ARC Raiders is moving out of its launch phase and into a structured live-service cycle. With the full 2025 roadmap now outlined, the coming months introduce new weather systems, a seasonal progression model, and the game’s first opt-in wipe through the Expedition Project. December’s Cold Snap update marks the transition point, shaping how players approach progression, resets, and long-term account power. Cold Snap is the pivot point where ARC Raiders shifts from a launch title into a recurring seasonal system.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of every confirmed system, event, and update arriving through early 2026—what changes, what resets, and how to prepare.
In this guide we’ll cover:
- Timeline & Cadence: Full overview of all major dates from launch through early 2026.
- State of the Game: Stability, fixes, and where ARC Raiders stands heading into Cold Snap.
- Managing Expectations: What Cold Snap doesn’t include (no new map, no factions, no vendors).
- Part 1 — Cold Snap: Snowfall map condition, Flickering Flames event, and the first Raider Deck.
- Part 2 — Expedition Project: How the voluntary wipe works, what resets vs. what persists, and all reward types.
- Preparation Guide: How to optimize stash value, quests, and tokens before the Dec 17–22 departure window.
- Part 3 — 2026 Evolution: Confirmed ongoing content, endgame systems, and speculative long-term features.
ARC Raiders Roadmap Timeline (2025–2026): Key Dates & Update Schedule
For those who need the intel immediately, here is the snapshot of the roadmap covering November and December and beyond.
| Date | Key Update | Main Features | Status |
| Oct 30 | Launch | Game release; Expedition Project cycle begins (60-day prep). | Live |
| Nov 13 | Northline | Stella Montis map, Matriarch & Shredder ARCs, Aphelion rifle. | Live |
| Early Dec | Cold Snap | Snowfall map condition, New Raider Deck, New Quests. | Upcoming |
| Dec 17–22 | Departure | Expedition departure window. Opt-in wipe for permanent rewards. | Upcoming |
| Dec 22 | Cycle Reset | Participating Raiders depart; accounts reset for Season 2. | Upcoming |
| 2026+ | Evolution | Ongoing updates, new map conditions, Feats/Trials, QoL. | Planned |
ARC Raiders State of the Game (Before Cold Snap 2025)
If the launch was just the prologue, the ARC Raiders team has signaled that only the beginning of the journey is behind us.
The Northline update in November established the template for content drops. While Northline didn’t fix everything—balance discrepancies remain—it clearly marked Embark’s shift toward steady, structured seasonal delivery. Crucially, the developers have proven their commitment to live-service integrity with the recent Patch 1.4.0. This update improved lighting consistency and fixed major loot-room exploits and quick-swap bugs, making this a stable and reasonable time to enter the game.
Cold Snap shifts focus from stability to systems. It deepens the gameplay loop with new map conditions (Snowfall), the first premium Raider Deck, and the game’s first major progression reset cycle.
ARC Raiders Cold Snap: What This Update Does NOT Include
While Cold Snap brings major systems, it is not a full content expansion like Northline. To manage expectations, be aware that this update contains:
- No New Map: The focus is on the Snowfall condition for existing maps.
- No Major Faction Reworks: Enemy behavior is tweaked, not overhauled.
- No Trader Expansions: The economy reset is the focus, not adding new vendors.
- No New Progression Currencies: The economy remains focused on Cred and Raider Tokens.
- No New Weapons: All weapon additions remain tied to larger content updates, not seasonal conditions.
Part 1: ARC Raiders Cold Snap Update (December 2025)
1. Core Update: Snowfall & Dynamic Weather
The headline feature is the introduction of the Snowfall map condition.
- The Mechanic (Confirmed): Snowfall is a new winter map condition featuring snow, reduced clarity, and altered ambience.
- The Mechanic (Unconfirmed): Roadmap previews suggest weather might influence loot tables or enemy spawn rates, potentially shifting the farming meta, though devs have not fully confirmed specific data changes.
- Strategic Impact: Reduced visibility and muffled audio will likely force engagements closer, making thermal optics essential for tactical planning.
2. The Event: Flickering Flames
This special themed community event arrives with Cold Snap.
- The Concept: A limited-time, winter-themed event.
- Speculation: The name suggests mechanics involving heat sources or light management, but specific survival elements (like warmth meters) are currently unconfirmed.
- Rewards: Expect limited-time cosmetics and event rewards, with the possibility of gameplay-relevant drops.
3. The “Raider Deck” (Battle Pass)
Cold Snap introduces a New Raider Deck, likely the first full premium seasonal track.
Access & Monetization:
- Free: Major content updates (Maps, Events, Weapons, Snowfall, Expeditions).
- Premium: The Raider Deck and cosmetic bundles are likely purchased with Raider Tokens, based on the current monetization structure via the store for ARC Raiders.
Disclaimer: Embark has not confirmed the exact pricing model for the Raider Deck; this is inferred from their in-game store structure as of Patch 1.4.0.
Contents: Unlocks likely include outfits, charms, emotes, Scrappy skins, and possibly resource boosters or convenience rewards depending on the season’s design.
Part 2: The “Expedition Project” (The Wipe Mechanic)
This is the most significant structural addition to the game. It is ARC Raiders’ answer to the “wipe cycle,” operating on an 8-week cadence.
Cycle Structure
- Preparation Phase (~60 Days): Players build up stash value.
- Departure Window (Dec 17–22): A 7-day period to finalize your stash and commit.
- Requirement: You must reach Raider Level 20 to participate.
What You LOSE vs. What You KEEP
The reset is drastic but targeted.
| You LOSE (Reset to 0) | You KEEP (Permanent) |
| Skill Tree & Raider Level | Unlocks: All Maps & Workshop Stations (day 1 access; upgrades reset but stations stay available). |
| Stash Contents (Items/Gear) | Currency: Raider Tokens & Cred. |
| Workshop Upgrades | Progress: Raider Deck progress, Codex entries, Trials access. |
| Blueprints & Crafting Knowledge | Cosmetics: All earned skins, emotes, etc. |
| Quest Progress | Bonuses: Previously earned Skill Points & Stash Slots. |
Expedition Rewards: Permanent Bonuses & Seasonal Buffs
Committing to an Expedition resets your stash, but grants rewards. It is vital to distinguish what you keep forever vs. what lasts one season.
| Reward Type | What You Get | Duration |
| Permanent | +Skill Points (Scales with Stash Value, Max 5) | Forever |
| Permanent | +12 Stash Slots (Fixed reward) | Forever |
| Permanent | Cosmetics (“Patchwork” outfit, Janitor Cap) | Forever |
| Seasonal | +10% Repair Speed | Next Season Only |
| Seasonal | +5% XP Gain | Next Season Only |
| Seasonal | +6% Materials from Scrappy | Next Season Only |
Important: Seasonal buffs can stack up to three times across consecutive Expeditions. If you skip a departure, the temporary stack is lost, though your permanent rewards remain.
How to Prepare for the Expedition Wipe (Pre–Cold Snap Guide)
If you plan to take the Expedition, use the remaining weeks wisely:
- Liquidate Assets: Stop hoarding mid-tier gear. Sell everything you won’t use to maximize your “Stash Value” to approach the estimated threshold for max Skill Points (5 pts at ~1,000,000 value each, based on datamined community estimates).
- Manage Quests: Quest progress and blueprints reset on Expedition. Prioritize quests whose rewards can be sold or scrapped; avoid investing heavily in blueprint or crafting unlocks if you plan to wipe.
- Stockpile Tokens: Raider Tokens carry over. Do not spend them on temporary items if you plan to buy the Cold Snap Raider Deck.
ARC Raiders 2026 Roadmap: Future Updates & Long-Term Plans
The roadmap confirms continuous refinements and updates extending well into 2026.
Confirmed Ongoing Content
- Environmental Variety: Expanding map variables (e.g., Snowfall-style conditions rotated or expanded).
- Feats & Trials: An endgame challenge framework.
- Regular Updates: A steady stream of bug fixes, balance tweaks, and QoL features.
Possible Future Content: New Maps, Enemies & Gadgets (Speculation)
Note: The following points are community speculation or wish-list ideas — treat them as possibilities, not certainties.
- Map Cadence: Based on the gap between Launch and Northline, the community speculates a target of one new map roughly every 6–8 weeks (this is speculative community math, not a developer comment).
- Gadgets: While not confirmed, community wishlists heavily feature traversal tools like ziplines or grapples to match the verticality of recent maps.
- New Enemies: New ARC threats will likely debut alongside map expansions to fit biome themes.
Who Benefits? (Impact per Player Type)
Not sure if this ARC Raiders 2025 update is for you? Here is the breakdown:
- The Newbie: Great entry point. With the “Expedition” reset, everyone starts on equal footing regarding gear, letting you hit the ground running.
- The Hardcore Vet: Finally, a purpose. The Expedition system converts your hoard into permanent power (Skill Points), giving you a massive head start on the next cycle.
- The PvP Main: Meta shift. Snowfall disrupts the static camping meta, allowing for aggressive flanks against rival raiders.
- The Economist: Market Opportunity. Now is the time to optimize your stash value to ensure you receive the maximum Skill Point allocation upon reset.
Should You Return for Cold Snap? Final Verdict
If you’ve played other live-service shooters, you know the cycle. Cold Snap feels like the moment the game finds its identity.
With new content arriving via regular updates, the Expedition Project offers a smart solution to the “Wipe vs. No Wipe” debate. By letting players choose their difficulty, Embark allows the community to self-regulate.
If you fell off during the Stella Montis map launch, December is the time to re-install. Keep your eyes on the horizon—the fires are lit, the snow is falling, and the 2025 roadmap promises exciting ways to survive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the ARC Raiders 2025 roadmap?
The ARC Raiders 2025 roadmap outlines the game’s transition from its launch framework into a recurring seasonal model. It includes the Cold Snap update, the introduction of Snowfall map conditions, the first Raider Deck battle pass, the Flickering Flames community event, new quests, and the first Expedition Project wipe cycle. It also sets expectations for 2026, including ongoing balance updates, Feats/Trials, and more dynamic environmental conditions that evolve the extraction gameplay loop.
When does the Cold Snap update release in ARC Raiders?
Cold Snap is scheduled for early December 2025. This update is the first seasonal update, kicking off ARC Raiders’ new structured live-service cadence. It introduces Snowfall, new quests, the Raider Deck, and the winter-themed Flickering Flames event. Cold Snap also marks the final stretch before the first Expedition wipe on Dec 22.
What is the Snowfall map condition in ARC Raiders?
Snowfall is a dynamic weather effect applied to existing maps. It brings heavy snowfall, reduced visibility, muffled sound, and altered environmental ambience. While the developer notes confirm the visual and audio changes, community speculation suggests Snowfall might also influence enemy spawn rates and loot distributions, shifting the meta for high-value farming runs. At minimum, Snowfall fundamentally impacts combat ranges, stealth movement, PvP ambushes, and thermal optic viability.
Does Cold Snap add a new map?
No. Cold Snap is a systems-focused update, not a content expansion like Northline. Instead of adding a new playable zone, Cold Snap updates current maps with the new Snowfall condition. Major new maps are expected to arrive in larger seasonal beat drops or Northline-scale expansions later in 2026.
What is the Expedition Project in ARC Raiders?
The Expedition Project is ARC Raiders’ unique alternative to the traditional forced wipe cycle seen in other extraction shooters. It allows players to voluntarily reset their progression every 8 weeks. When you join an Expedition, you reset your stash, level, skills, quests, and crafting progress—but earn permanent account bonuses, exclusive cosmetics, and a set of powerful seasonal buffs for the next cycle. It creates a loop where hardcore players can reset repeatedly for power, while casual players never lose progress unless they opt in.
What resets during the Expedition wipe?
Participating in an Expedition resets almost all character-specific progress. This includes your skill tree, Raider Level, stash contents, items, workshop upgrades, blueprint unlocks, and all quests. Think of it as returning to a fresh account—but one with unlocked maps, stations, currency, cosmetics, and previously earned permanent bonuses intact.
What do you keep after an Expedition wipe?
You keep all cosmetics, including outfits, emotes, weapon skins, charms, and Scrappy skins. You also retain your Raider Tokens and Cred, plus access to all maps and stations unlocked previously. Most importantly, permanent bonuses such as extra Skill Points and expanded stash slots stay with your account, giving you a power advantage in the next season.
How do you earn the 5 permanent Skill Points?
Skill Points are gained based on your stash value at the moment you commit to the Expedition. Community datamining suggests you earn 1 Skill Point per ~1,000,000 value, capped at 5 points. These points permanently expand your skill tree for future seasons. High-value items, high-tier crafting materials, and finished weapons all contribute to maximizing this reward.
What are the seasonal buffs earned through Expeditions?
Each Expedition grants temporary bonuses for the next season: +10% Repair Speed, +5% XP Gain, and +6% more Materials from Scrappy. These buffs last for one cycle (approximately 8 weeks). If you commit to consecutive Expeditions, these buffs can stack up to three times, giving dedicated players a huge efficiency advantage in repairs, leveling, and crafting.
When is the first Expedition departure window?
The first Expedition window runs from December 17–22, 2025. During these 7 days, players must finalize their stash value, liquidate loot, and click “Commit to Expedition.” Once committed, your account locks in your rewards. The actual Season 2 reset happens on December 22, wiping all committed accounts simultaneously.
Do you need to be a certain level to join an Expedition?
Yes. You need to reach Raider Level 20 before you can opt in. This requirement ensures players have enough experience with the game systems to understand the implications of a wipe and gives newer players time to prepare their stash value before committing.
What is the Flickering Flames event in ARC Raiders?
Flickering Flames is a winter-themed community unlock event launching with Cold Snap. It emphasizes survival atmosphere—possibly involving heat sources, light, or visibility challenges. While the exact mechanics weren’t fully detailed, the event is confirmed to reward limited-time cosmetics, and likely rare crafting materials or event-exclusive blueprints.
Does Cold Snap add new weapons to ARC Raiders?
No. Seasonal map conditions like Snowfall don’t include new weapons. Major new weapons, like the Aphelion rifle, remain tied to larger updates such as Northline or future roadmap expansions. Cold Snap focuses on systemic and progression changes rather than itemization.
What is the Raider Deck (Season Pass)?
The Raider Deck is ARC Raiders’ version of a battle pass, offering a progression track filled with cosmetics, emotes, weapon skins, utility items, and possibly small convenience boosters. The premium track will likely require Raider Tokens, though pricing has not been officially confirmed. Free players will still access major gameplay content, while the Deck provides cosmetic and supplementary rewards.
Are there new ARC machines coming in 2025?
Cold Snap itself does not introduce new ARC enemy types. New machines like the Matriarch and Shredder were added in Northline. More ARC variants are more likely to appear in 2026 updates, especially if new maps or biomes are rolled out, as Embark tends to tie ARC variety to environmental themes.
What did the Northline update add to ARC Raiders?
Northline, released on November 13, added the full Stella Montis map, new ARC enemies (Matriarch and Shredder), the Aphelion energy rifle, and three expanded quests. It set the tone for ARC Raiders’ seasonal cadence and introduced the first wave of new gameplay items and world expansion since launch.
What will ARC Raiders look like in 2026?
2026 is slated to build on Cold Snap with rotating map conditions, improved world variety, new Feats and Trials for endgame challenge, expanded progression systems, and regular QoL improvements. New maps, gadgets, traversal items, and tough new ARC machines are possible but not officially confirmed.
How should players prepare for the first Expedition wipe?
Players should prioritize maximizing stash value by selling and scrapping unused gear, hoarding high-value materials, and finishing lucrative quests before committing. Avoid spending Raider Tokens, as they carry into the next season and can be used for the Raider Deck. Players planning to wipe should also avoid unlocking new blueprints, since crafting progression resets completely.
Do Raider Tokens reset during an Expedition wipe?
No. Raider Tokens are one of the few permanent currencies in ARC Raiders. They persist between all seasons and are essential for purchasing cosmetic bundles, battle pass upgrades, or utility items. Saving tokens before Cold Snap is highly recommended.
Is ARC Raiders worth returning to for Cold Snap?
Absolutely. Cold Snap is the point where ARC Raiders stops being a launch experiment and transitions into a true seasonal extraction shooter. The update adds long-term progression, meaningful rewards for resets, and new events—all while leveling the playing field with the Expedition wipe. For returning players, December offers the cleanest, fairest moment to jump back in.
