Arc Raiders patch notes 1.7.0 delivered major changes to Embark Studios’ extraction shooter. The Cold Snap update went live on December 16, 2025, introducing the new Snowfall map condition. Players also gained the Goalie raider deck launching December 26, plus massive balance shifts affecting weapons and ARC enemies.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Arc Raiders 1.7.0 went live today, December 16, 2025, featuring the Cold Snap weather condition
- New Goalie raider deck drops December 26 as a free, permanent addition with hockey-inspired cosmetics
- Snowfall map condition affects Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and Blue Gate with visibility reductions and frostbite damage
- Bettina assault rifle gets major durability buff (26 magazines instead of 12) and improved magazine size from 20 to 22
What’s New in the Cold Snap Update 1.7.0
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The Cold Snap weather condition marks the biggest change to Arc Raiders’ gameplay loop. Snowfall covers maps in blankets of white, reducing visibility across all four playable locations. Players face frostbite damage when staying outside too long, and frozen lakes create unsteady ground forcing tactical awareness. The visual overhaul includes frost buildup, snow accumulation, and environmental storytelling that transforms familiar maps into winter survival scenarios.
The Expedition Departure Window feature helps players coordinate extraction timing. Meanwhile, the Flickering Flames winter event runs from December 16 through January 13, 2026, bringing seasonal quests and limited-time cosmetics into matches. Embark Studios designed these systems to encourage team coordination and environmental adaptation.
Goalie Raider Deck Coming December 26
| Feature | Details |
| Launch Date | December 26, 2025 |
| Cost | Free to all players |
| Theme | Hockey-inspired cosmetics with multiple color variants |
| Content | 5 progression pages with raider tokens and cosmetics |
| Availability | Permanent in base game, no time restrictions |
Major Balance Changes to Weapons and ARC Enemies
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Weapon tuning addresses community feedback on durability and magazine capacity. The Bettina assault rifle received the most substantial buffs—durability burn rate dropped from 0.43% to 0.17% per shot, effectively doubling magazine count from 12 to 26 full magazines. Reload time improved from 5 seconds to 4.5 seconds, making it competitive in PVP engagements. The Rattler precision rifle gained magazine size increase from 10 to 12 rounds.
Shredder ARC enemy overhaul improves combat mechanics across all maps. Knockback effects from weapons decreased, while Shredder movement speed and turning responsiveness increased significantly. Head health improved to prevent accidental destruction, navigation enhanced to prevent corner-sticking, and combat engagement speed boosted when players approach. Increased destructible parts allow for strategic weak-point targeting during high-intensity raids.
Quality-of-Life Improvements and Bug Fixes
Embark Studios rolled out Skill Tree Reset functionality for 2,000 coins per skill point, letting players experiment with different builds freely. Aim Down Sights toggle option satisfies PC players preferring mouse-and-keyboard controls. The wallet now displays Cred soft cap at 800, implementing a cap system to encourage raider deck progression rather than currency hoarding.
Animation fixes resolved field crate pickups causing unintended sliding, snap hook exploits launching players across maps, and incorrect running animations post-drop. Over 100 UI improvements touched codex functionality, customization screens, expedition projects, and quest tracking. Map fixes addressed spawning position exploits and texture clipping on Blue Gate and Stella Montis. Audio enhancements increased footstep clarity, removed unsettling “mom?” ambient sounds, and improved ARC enemy directional audio.
What Changes to Maps and Cosmetics?
Blue Gate gained the Locked Gate map condition, introducing new environmental hazards. Stella Montis received improved blueprint and item spawn rates. Dam Battlegrounds repositioned the Matriarch to better align with her combat strengths. The Aphelion blueprint shifted from Matriarch drops to Stella Montis loot tables, forcing players toward specific raid sites. Epic key card rooms now offer increased loot value reflecting their rarity tier.
Festive cosmetics arrived for the holiday season across weapon skins, character outfits, and operator cosmetics. The Goalie raider deck features hockey-inspired outfits with multiple color variants launching December 26. Embark Studios tied cosmetics directly to seasonal events, rewarding persistent players with exclusive rewards during the Flickering Flames window.
Sources
- IGN – Comprehensive Cold Snap update and patch notes coverage with developer commentary
- Polygon – Release timing and update breakdown across regions and platforms
- GameSpot – New raider deck details and gameplay mechanic explanations
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.