Winter has arrived in the Rust Belt, bringing the exciting Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event! This limited-time winter celebration introduces freezing conditions, dangerous weather, and amazing rewards for brave raiders. If you’re wondering how to participate, earn exclusive rewards, and survive the harsh Cold Snap conditions, you’ve come to the right place. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event, from earning Merit to completing the Candleberry Project and staying alive in the snow.
Key Takeaways
- The Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event runs from December 16, 2025, to January 13, 2026
- Earn Merit by gaining XP in raids (10 Merit per 1,000 XP) to unlock 25 reward tiers
- Complete the 5-stage Candleberry Project by gathering specific items and Candleberries
- Survive Cold Snap by avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure and seeking shelter in buildings
- Find Candleberries in bushes during Cold Snap conditions, with best locations including Dam Battlegrounds and Spaceport
What is the Arc Raiders Flickering Flames Event?
The Arc Raiders Flickering Flames is the main event of the Cold Snap update, bringing winter festivities to the game world. This Arc Raiders event transforms the Rust Belt into a frozen landscape where players must brave the cold to earn exclusive rewards and help the community celebrate survival. The event combines environmental challenges with reward progression, making it one of the most engaging Arc Raiders events to date.
The Flickering Flames event introduces the Cold Snap map condition, which covers maps in snow and adds new survival mechanics. During this time, you’ll need to balance risk and reward while exploring the frozen world. To participate, you must complete at least five raids, which unlocks your ability to earn event rewards and contribute to the community project.
This Arc Raiders Cold Snap event runs for a limited time, so you’ll want to jump in quickly to experience all the content and earn the exclusive rewards before they disappear forever.
How to Earn Merit and Unlock Rewards?
Earning Merit is the key to unlocking Flickering Flames rewards in Arc Raiders. The Merit system works simply: you gain 10 Merit for every 1,000 XP earned during raids. XP comes from various activities like looting containers, defeating ARCs, and eliminating other raiders. The more you play and succeed, the faster you’ll progress through the reward tiers.
The Flickering Flames rewards track includes 25 tiers, with rewards unlocking every 600 Merit. Here’s the complete list of Arc Raiders event rewards you can earn:
| 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 Color) | 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 Color) | Outfit Color |
| 9,000 | 10x Candleberries | Event Supply |
| 9,600 | Mask (Hi-Tech Hiker Variant) | 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 Color) | Outfit Color |
| 13,800 | Goggles (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Variant |
| 14,400 | 50x Raider Tokens | Currency |
| 15,000 | Space Wrench | Raider Tool |
These Merit rewards include exclusive cosmetics, useful items, and plenty of Candleberries to help with the community project. The final reward at 15,000 Merit is the Space Wrench, a unique Raider tool that’s only available during this event.
Where to Find Candleberries in Arc Raiders?
Candleberries are the star resource of the Flickering Flames event and essential for completing the Candleberry Project. These bright red berries only appear during the Cold Snap event and can be found in specific locations across the Rust Belt. Understanding where to find Candleberries will help you progress through the event efficiently.
The best way to collect Candleberries is by searching for Candleberry bushes during Cold Snap conditions. These bushes typically spawn in nature-rich areas and drop 1-3 Candleberries when harvested. You can also find Candleberries in Raider Caches (3-5 berries) and rare Nature Baskets (highest amounts).
Here are the best Candleberry farming locations in Arc Raiders:
- Dam Battlegrounds: Check the Hydroponic Dome Complex area
- Buried City: Search around Marano Park
- Spaceport: Look between Container Storage and East Plains Warehouse
- Blue Gate: Explore the swamp areas with lots of vegetation
You’ll need a total of 260 Candleberries to complete all stages of the Candleberry Project, but don’t worry—you’ll earn 180 of them just by progressing through the Flickering Flames reward track. Focus on efficient farming routes and check bushes regularly during your raids to gather enough for the community project.
What is the Candleberry Project and How to Complete It?
The Candleberry Project is the community-focused part of the Flickering Flames event, where all players work together to unlock shared rewards. This Arc Raiders community project is divided into five stages called “Candlelight,” each requiring specific items and Candleberries to complete. As players contribute materials, everyone benefits from the unlocked rewards.
Here’s what you need for each stage of the Candleberry Project:
| 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 |
When you complete the final stage of the Candleberry Project, you’ll receive these valuable rewards:
- Snowglobe Backpack Charm
- Bettina III weapon
- Extended Barrel attachment
- Kinetic Converter
Remember that items donated to the project are permanently consumed, so only commit resources you can spare. The Candleberry Project is a great way to earn additional Merit rewards while contributing to the community’s winter celebration.
How to Survive the Cold Snap Map Condition?
The Cold Snap map condition is the most challenging aspect of the Flickering Flames event, introducing harsh winter weather that can quickly eliminate unprepared raiders. During Cold Snap, the entire Rust Belt is covered in snow, visibility is reduced by blizzards, and lakes freeze over, creating slippery surfaces. Most importantly, prolonged exposure to the cold will damage your raider over time.
Cold Snap damage works on a timer: after about 90-135 seconds outdoors, your raider starts taking continuous damage until you find shelter or die. You’ll know you’re in danger when your character starts shivering, snow builds up on their body, and their movement becomes unstable. To survive, you must understand which buildings provide proper shelter.
Not all structures protect you from the cold. Look for buildings with solid walls and roofs—these will stop the damage and allow the snow on your character to melt. If your raider is still shivering inside, you’re not in a properly insulated building and need to find better cover.
Here are essential Cold Snap survival tips:
- Plan routes between buildings instead of crossing open areas
- Carry extra healing items before heading topside
- Avoid getting pinned down outdoors during fights
- Use interiors to force close-range engagements
- Move quickly between safe locations
The Cold Snap fundamentally changes how Arc Raiders is played, making indoor combat more common and requiring careful route planning. For more advanced gameplay strategies, check out our Arc Raiders Weapons Tier List to optimize your loadout for close-quarters combat.
Arc Raiders Flickering Flames Pro Tips
Want to maximize your efficiency during the Flickering Flames event? These pro tips will help you earn rewards faster and survive the harsh winter conditions:
Fastest Merit Farming: Focus on high-XP activities like looting valuable items, defeating ARCs, and winning fights. Each 1,000 XP earns you 10 Merit, so prioritize raids with lots of action and loot opportunities. Team up with other players to clear areas faster and safely.
Efficient Candleberry Routes: Plan your raids around Candleberry locations. Start at Dam Battlegrounds’ Hydroponic Dome, then move to Spaceport’s forest area, and finish at Buried City’s Marano Park. This route covers three of the best farming spots in one efficient run.
Resource Management: Before donating items to the Candleberry Project, check if you need them for other purposes. Focus on gathering common items like Plastic Parts and Durable Cloth first, as they’re easier to replace than rare components.
Cold Snap Combat Strategy: Use the weather to your advantage by forcing fights indoors where you have the advantage. Carry weapons that excel in close-quarters combat and always have an escape route to nearby shelter. For the best weapons to use, check our guide on Arc Raiders Supply Drops locations to find powerful gear.
Team Coordination: Play with friends or join groups to share the workload. While some players focus on gathering Candleberries, others can hunt for project items or provide cover during dangerous outdoor sections. Communication is key to surviving Cold Snap together.
Remember that the Flickering Flames event is time-limited, so make the most of every raid. Balance risk and reward, and don’t be afraid to extract early if you’re carrying valuable event items. For more general tips on valuable loot, see our guide on the Best Arc Raiders Items to Loot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you earn Merit in the Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event?
You earn Merit in the Flickering Flames event by gaining XP during raids. For every 1,000 XP you earn, you receive 10 Merit toward the event rewards. XP comes from various activities including looting containers, defeating ARCs, killing other raiders, and completing objectives. The more active and successful you are during raids, the faster you’ll accumulate Merit and unlock rewards. Remember that you need to complete at least five raids to unlock event participation, after which all your XP will count toward Merit progression.
What is the Candleberry Project in the Flickering Flames event?
The Candleberry Project is a community-driven objective within the Flickering Flames event where players contribute specific items and Candleberries to unlock shared rewards for everyone. The project is divided into five stages called “Candlelight,” each requiring different combinations of materials. As players donate items, the entire community progresses toward unlocking valuable rewards like unique weapons, attachments, and cosmetic items. It’s a cooperative effort that encourages players to work together while still pursuing individual rewards through the Merit system.
Where can I find Candleberries during the event?
Candleberries can be found during the Cold Snap map condition in several ways. The primary method is harvesting Candleberry bushes, which appear in nature-rich areas and drop 1-3 berries each. You can also find Candleberries in Raider Caches (3-5 berries) and rare Nature Baskets. The best farming locations include the Hydroponic Dome Complex on Dam Battlegrounds, Marano Park in Buried City, and the forest area between Container Storage and East Plains Warehouse on Spaceport. Remember that Candleberries only appear during the Flickering Flames event, so gather them while you can.
How long does the Flickering Flames event last?
The Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event runs for a limited time from December 16, 2025, to January 13, 2026. This gives players approximately four weeks to participate in the event, earn rewards through the Merit system, and contribute to the Candleberry Project. Once the event ends, the Flickering Flames reward track, Candleberry objectives, and Cold Snap map condition will no longer be available, and any unearned rewards will become permanently inaccessible. Make sure to participate before the winter fades from the Rust Belt.
What are the best rewards from the Flickering Flames event?
The best rewards from the Flickering Flames event include the exclusive Hi-Tech Hiker outfit and its variants (Scanner, Field Phone, Mask, Headgear, and Goggles), which can only be obtained during this event. The final reward at 15,000 Merit is the Space Wrench, a unique Raider tool with special properties. From the Candleberry Project, the most valuable rewards are the Bettina III weapon, Extended Barrel attachment, and Kinetic Converter. These items provide both cosmetic appeal and gameplay advantages, making them highly sought after by dedicated players.
How do I survive Cold Snap damage in Arc Raiders?
To survive Cold Snap damage in Arc Raiders, you must minimize your time exposed to the elements and seek proper shelter. Cold Snap damage begins after about 90-135 seconds outdoors and continues until you find cover. Look for buildings with solid walls and roofs—these will stop the damage and allow snow to melt from your character. Plan routes between buildings, carry extra healing items, and avoid prolonged outdoor fights. If you see your character shivering or notice snow building up on them, find shelter immediately. Not all structures provide protection, so test buildings by watching if your character stops shivering inside.
What items do I need for the Candleberry Project?
The Candleberry Project requires a variety of items across its five stages. Stage 1 needs an Empty Wine Bottle, Plastic Parts, Durable Cloth, and 20 Candleberries. Stage 2 requires Candle Holders, Light Bulbs, an Industrial Battery, and 50 Candleberries. Stage 3 needs Film Reels, Snap Blast Grenades, Duct Tape, and 55 Candleberries. Stage 4 requires Coffee Pots, Fireball Burners, Water Filters, and 65 Candleberries. The final stage needs Mushrooms, Frying Pans, Music Albums, and 70 Candleberries. In total, you’ll need 260 Candleberries plus various crafting materials to complete the entire project.
Conclusion
The Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event offers an exciting winter challenge with valuable rewards for dedicated players. By understanding how to earn Merit, where to find Candleberries, and how to survive the Cold Snap, you can maximize your event participation and unlock all the exclusive content before it disappears forever. Remember to complete at least five raids to unlock event participation, then focus on efficient XP farming to progress through the 25 reward tiers.
Don’t forget to contribute to the Candleberry Project for community rewards and use the winter conditions to your advantage in combat. The event runs until January 13, 2026, so there’s plenty of time to earn everything, but don’t wait too long—winter in the Rust Belt won’t last forever. For more Arc Raiders strategies and guides, explore our other articles including All Field Depots in Arc Raiders Locations and Best Arc Raiders Graphics Settings.
