ARC Raiders players received confirmation that the seasonal Cold Snap event concluded alongside the Flickering Flames trial chain on January 13, 2026. Among its many features, the Raider Hatch mechanic in trials stood out as the most beloved addition, making raids more rewarding and strategic for everyone involved.
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Cold Snap's Official End
Community posts confirmed Cold Snap would exit the game upon completing Flickering Flames content, rather than persisting as a permanent map condition like Night Raid or Electromagnetic Storm. This shift left the ARC Raiders community torn—excited for upcoming seasonal modifiers, yet deeply saddened by the loss of a mode that truly refreshed gameplay. The best way to earn coins in ARC Raiders is by participating in daily quests, trading valuable items, and winning battles to unlock bonuses.
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Why Cold Snap Captivated Players
Cold Snap overhauled standard raids with snow-blanketed maps, biting freeze mechanics, and low visibility that demanded smarter routes and tactics. Cold damage over time, immersive atmospheres, and revamped visuals turned everyday farming runs into tense, unpredictable challenges.
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Raider Hatch Stole the Show
The Raider Hatch emerged as Cold Snap's crown jewel during trials. Players could deploy Raider Hatch keys amid enhanced loot pools and score multipliers, transforming extractions into thrilling high-stakes gambles. Many now lament its departure, as it sped up trials, boosted profits, and injected unmatched excitement into runs.
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Fan Reactions and Wishlists
Reddit threads and social platforms buzzed with calls to retain Cold Snap in some capacity, perhaps as a rotating mode with limited uptime. Suggestions poured in for weekend revivals or dedicated playlists to revive the freeze effects and Raider Hatch thrills periodically.
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Future of Seasonal Modes
Cold Snap's conclusion highlights Embark Studios' bold approach to game-altering seasonal events. Though Raider Hatch trials vanish for now, the outpouring of praise underscores a clear demand: more daring rotations to keep maps dynamic and the meta evolving.
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Players eagerly await what's next, hoping Cold Snap's innovations inspire even bigger surprises in ARC Raiders' live-service roadmap.