Embark Studios has revealed that the Cold Snap map modifier will be returning. ARC Raiders Some details about the changes have not yet been released. ARC Raiders It offers several modifiers that affect loot and certain gameplay elements within the game. But Cold Snap has always set itself apart because sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow completely transform the Rustbelt.
One of the features that made Cold Snap a fan favorite among hardcore players was the introduction of statues. Exploring open spaces while it was snowing would cause your character to slowly freeze and their HP to steadily decrease. This ups the stakes and turns exploration into a more tactical part of the gameplay loop, something many fans of the extraction shooter genre appreciate. The good news is that players may soon face the same harsh circumstances again when Cold Snap returns.
ARC Raiders increase map event frequency following player backlash.
ARC Raiders developer Embark Studios is addressing player backlash and increasing the frequency of events on the shooter's latest map.
ARC Raiders' Cold Snap re-release date revealed
Embark Studios shared news about X, confirming: ARC Raiders' Cold Snap conditions will return to regular map rotation on February 10th. This modifier was introduced with the 1.7.0 update in December 2025, bringing snowy weather to the game. At the time, Cold Snap was billed as a limited-time event, ending in January 2026.
Some fans believe there are already signs the symptoms will return. They refer to ARC Raiders' The latest roadmap says, “The cold wave has passed, but the danger casts a long shadow.” The roadmap also teased, “Extreme weather will continue to test the Raiders as they scavenge the surface for the resources they need to keep Speranza running.”
While some players questioned why the condition was removed in the first place, most of the community is happy that it was added back. “I think the more map conditions the better,” one Reddit user summed up the general sentiment, and many others echoed this sentiment.
It is unclear whether Cold Snap will be a permanent map condition and whether the unique collectible Candleberry will continue to be included.
New conditions are still expected to be added in the upcoming February update.
When news of Cold Snap's re-release broke, some fans expressed concern that it might be a teased map condition mentioned in the Escalation roadmap. For those unfamiliar, Embark Studios has already confirmed that a new modifier will be released with February's Shrouded Sky update. This has led to concerns that the developer may bring back Cold Snap instead of the new additions promised.
That said, it's worth noting that the Shrouded Sky update hasn't been released yet. Cold Snap's reunion appears to be a simple OTA change for the sake of expansion. ARC Raiders'Pull existing map conditions rather than introducing something new. It also seems unlikely that Embark Studios will repackage the existing mode and introduce it as a new feature.
Fans continue to speculate about the next major map conditions.
With Cold Snap confirmed as a condition of return, old questions have resurfaced. What's the next major map modifier? In the past, dataminers found files mentioning a condition called Toxic Swamps. This modifier was expected to arrive as follows: ARC Raiders' We did an update in January to fill in the gaps left by Cold Snap, but that didn't happen. To date, Embark Studios has not officially acknowledged the existence of Toxic Swamps.
Aside from that theory, some fans are hoping for a volcano-themed modifier in the future. This speculation mainly comes from: ARC RaidersA map of the world that appears to feature inaccessible volcanic regions. It remains to be seen whether any of these ideas will come to fruition. What is certain for now is that players looking for more varied map conditions will be able to return to Cold Snap to experience the harsh winter weather once again starting February 10th.
- released
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October 30, 2025
- ESRB
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Youth/Violence, Blood
