Arc Raiders Flickering Flames (June 2026) All Rewards & How to Get Them

The Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event is a limited-time winter celebration running from December 16, 2025, to January 13, 2026, featuring exclusive rewards, a community project, and the challenging Cold Snap map condition. Players can earn 25 tiers of rewards including the Hi-Tech Hiker outfit, exclusive cosmetics, and Raider Tokens by collecting Candleberries and earning Merit through normal gameplay. This comprehensive guide covers all rewards, Candleberry locations, project requirements, and survival strategies for the freezing Cold Snap conditions.

Quick Reference: Flickering Flames Event Overview

Event Feature	Details
Event Duration	December 16, 2025 – January 13, 2026
Total Reward Tiers	25 levels
Merit Required for Completion	15,000 Merit
Total Candleberries Needed	260 (180 from reward track)
Key Reward	Hi-Tech Hiker Outfit & Space Wrench Tool
Map Condition	Cold Snap (freezing damage, reduced visibility)

What Is the Flickering Flames Event?

Flickering Flames is Arc Raiders’ first major winter event, introducing the game-changing Cold Snap map condition alongside a community-driven celebration in Speranza. The event combines environmental hazards, resource collection, and a multi-tiered reward system that encourages both individual progression and community cooperation.

During this limited-time event, players help the citizens of Speranza survive winter by gathering Candleberries and contributing to the Candleberry Banquet Project. The event features two main progression systems: the individual reward track (powered by Merit) and the community project (powered by material donations).

Event Dates and Duration

• Start Date: December 16, 2025
• End Date: January 13, 2026
• Total Duration: Approximately 4 weeks

Once the event concludes, both the Flickering Flames reward track and Candleberry objectives will become unavailable, making it crucial to participate before the winter fades from the Rust Belt.

Cold Snap Map Condition Explained

The most significant gameplay change during Flickering Flames is the new Cold Snap major map condition. This isn’t just cosmetic—it fundamentally alters how Arc Raiders is played during winter months.

Cold Snap Gameplay Effects

When Cold Snap is active, players face several new challenges:

• Snow Coverage: The entire Rust Belt is blanketed in snow, drastically changing the visual landscape
• Freezing Lakes: Water bodies freeze over, creating slippery surfaces and new movement options
• Reduced Visibility: Blizzards significantly limit sightlines, making long-range engagements more difficult
• Health Drain: Extended exposure to cold causes damage over time

Frostbite Mechanics

Staying outdoors too long during Cold Snap is extremely dangerous. Your Raider will show clear signs of impending frostbite:

• Visual Cues: Character shivers, rubs hands together, and accumulates visible snow
• Movement Effects: Becomes less stable and predictable
• Health Damage: Continuous HP drain when exposed

To stop the damage, you must enter a properly insulated building. You’ll know you’re safe when the snow on your Raider begins to melt. Be careful—not all structures provide adequate warmth. If your character continues shivering indoors, you’re still taking damage.

Cold Snap Survival Strategies

• Plan Indoor Routes: Move between buildings instead of crossing open areas
• Extra Healing: Carry additional medical supplies before heading Topside
• Avoid Outdoor Pinning: Don’t get caught in extended firefights outdoors
• Use Environment: Force enemies into close-quarters engagements where you have warmth advantages

Cold Snap heavily shifts combat toward indoor and close-quarters fights, especially on large open maps like Spaceport. Winter conditions can be used tactfully to control engagement ranges and force favorable fights.

The Flickering Flames Reward Track

The individual progression system features a 25-level reward track powered by Merit earned through normal gameplay. This is where you’ll unlock the majority of event-exclusive cosmetics and items.

How Merit Works

• Earning Rate: 10 Merit for every 1,000 XP earned
• XP Sources: Looting containers, defeating ARCs, eliminating other Raiders
• Participation Requirement: Complete at least 5 raids to unlock event progression
• Reward Unlocks: Every 600 Merit (25 total tiers)

Complete Flickering Flames Rewards

Merit Required	Reward Name	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

Key Rewards Breakdown

The most sought-after rewards from the Flickering Flames event include:

Hi-Tech Hiker Outfit (600 Merit): The signature event outfit featuring winter-ready tactical gear with a distinctive high-tech aesthetic.

Space Wrench (15,000 Merit): The final tier reward, this exclusive Raider Tool offers unique functionality and serves as a status symbol for dedicated event participants.

Outfit Variants & Colors: Multiple customization options for the Hi-Tech Hiker set, including Scanner, Field Phone, Mask, Headgear, and Goggles variants, plus Blue Camo, Orange, Yellow Camo, and White color options.

Raider Tokens: Substantial currency rewards (250 total tokens) that can be used for various in-game purchases and upgrades.

Candleberry Banquet Project Guide

The community-driven aspect of Flickering Flames is the Candleberry Banquet Project, a five-stage progression system where players donate materials to unlock shared rewards for all participants.

Project Overview

The Candleberry Banquet Project represents the people of Speranza gathering underground to celebrate warmth, light, and survival during winter. At the center of this celebration is the Candleberry Bush, a vital winter resource used to create wax, food, tea, decorations, and morale-boosting supplies.

Important Note: Once you commit materials to the project, they are permanently consumed. Only donate items you can spare for the greater community good.

Complete Project Requirements

Stage	Requirements
Candlelight 1/5	1x Empty Wine Bottle, 25x Plastic Parts, 5x Durable Cloth, 20x Candleberries
Candlelight 2/5	3x Candle Holder, 3x Light Bulb, 1x Industrial Battery, 50x Candleberries
Candlelight 3/5	1x Film Reels, 5x Snap Blast Grenades, 10x Duct Tape, 55x Candleberries
Candlelight 4/5	2x Coffee Pots, 10x Fireball Burners, 2x Water Filters, 65x Candleberries
Candlelight 5/5	7x Mushroom, 2x Frying Pan, 2x Music Album, 70x Candleberries

Final Project Rewards

Completing all five stages of the Candleberry Banquet Project unlocks exclusive rewards for all participants:

• Snowglobe Backpack Charm: A unique cosmetic item for your backpack
• Bettina III: An exclusive weapon or piece of equipment
• Extended Barrel: A valuable weapon attachment or upgrade
• Kinetic Converter: A rare utility item with special functionality

Additionally, each individual stage completion grants:

• Raider Tokens
• Merit bonuses (accelerating reward track progression)
• Various physical items useful in raids

Where to Find Candleberries?

Candleberries are the event-exclusive resource central to both progression systems. You’ll need a total of 260 Candleberries to fully complete both the reward track and community project.

Candleberry Basics

• Event Exclusivity: Only available during the Cold Snap update
• Visual Identification: Bright red bushes that stand out against snow
• Spawn Locations: Nature regions (marked with leaf icons on maps)
• Availability: All maps except Stella Montis during Cold Snap conditions

Candleberry Acquisition Methods

1. Event Reward Track (180 Candleberries) The most efficient method – you’ll receive 180 Candleberries naturally through reward track progression:

• Distributed across multiple tiers
• Earned passively through normal gameplay
• No additional farming required

2. Wild Bushes (1-3 per bush)

• Found in Nature regions across Cold Snap maps
• Bright red appearance makes them easy to spot
• Each bush typically drops 1-3 Candleberries
• Requires active farming and exploration

3. Raider Caches (3-5 per cache)

• Special event containers scattered across maps
• Higher yield than wild bushes
• Often found in specific locations or as event spawns
• Requires knowledge of cache spawn points

4. Nature Baskets (Variable amounts)

• Rare spawns with the highest individual yields
• Typically found in specific Nature locations
• Can provide significant Candleberry boosts
• Unpredictable spawn rates

Best Candleberry Farming Locations

Based on community research and testing, these locations offer the best Candleberry farming opportunities:

Hydroponic Dome Complex (Dam Battlegrounds)

• Multiple Nature regions in close proximity
• High concentration of berry bushes
• Indoor areas provide Cold Snap protection
• Good for extended farming sessions

Marano Park (Buried City)

• Central Nature location with abundant vegetation
• Multiple berry spawn points
• Good visibility for spotting bushes
• Moderate risk/reward balance

Forest Area (Spaceport)

• Located between Container Storage and East Plains Warehouse
• Dense vegetation with multiple spawn points
• Can yield 3-4 berries per successful run
• Higher risk due to open map design

Pro Tips for Candleberry Farming

• Prioritize Reward Track: Focus on Merit earning first for the 180 “free” Candleberries
• Map Knowledge: Learn Nature region locations on each map for efficient farming
• Cold Snap Timing: Farm during Cold Snap conditions for maximum availability
• Group Coordination: Team up with friends to cover more ground quickly
• Inventory Management: Clear space before dedicated farming runs

Advanced Event Strategies

Maximizing Merit Efficiency

To progress through the reward track as quickly as possible, focus on high-XP activities:

• Loot Prioritization: Focus on high-value containers and loot rooms
• Combat Engagement: Seek out ARC encounters and Raider fights
• Map Completion: Thoroughly explore each map for maximum XP
• Team Play: Coordinate with squad members for efficient clearing
• Event Focus: Prioritize actions that contribute to both Merit and project progress

Cold Snap Combat Tactics

The freezing conditions create unique tactical opportunities:

• Indoor Advantage: Force fights into buildings where you’re safe from cold damage
• Environmental Traps: Use frozen lakes and snow cover for ambushes
• Visibility Management: Use blizzards to break line of sight and reposition
• Health Management: Monitor frostbite indicators and seek warmth proactively
• Snowball Warfare: Use snowball piles for distraction and harassment (deals no damage but can disrupt enemies)

Resource Management for Project Contributions

Before donating materials to the Candleberry Banquet Project, consider:

• Alternative Uses: Ensure items aren’t needed for other crafting or upgrades
• Acquisition Difficulty: Some items (like Film Reels or Music Albums) are rarer than others
• Timeline Considerations: Don’t wait until the event’s final days to contribute
• Community Progress: Monitor overall project completion to avoid last-minute rushes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating Cold Snap

Many players initially treat Cold Snap as purely cosmetic, leading to unnecessary deaths from frostbite. Always prioritize finding warmth and monitor your character’s condition.

2. Ignoring the Reward Track

Some players focus exclusively on Candleberry farming while neglecting Merit earning. The reward track provides 180 Candleberries automatically, making it more efficient than wild farming.

3. Hoarding Event Items

Waiting too long to contribute to the community project can result in missed rewards if you run out of time. Contribute steadily throughout the event.

4. Poor Inventory Management

Bring adequate healing supplies and prepare for extended exposure during Cold Snap runs. Many players underestimate how quickly frostbite can drain health.

5. Solo Play in Hazardous Conditions

Cold Snap significantly increases difficulty when playing solo. Consider teaming up for better survival chances and more efficient resource gathering.

Platform-Specific Considerations

PC Players

• Advantage: Typically better performance in snowy conditions
• Consideration: Monitor GPU temperatures during extended Cold Snap sessions
• Optimization: Adjust settings for better visibility in blizzard conditions

Console Players (PS5/Xbox Series X|S)

• Advantage: Consistent performance across all players
• Consideration: Controller precision in slippery conditions
• Optimization: Use adaptive triggers for better environmental feedback

GeForce NOW Users

• Advantage: High-end graphics regardless of local hardware
• Consideration: Latency considerations in fast-paced winter combat
• Optimization: Ensure stable internet connection for best experience

Community Resources and Official Links

Official Resources

• Official Website: Arc Raiders Official Website – For official announcements and event information
• Official Discord: Arc Raiders Discord Server – Real-time community discussion and developer updates
• Official Twitter: @ARCRaidersGame – Latest news and event announcements
• Official YouTube: Arc Raiders YouTube Channel – Event trailers and gameplay guides

Community Resources

• Reddit Community: r/ArcRaiders – Player discussions, strategies, and event coordination

FAQ Section

How long does the Flickering Flames event last?

The Flickering Flames event runs from December 16, 2025, to January 13, 2026, giving players approximately 4 weeks to complete all objectives and earn rewards.

What happens if I don’t complete the event in time?

Once the event ends, both the Flickering Flames reward track and Candleberry objectives will become unavailable. Any unearned rewards and incomplete project progress will be lost permanently.

Can I complete the event solo?

While possible, completing the event solo is significantly more challenging due to Cold Snap conditions and resource requirements. Teaming up with other players is recommended for efficiency and survival.

Do I need to pay to participate in Flickering Flames?

No, the Flickering Flames event is completely free for all Arc Raiders players. No additional purchases or premium passes are required to access any event content or rewards.

What’s the fastest way to earn Merit?

The fastest Merit earning comes from high-XP activities: engaging in combat, thoroughly looting maps, and completing objectives. Focus on maps and activities that offer the highest XP yields per time invested.

Are event rewards exclusive?

Yes, all Flickering Flames rewards including the Hi-Tech Hiker outfit, Space Wrench tool, and various cosmetics are event-exclusive and won’t be available through other means after the event concludes.

Can I still participate if I start late?

Yes, you can join the event at any time during its duration, but starting later gives you less time to complete all objectives. The event is designed to be completable even for players who join midway through.

What maps feature Cold Snap conditions?

Cold Snap can occur on any map except Stella Montis. The condition is random but occurs frequently enough for players to experience it regularly during the event period.

How do I know if a building provides warmth?

Enter a building and watch your character. If the snow on your Raider begins to melt and they stop shivering, you’re in a properly insulated building. If they continue shivering, the structure doesn’t provide adequate warmth.

Can I earn rewards after the event ends?

No, all event-specific rewards and progression systems become unavailable once the Flickering Flames event concludes on January 13, 2026.

Expert Tips for Event Completion

From Top Raiders

• “Focus on the reward track first” – The 180 Candleberries from progression are more efficient than wild farming
• “Learn Nature region locations” – Knowing where to find Candleberries saves hours of searching
• “Team up for Cold Snap” – Winter conditions are much more manageable with coordinated squad play
• “Don’t wait to contribute” – Start donating to the community project early to avoid last-minute rushes

Developer Insights

Based on official communications and patch notes:

• Event Balance: The Flickering Flames event is designed to be completable by players with moderate time investment
• Future Events: Success of this winter event may influence similar seasonal celebrations
• Community Focus: The Candleberry Banquet Project emphasizes cooperative gameplay and community progression

Final Event Checklist

Before the Flickering Flames event concludes, ensure you’ve:

• Earned 15,000 Merit for complete reward track
• Collected all 25 reward tiers including the Space Wrench
• Contributed to all 5 Candleberry Banquet Project stages
• Obtained the Snowglobe Backpack Charm and other project rewards
• Farmed enough Candleberries for personal and project needs
• Mastered Cold Snap survival strategies
• Experienced the event on multiple maps
• Joined community discussions and shared strategies

Call to Action

The Flickering Flames event represents a unique opportunity to earn exclusive rewards while experiencing Arc Raiders in a completely new light. Don’t let this limited-time winter celebration pass you by!

Bookmark this guide for quick reference during your event journey, and join the official Discord community to coordinate with other Raiders and stay updated on any event changes or extensions.

Winter won’t last forever in the Rust Belt—make the most of the Flickering Flames event while you can. Stay warm, stay alive, and good luck out there, Raider!