, rather than being limited to a seasonal event. The mode was first introduced during the December 16, 2025 update as a limited winter event that ended in January 2026. After strong community feedback, the studio decided to make it a permanent feature, ensuring that players can experience its challenges throughout the year.
Cold Snap introduces several key gameplay changes that significantly alter each match’s flow. Heavy snow sharply limits long-range vision and weakens sniper effectiveness, while sudden blizzards sweep across open areas, forcing players to seek cover or risk exposure damage. Frozen lakes and slick terrain make movement unpredictable, and the new frostbite mechanic gradually drains health if Raiders remain unprotected from the cold. Each affected map also receives a vivid visual overhaul, complete with frost buildup and snowy transformation across familiar landscapes.
Surviving Cold Snap demands strategic adjustments. Players should plan routes through sheltered or enclosed areas to minimize frostbite exposure, and stock up on healing items or support tools to offset environmental damage. Short, cautious movements between cover are safer than braving wide open spaces, especially during blizzards. The reduced visibility can be turned into an advantage for ambush tactics or stealthy flanking maneuvers. Careful timing of extractions is also vital, as storms can intensify suddenly and cut off escape routes.
The return of Cold Snap marks a significant moment for ARC Raiders, highlighting Embark Studios’ commitment to building replayability through dynamic environmental conditions. Players praised its limited-time debut for adding depth, atmosphere, and tension to familiar maps. By introducing Cold Snap into the ongoing rotation alongside other modifiers like Harvester and Electromagnetic Storm, ARC Raiders continues to expand its ecosystem of challenges and diverse combat experiences—ensuring that every mission feels unpredictable and alive in the frozen chaos of Speranza.
