Winter has officially descended upon the Rust Belt, and I’ve been spending countless hours braving the freezing conditions to bring you the most comprehensive guide to the Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event. Let me tell you, this isn’t just another seasonal update – it’s a game-changer that completely transforms how we play Arc Raiders during these cold months.
The Flickering Flames event is Arc Raiders’ first major winter celebration, running from December 16, 2025, to January 13, 2026. As someone who’s been playing since launch, I can confidently say this is the most immersive event Embark Studios has delivered yet. The event combines environmental hazards, community objectives, and a massive reward track that’ll keep you coming back for more.
At its core, Flickering Flames is about helping the people of Speranza survive winter by gathering Candleberries and earning Merits through normal Topside play. But what makes it special is how the Cold Snap map condition fundamentally changes gameplay mechanics, making every raid feel like a genuine survival challenge.
I’ll be honest – when I first heard about a winter event, I expected just some cosmetic changes and maybe a few new items. But after dozens of Cold Snap raids, I’m completely hooked. There’s something incredibly thrilling about knowing the environment itself can kill you if you’re not careful.
My most memorable moment so far was during a raid on Dam Battlegrounds when my squad got caught in a massive blizzard. We had to make a desperate dash between buildings, taking fire from both ARCs and enemy Raiders while our health steadily drained from frostbite. The tension was unreal, and when we finally made it to safety with a backpack full of Candleberries, the victory felt earned in a way few gaming experiences can match.
What I appreciate most is how the event forces you to adapt your playstyle. No more mindlessly running across open fields or camping in exposed positions. Every decision matters, every route needs planning, and every building becomes a potential lifesaver. It’s Arc Raiders at its most intense and rewarding.
Let me share what I’ve learned about surviving the brutal Cold Snap conditions. This isn’t just basic advice – these are the hard-won lessons from countless raids where I learned things the hard way.
The frostbite effect is no joke. After about 90 seconds exposed to the cold, your Raider starts showing clear signs: shivering, rubbing hands together, and snow building up on your character. Shortly after, your health begins draining steadily. What many guides don’t tell you is that the damage accelerates the longer you stay exposed.
Pro tip: Watch your character’s animations closely. If they’re still shivering inside a building, that structure isn’t providing enough warmth. I’ve lost count of how many times I thought I was safe only to keep taking damage because I was in a poorly insulated shack.
Moving between buildings requires more than just running in a straight line. Here’s my personal strategy:
Based on my experience, certain weapons and gear perform significantly better during winter conditions:
Primary Weapons:
Essential Gear:
The Flickering Flames event features a 25-tier reward track that progresses by earning Merits. Here’s the complete breakdown of what you can earn:
| Merit Required | Reward | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 600 | Hi-Tech Hiker | Outfit |
| 1,200 | 10x Candleberries | Event Supply |
| 1,800 | Scanner (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Variant |
| 2,400 | 10x Candleberries | Event Supply |
| 3,000 | Check Compass | Emote |
| 3,600 | 10x Candleberries | Event Supply |
| 4,200 | 50x Raider Tokens | Currency |
| 4,800 | Blue Camo (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Color |
| 5,400 | 10x Candleberries | Event Supply |
| 6,000 | Field Phone (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Variant |
| 6,600 | 10x Candleberries | Event Supply |
| 7,200 | Sprayed Eyes Red | Face Style |
| 7,800 | 50x Raider Tokens | Currency |
| 8,400 | Orange (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Color |
| 9,000 | 10x Candleberries | Event Supply |
| 9,600 | Mask (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Variant |
| 10,200 | 50x Raider Tokens | Currency |
| 10,800 | Yellow Camo (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Color |
| 11,400 | 10x Candleberries | Event Supply |
| 12,000 | Headgear (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Variant |
| 12,600 | 50x Raider Tokens | Currency |
| 13,200 | White (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Color |
| 13,800 | Goggles (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Variant |
| 14,400 | 50x Raider Tokens | Currency |
| 15,000 | Space Wrench | Raider Tool |
Earning Merits: You gain 10 Merit for every 1,000 XP earned, and you must complete at least five raids to unlock event participation. Focus on looting and defeating enemies to maximize XP gain.
The Candleberry Banquet Project is the community-driven aspect of the Flickering Flames event. It consists of five stages, each requiring specific materials to progress. Here’s exactly what you need for each stage:
Final Rewards: Completing all five stages grants you a Snowglobe Backpack Charm, Bettina III, Extended Barrel, and Kinetic Converter.
Important: Once you commit items to the project, they’re permanently consumed. Only donate items you can spare!
Candleberries are the lifeblood of this event, and you’ll need a total of 260 to complete everything. Here are my personal favorite farming routes based on hundreds of hours of gameplay:
Hydroponic Dome Complex – This is my go-to spot for Candleberry farming. The dome area usually has 8-12 bushes clustered together, and I can typically gather 15-20 berries in one efficient run.
Marano Park – The park area has consistent Candleberry spawns, especially around the central fountain and near the park benches. I’ve found up to 10 bushes here during a single raid.
Forest between Container Storage and East Plains Warehouse – This less-traveled area often has 6-8 bushes with minimal competition from other players. The forest cover also provides some protection from the elements while you farm.
The Flickering Flames event arrived with the Cold Snap update (1.7.0), which brought several significant changes beyond just the event content:
Shani now accepts Cred instead of Raider Tokens – This is a massive change that many players missed. Shani has some excellent items, including the Silencer and Sterilized Bandages, making Cred much more valuable than before.
The “Goalie Raider Deck” is scheduled to launch on December 26, adding another free deck option for all players.
Let me share some advanced strategies I’ve developed that you won’t find in most guides:
When playing with a squad during Cold Snap, communication is key. Here’s how my team operates:
The event has significantly affected the in-game economy:
If you want to complete the event efficiently:
The event runs from December 16, 2025, to January 13, 2026. You have about a month to complete all objectives and earn all rewards.
Once the event ends, the Flickering Flames reward track and Candleberry objectives will no longer be available. Any unearned rewards will be lost forever.
Yes! You can choose which version of each map to play on via the map screen, allowing you to play either Cold Snap or normal versions.
You need to complete at least five raids to unlock event participation, but you can start earning Merits toward rewards immediately after those initial raids.
Focus on high-XP activities like killing ARCs, defeating enemy Raiders, and completing objectives. A good raid with lots of combat and looting can earn you thousands of XP.
Absolutely! The Hi-Tech Hiker outfit set is one of the best cosmetic sets in the game, and the Space Wrench is a valuable tool. Plus, you earn 300 Raider Tokens just from progression.
The Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event is, without a doubt, one of the most engaging and well-designed seasonal events I’ve experienced in any live-service game. It’s not just about collecting cosmetics – it fundamentally changes how you play the game and creates memorable moments that stick with you long after you log off.
What I love most is how Embark Studios has created an event that appeals to all types of players. Whether you’re a hardcore Raider looking for the ultimate survival challenge or a casual player who wants to earn some cool cosmetics, there’s something here for everyone.
My advice? Don’t wait until the last minute to start grinding. The Cold Snap conditions take some getting used to, and you’ll want time to adapt your playstyle. Plus, the earlier you start, the more time you have to enjoy the winter atmosphere before it melts away.
So grab your warmest gear, stock up on healing supplies, and get out there. The people of Speranza are counting on you, and those Flickering Flames rewards aren’t going to earn themselves. Stay warm, stay alive, and I’ll see you on the frozen surface of the Rust Belt!
Looking for more Arc Raiders content? Check out our other guides for tips on surviving the harsh world of Arc Raiders, and don’t forget to share your own Flickering Flames experiences in the comments below!
