The “Rust Belt” of post-apocalyptic Italy is a beautiful, lethal expanse where the sound of mechanical legs hitting the pavement is usually followed by a frantic dash for extraction. Developed by Embark Studios, Arc Raiders has redefined the extraction shooter genre by blending high-stakes PvPvE with a vibrant, Unreal Engine 5 aesthetic. Whether you are a lone ranger scrounging for spare parts or part of a coordinated trio, surviving the ARC machines and rival Raiders requires more than just good aim—it requires a deep understanding of the game’s evolving meta.
As we move into January 2026, the stakes have never been higher. With the recently launched Cold Snap update introducing frostbite mechanics and frozen terrain, even veteran players are having to rethink their approach to the surface. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to thrive in the current season.
What is the Arc Raiders Cold Snap Event?
The Cold Snap update is the latest seasonal event that has transformed the game’s core maps—including Dam Battlegrounds and Buried City—into frozen wastelands. This isn’t just a visual change; the “Cold Snap” condition introduces a frostbite mechanic that slowly drains the health of any Raider who stays outdoors for too long without finding a heat source.
Alongside the environmental hazards, players can participate in the Flickering Flames community event. This event tasks Raiders with gathering Candleberries topside to fund the “Candleberry Banquet” project in the underground city of Speranza. Participating in these community-wide goals is the fastest way to unlock exclusive rewards and seasonal progression.
Event Dates and Platforms
Arc Raiders is a premium title (priced at approximately $40) and is available on the following platforms with full cross-play and cross-progression:
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Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
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Flickering Flames Event Dates: Active now through January 13, 2026.
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The Goalie Raider Deck: Launched on December 26th, this free permanent deck remains available for all players to progress through in January.
Rewards, Bonuses, and Seasonal Gear
The current event rewards players who brave the cold with a mix of cosmetic and functional items. By earning Merits (automatically converted from XP earned during raids), you can progress through a 25-tier reward track.
Highlighted Rewards:
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Hi-Tech Hiker Outfit: A winter-themed set available in several color variants (Blue, Orange, Yellow, and White).
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Space Wrench Raider Tool: A unique tool earned at the final tier of the reward track.
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Goalie Raider Set: A hockey-inspired outfit and the Hockey Stick Raider Tool, perfect for the “Cold Snap” aesthetic.
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Raider Tokens: Premium currency used to purchase permanent cosmetics and blueprints in Speranza.
Arc Raiders Tips: Weapons and Multiplayer Strategies
To survive long enough to extract your loot, you need a loadout that balances armor penetration against ARC machines and high burst damage against rival Raiders.
Best Weapons for January 2026
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Bettina (Assault Rifle): The gold standard for versatility. It has excellent range and high armor damage, making it the most reliable primary weapon for any raid.
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Vulcano (Shotgun): Essential for “Buried City” or interior fights. It can annihilate a Raider or an ARC elite in close quarters, though its range is limited.
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Jupiter (Energy Sniper): A legendary bolt-action rifle that pierces bosses and armored foes from a distance. Ideal for squads acting as overwatch.
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Aphelion (Battle Rifle): A newer legendary weapon that thrives at long distances, perfect for picking off rival squads before they even see you.
Winning Multiplayer Strategies
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Sound Discipline is Survival: Sprinting and looting make significant noise. In Arc Raiders, sound is the primary way players track each other. Holster your weapon (press 5) to move faster and more quietly when traveling between zones.
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The “Third-Party” Rule: If you hear gunfire, don’t rush in immediately. Wait for the two groups to weaken each other, then move in to clean up.
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Heat Management: During the Cold Snap event, use Arc Power Cells to partially replenish your shield or craft “Fireball Burners” at the Candleberry Banquet to stay warm.
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The Expedition Reset: If you’ve hit the level cap, consider the Expedition Project. This optional reset trades your current gear and levels for permanent account-wide buffs and exclusive rewards, essentially “prestigeing” your Raider for the 2026 season.
Why Arc Raiders is Worth Playing Right Now
Unlike many extraction shooters that focus purely on the “grind,” Arc Raiders places a heavy emphasis on atmospheric storytelling and cooperative play. The Cold Snap update proves that Embark Studios is committed to dynamic world-building. Watching a sunset over the frozen Alcantara Power Plant while dodging a Matriarch ARC is an experience you won’t find in other shooters.
Furthermore, the game’s decision to move away from a “mandatory wipe” system—instead offering the voluntary Expedition Reset—respects your time investment while still providing that “fresh start” feeling that extraction fans love.
Conclusion
Mastering the Arc Raiders complete guide – tips, weapons, and multiplayer strategies is an ongoing process as the Rust Belt continues to change. Whether you are hunting for Candleberries to help the citizens of Speranza or engaging in high-stakes PvP for a legendary Aphelion blueprint, 2026 is the year of the Raider. The machines are evolving, but with the right weapons and a bit of tactical patience, the surface is yours for the taking.
Are you ready to drop topside? Gather your squad, check your ammo counts, and we will see you at the extraction elevator.
FAQ: Arc Raiders 2026
How do I get Merits for the Flickering Flames event? Merits are automatically earned by gaining XP during raids. Every 100 XP you earn converts into 1 Merit. Completing quests and taking down large ARC machines like the Matriarch or Shredder is the fastest way to stack up XP.
Can I play Arc Raiders solo? Yes. While the game is designed for teams of three, it features a solo-queue option that attempts to match you with other solo players or smaller groups to keep the matches fair.
What happens if I die during a raid? You will lose all the loot in your main inventory. However, any items tucked into your Safe Pocket slots will be preserved. Progressing through the skill tree allows you to expand your Safe Pocket capacity.
