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When is The Cold Snap Update Coming To ARC Raiders?
If you’ve been wandering the dusty battlegrounds of ARC Raiders lately, good news: things are about to get a whole lot cooler. Literally. The much-awaited Cold Snap update is rolling out on December 16, 2025, blanketing topside maps in snow and winter fog.
Think frozen ridges, slippery firefights, and low-visibility ambushes that’ll make even the boldest Raiders pause before sprinting into the storm. Embark Studios hasn’t officially stamped the exact live time, but all signs (and past update patterns) point to an early morning global release.
Judging from the November North Line patch, Cold Snap should drop around 4:30 AM EST / 9:30 AM UTC, which translates to 3:00 PM for players in India (IST) and late evening for those down under.
Beyond the festive vibe, this one’s more than a cosmetic refresh. New map conditions, fresh weather mechanics, a limited-time event, and new Raider Deck items it’s shaping up to be the biggest shake-up since the game’s October launch.
ARC Raiders Cold Snap Release Date and Time Zones
Yep, it’s official, December 16, 2025, is when the global snowstorm hits. Most time zones will see it arrive within the same 24-hour window, though some lucky players in the Asia-Pacific might get to experience it at sunset. Here’s a quick (and slightly informal) rundown:
| Region | Timezone | Expected Release |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. (West Coast) | PST (UTC -8) | 1:30 AM, Dec 16 |
| U.S. (East Coast) | EST (UTC -5) | 4:30 AM, Dec 16 |
| U.K. | GMT (UTC +0) | 9:30 AM, Dec 16 |
| Europe | CET (UTC +1) | 10:30 AM, Dec 16 |
| India | IST (UTC +5:30) | 3:00 PM, Dec 16 |
| Japan | JST (UTC +9) | 6:30 PM, Dec 16 |
| Australia | AEDT (UTC +11) | 8:30 PM, Dec 16 |
| New Zealand | NZDT (UTC +13) | 10:30 PM, Dec 16 |
If you’re that person refreshing the launcher every ten minutes (yeah, we’ve all been there), maybe mark your local time now and grab some snacks. The servers might roll out gradually, so expect a bit of delay or maintenance depending on your platform.
What’s Actually Coming in Cold Snap?
This isn’t just snow slapped on the Rust Belt. Cold Snap introduces a brand-new weather system, complete with dynamic snowstorms that can reduce visibility, mess with your aim, and test your team coordination. The once-familiar battlegrounds now feel… unpredictable.
There’s also a limited-time event called Flickering Flames, which sounds cozy but probably isn’t. If rumors are true, straying too long in the cold may literally chip away at your health unless you find warmth or shelter — survival horror meets extraction shooter.
Other highlights:
- New Raider Deck featuring fresh cosmetics and quests
- A Winter Expedition launch, where players depart from Rust Belt Ridge into new zones
- Environmental storytelling, little winter touches scattered around the maps that hint at past battles and frozen memories
If you’ve been grinding for loot since the last update, this one should shake up your routine pretty hard.
A Quick Word About the Expedition
The Expedition Project launches simultaneously with Cold Snap, marking a reset of sorts for players brave enough to venture beyond the known zones.
You’ll be able to send your character off to the outer frontier, start a fresh run, and build up from scratch with a cleaner deck.
Don’t worry, though, Caravan restoration progress carries over, so even if you can’t make it to the departure window, you won’t lose your long-term grind.
Honestly, it’s one of those systems that feels intimidating until you’ve tried it once, and then suddenly you’re checking spreadsheets and obsessing over gear routes at midnight.
Why Fans Are Hyped
After the North Line update introduced the pristine Stella Montis region, players have been asking for weather variety, and Cold Snap feels like the devs really listened. The snowy conditions don’t just add atmosphere; they change the way you approach fights.
You’ll hear muffled gunfire through blizzards, lose sight of snipers behind drifting snow, and feel that new sense of tension where every shadow could hide movement.
And for a lot of us who started ARC Raiders back in October, this update feels like the first truly seasonal moment the game has had, like a live-service title growing into its rhythm. The timing, right before the holidays, couldn’t be better.
Disclaimer: The information above is based on currently available details, developer patterns, community speculation, and unofficial sources at the time of writing. While the Cold Snap update for ARC Raiders is expected to release on December 16, 2025, exact launch times, features, events, and mechanics may change at the discretion of Embark Studios. Players should refer to official ARC Raiders announcements, patch notes, or social media channels for the most accurate and up-to-date information. This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the game’s developers or publishers.
