Arc Raiders Cold Snap (Update 1.7.0) Patch Notes: New Survival Meta & Tips
You spawn into Speranza. The wind howls louder than usual, and within seconds, ice creeps in from the edges of your visor. This isn’t just a visual filter. In the Arc Raiders Cold Snap patch notes for Update 1.7.0, Embark Studios has introduced a mechanic that changes the fundamental rhythm of the game: environmental lethality.
For players in the UK jumping back in during the evening peak times, the game feels different. The leisurely looting runs of previous updates are gone. You are now on a strict clock, not just from the extraction window, but from the temperature itself.
This guide breaks down the critical changes in Update 1.7.0, analyses the new Frostbite mechanics, and provides the survival strategies you need to extract safely.
Cold Snap Update 1.7.0: Key Patch Notes Summary
The 1.7.0 update is massive, touching everything from weapon recoil to AI behaviour. If you are skimming the official logs, you might miss the nuance. Here is what actually matters for your survival.
Weapon Balancing: The Bettina & Rattler Shift
The meta has shifted away from pure rate-of-fire (ROF) dominance. Previously, the Rattler assault rifle was the undisputed king of close-quarters combat (CQC). Embark has adjusted this to give the Bettina rifle a distinct identity.
The Rattler has seen a slight nerf to its hip-fire accuracy, punishing players who spray and pray while sliding. Conversely, the Bettina has received a stability buff, making it far more viable for mid-range engagements across the frozen lakes of Speranza.
Here is a quick breakdown of the stats post-patch:
| Weapon | Change Type | Specific Adjustment | Tactical Impact |
| Rattler | Nerf | Increased hip-fire spread by 15% | Requires aiming down sights (ADS) for reliable kills. |
| Bettina | Buff | Reduced vertical recoil by 10% | Now a top-tier choice for mid-range suppressing fire. |
| Flare Gun | Utility | Increased burn duration | Critical for thawing teammates during Frostbite status. |
Shredder AI Overhaul: Navigation and Aggro Changes
The machines are smarter. Embark Studios Official Patch Notes confirms that the Shredder AI has been rewritten. In previous versions, you could easily cheese Shredders by breaking line-of-sight around sharp corners. They would often pause or take a predictable path to follow you.
In 1.7.0, Shredders now utilise “predictive flanking.” If you duck behind a wall, the AI calculates your likely exit point and moves to cut you off rather than simply trailing you. We have also noticed a new “Leap” attack animation that closes the distance instantly if you linger in the open for too long.
Field Note: Do not rely on simple cover to break aggro anymore. You need to break line-of-sight and change elevation. The new Shredder pathing struggles with verticality, so getting to a roof is safer than hiding in a room.
Mastering the Frostbite Mechanic: Survival Strategies
The headline feature of the Arc Raiders Cold Snap patch notes is the Frostbite system. It is not just a health drain; it is a stamina crippler that leaves you vulnerable to enemy squads.
The 90-Second Rule: Understanding Exposure Timers
Through testing on the Speranza map, we have determined the “safe exposure” window is approximately 90 seconds before critical status effects kick in.
Once Frostbite sets in:
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Stage 1: Your movement speed drops by 15%.
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Stage 2: Your max stamina is capped at 50%.
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Stage 3: You take direct health damage (tick damage) every second.
This means you cannot simply sprint across the open dunes anymore. You must plan your route based on heat sources.
Indoor-to-Indoor Routing (The Speranza Blueprint)
Survival in Update 1.7.0 is about “thermal hopping.” Buildings retain heat, clearing your Frostbite status instantly upon entering. However, not all cover works the same way.
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Fully Enclosed Buildings: Clear Frostbite instantly.
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Roofs & Open Sheds: Do not clear Frostbite; they only pause the accumulation.
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Caves: Clear Frostbite but often contain high-level machine spawns.
The Fire Rolling Trick
A tactic currently circulating in the high-level community involves the Blaze Grenade. If you are caught in the open with no buildings nearby, you can throw a Blaze Grenade and roll through the very edge of the fire.
It sounds counter-intuitive to damage yourself, but the fire status overrides the freezing status. You trade a small amount of shield health to reset your Frostbite timer fully. It is a desperate move, but it has saved countless extractions when the nearest shelter is 200 metres away.
The Flickering Flames Event & UK Reward Windows
Alongside the mechanics, the update introduces the “Flickering Flames” limited-time event. This revolves to collecting a new resource: Candleberries.
Farming Candleberries: Best Extraction Locations
Candleberries spawn exclusively near heat sources—fire barrels, burning wreckage, and flare landing zones. They are a high-value currency used to purchase event-exclusive cosmetics and weapon skins.
The highest density of Candleberry spawns we have found is in the Industrial Sector of Speranza. However, this area is a choke point. Expect heavy PvP engagement here.
Strategy: Use a suppressed weapon. Shoot the berry bushes from a distance to mark them on your HUD for your squad, then move in simultaneously to loot. Do not linger.
Event Schedule (GMT/UK Time Zones)
For UK players, understanding the server rotation is vital. The event modifiers (which increase Candleberry spawn rates but also increase machine aggression) cycle on a specific schedule.
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Peak Event Hours (High Rewards/High Danger): 18:00 – 22:00 GMT
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Off-Peak Hours (Standard Spawn Rates): 02:00 – 10:00 GMT
If you are looking to farm safely, try to log in during the morning or early afternoon GMT before the EU servers populate with full hunting squads.
The Expedition Project: Should You Voluntary Reset?
One of the most controversial additions in the Arc Raiders Cold Snap patch notes is the “Expedition Project.” This is effectively a prestige system. You can choose to wipe your progress (inventory, stash, and upgrades) in exchange for permanent account buffs and exclusive “Veteran” badges.
Skill Tree Changes and Raider Deck Optimisation
If you choose to reset, you gain access to the new “Goalie” Raider Deck earlier in your progression. The Goalie deck focuses on defensive utility, offering deployable barriers that block wind and snow—essential for the Cold Snap update.
Should you reset?
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For Casual Players: No. The grind to regain your weapons in the current harsh climate is punishing. Keep your stash to survive the winter event.
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For Hardcore Players: Yes. The permanent stamina regeneration buff you get from the first reset tier is invaluable for countering the Frostbite movement penalty.
Managing the Cred Soft Cap in the New Economy
Update 1.7.0 introduces a “soft cap” on Creds (the in-game currency). SteelSeries Game Blog Analysis notes that loot values diminish if you extract from the same location repeatedly within an hour. This forces you to rotate your extraction points. Do not farm the same spot; the game will throttle your earnings.
Optimising Your Loadout for Update 1.7.0
You cannot run your standard “run and gun” loadout anymore. The environment demands specific utility.
Best Raider Builds for Cold Weather Combat
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Primary Weapon: Bettina Rifle. The stability buff makes it the most reliable all-rounder.
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Gadget 1: Thermal Pads. This is a new item in 1.7.0. It occupies a gadget slot but extends your Frostbite resistance by 40 seconds. In our experience, this is non-negotiable for solo players.
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Gadget 2: Zipline Tool. Mobility is life. Being able to traverse rooftops keeps you away from the Shredders on the ground and allows you to move between warm buildings faster.
Tactical Gear: Why Thermal Pads are Non-Negotiable
Many players are skipping the Thermal Pads in favour of offensive grenades. This is a mistake. The time you waste stopping to warm up allows enemy squads to encircle you. Equip the pads, keep moving, and control the engagement pace.
Conclusion
The Arc Raiders Cold Snap patch notes represent a turning point for the game. Embark Studios has proven they are willing to introduce friction to make survival feel earned. The 1.7.0 update punishes carelessness but rewards preparation.
Success now depends on mastering the rhythm of heat management as much as your aim. Check your corners for the new Shredders, equip your Thermal Pads, and if you are playing on UK servers tonight, watch out for the squad camping the Industrial Sector.
[See guide on the Best Arc Raiders Graphics Settings for Visibility]
FAQ
How do you stop Frostbite in Arc Raiders?
You must enter a heated building or stand near a fire source (barrels or burning wreckage). In emergencies, taking fire damage from a grenade can also reset the status.
What are the best weapons after the 1.7.0 patch?
The Bettina rifle is currently the top choice due to its stability buff. The Rattler is still viable but requires aiming down sights rather than hip-firing.
When does the Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event end?
The event is scheduled to run for three weeks. Check the in-game news terminal for the exact end date, but expect it to conclude mid-January.
How do I get Candleberries in Arc Raiders?
Search near heat sources on the Speranza map. Look for red glowing bushes near fire barrels and extraction zones.
What happened to the Shredder AI in the latest update?
The AI now uses predictive flanking. They will move to cut off your escape route rather than following you directly. They also have a new leap attack.
Is the voluntary reset worth it in Arc Raiders?
Only for veteran players who want the permanent stamina buff. Casual players should keep their stash to make the Cold Snap event easier to survive.
How to fix status error 23-1 in Arc Raiders?
This is a common connection error. Embark Studios Support suggests restarting your router and verifying game files. If you are on UK broadband (Virgin/BT), ensure your strict NAT settings aren’t blocking the P2P connection.
Where is the best place to extract in the Cold Snap update?
Avoid the central extraction points. The “Cliffside” extraction on Speranza is currently the safest as it has natural wind cover and fewer machine spawns.
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