Arc Raiders Flickering Flames
A festival of resilient warmth, centered around the hardy candleberry bush. Speranzans have been known to host local celebrations, and being competitive, they seek to outdo each other at every turn. Some have managed to turn the homely candleberry bush into a banquet worthy of even the most discerning gourmands.
Cold Snap Active
The Arc Raiders Winter Update introduces the Cold Snap environmental condition. Freezing temperatures, blizzards, and frostbite damage threaten all Raiders topside. Stay indoors when possible and bring extra healing items!
Event Phases
Complete each phase to celebrate the winter festival
Candlelight
The namesake use for the candleberry, Speranzans boil the fruit into a thick wax that burns cleanly and fragrantly.
Empty Wine Bottle
Plastic Parts
Durable Cloth
Candleberries
Decorations
Many Speranzans have become surprisingly adept at the art of bringing beauty and greenery into the home.
Candle Holder
Light Bulb
Industrial Battery
Candleberries
Presents
Crafty Speranzans have turned the candleberries into a wealth of gifts. These include perfumes and soaps, as well as gifts unrelated to the recipient's odors.
Beverages
Candleberries can be crushed into refreshing juices, while the leaves and roots make for a tea that can drive out the toughest of colds.
Meals
Though candleberry leaves are bitter, simmering them in stew and soups adds a touch of earthiness that nostalgic Speranzans have grown to love.
Event Rewards
Complete the Flickering Flames event to earn exclusive rewards
Raider Tokens
Free in-game currency
Weapons
Exclusive event weapons
Cosmetics
Winter-themed skins
Merits
Progression rewards
Arc Raiders Winter Update Guide
🕯️ About Flickering Flames
The Flickering Flames Event is a limited-time winter celebration in Arc Raiders, running from December 16, 2025 to January 13, 2026. Players collect Candleberries and other materials to help the underground settlement of Speranza survive the harsh winter. Complete all 5 phases to earn Raider Tokens, Merits, and exclusive cosmetics.
❄️ Cold Snap Condition
The Cold Snap major map condition brings freezing temperatures, blizzards, and frostbite damage to all topside locations. Raiders must seek indoor shelter and manage their health carefully during outdoor expeditions. Candleberry bushes only spawn during Cold Snap!
🫐 Candleberries Farming Guide – 250 Total Needed
Candleberries are the essential resource for the Flickering Flames event. These rare, waxy berries grow only during a small window each year and are vital to Speranza's winter traditions. You'll need a total of 250 Candleberries across all five phases:
Where to Find Candleberries
- 🌿Nature Areas: Candleberry bushes spawn in nature/wilderness zones on all maps. Look for areas marked as "Nature" on your map.
- 🗺️Dam Battlegrounds: Large nature area in the center with many spawns.
- 🗺️Blue Gate: Trappers Glade on the west side has many bushes.
- 🗺️Spaceport: Outskirts around the map edges and the back trench area.
- 🗺️Buried City: Nature areas near center and the orchard.
💡 Sleeper Method: Raider Caches
This is the fastest way to farm Candleberries! Instead of collecting 1 berry at a time from bushes, loot Raider Caches (radio caches) which give 3-5 Candleberries each! Dam Battlegrounds has many caches spread around the map. This is an absolute sleeper method for quick farming.
🎫 Passive Farming via Merits
As you play the game normally, you earn Merits that progress the event ticker. This passively gives you Candleberries as rewards, so you'll accumulate them over time just by playing!
Complete Item Requirements by Phase
Phase 1: Candlelight
Speranzans boil the candleberry fruit into thick wax that burns cleanly and fragrantly.
- • 1x Empty Wine Bottle – Found in residential areas and restaurants
- • 25x Plastic Parts – Very common, buy from Celeste for 1 Seed each
- • 5x Durable Cloth – Residential areas or recycle cloth items
- • 10x Candleberries – Nature areas during Cold Snap
Phase 2: Decorations
Speranzans have become adept at bringing beauty and greenery into the home.
- • 3x Candle Holder – Residential areas like Ruby Residences on Buried City
- • 3x Light Bulb – Residential and industrial areas, lockers and cupboards
- • 1x Industrial Battery – Power Generation Complex, Hydroponic Dome on Dam Battlegrounds
- • 50x Candleberries – Nature areas during Cold Snap
Phase 3: Presents
Crafty Speranzans have turned candleberries into a wealth of gifts including perfumes and soaps.
- • 5x Snap Blast Grenade – Buy from Apollo (2,400 each, limit 3) or craft at Explosives Station (2 Crude + 1 Magnet)
- • 10x Duct Tape – Buy from Celeste for 6 Seeds each (60 Seeds for all 10)
- • 1x Film Reel – High-value containers, Library and Space Travel on Buried City
- • 60x Candleberries – Nature areas during Cold Snap
Phase 4: Beverages
Candleberries can be crushed into refreshing juices, while leaves and roots make warming teas.
- • 2x Coffee Pot – Residential areas, kitchens and break rooms
- • 10x Fireball Burner – Dropped by Fireball ARCs (the rolling ones that chase you)
- • 2x Water Filter – Residential areas and buildings with water systems
- • 60x Candleberries – Nature areas during Cold Snap
Phase 5: Meals
Though candleberry leaves are bitter, simmering them in stew adds a nostalgic earthiness.
- • 7x Mushroom – Forested areas, especially far left of Dam Battlegrounds near Wreckage Scrapyard
- • 2x Frying Pan – Residential areas and kitchens
- • 2x Music Album – High-value areas like Space Travel building lockers
- • 70x Candleberries – Nature areas during Cold Snap
Best Maps for Flickering Flames Items
🏙️ Buried City
Best for residential items: Candle Holders, Light Bulbs, Film Reels, Music Albums. Check Ruby Residences, Grandioso apartments, Library, and Space Travel building.
⚡ Dam Battlegrounds
Best for industrial items: Industrial Batteries, Raider Caches for Candleberries. Power Generation Complex, Hydroponic Dome, Water Treatment Control, and Primary Facility underground.
🌲 Trappers Glade (Blue Gate)
Excellent for Candleberry bushes due to the large nature area on the west side of the map.
🚀 Spaceport
Good for Candleberries in the outskirts and back trench area. Also has many lockers for rare items.
Survival Tips for the Winter Update
- ✓Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure to prevent frostbite damage
- ✓Always know the nearest indoor location on each map
- ✓Bring sufficient healing items for cold damage
- ✓Engage enemies quickly and relocate often to stay warm
- ✓Collect Candleberries early to maximize event progress
- ✓Use Raider Caches for 3-5x faster Candleberry farming
- ✓Buy Duct Tape and Plastic Parts from traders to save time
- ✓Farm Fireballs in buildings for easy Fireball Burner drops
The Goalie Raider Deck
Starting December 26, the free Goalie Raider Deck becomes available, featuring a winter-themed outfit inspired by hockey gear, including a heavy cloak, gloves, iconic mask, and the new Hockey Stick Raider Tool cosmetic.
📋 Flickering Flames Quick Reference
Everything you need at a glance for the Arc Raiders winter event:
| Phase | Theme | Candleberries | Key Items | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Candlelight 🕯️ | 10 | Wine Bottle, Plastic Parts, Cloth | 5x Firecrackers, 1,000 Merits, 50 Tokens |
| 2 | Decorations 🎄 | 50 | Candle Holders, Light Bulbs, Battery | Red Light Stick Blueprint, 1,000 Merits |
| 3 | Presents 🎁 | 60 | Snap Blasts (buy/craft), Duct Tape (buy), Film Reel | 3x Flame Burners, 2,000 Merits |
| 4 | Beverages ☕ | 60 | Coffee Pots, Fireball Burners (easy!), Water Filters | VA Spray, 2,000 Merits, Tokens |
| 5 | Meals 🍲 | 70 | Mushrooms (hard!), Frying Pans, Music Albums | Snap Hook, 3,000 Merits, Tokens |
🎯 Pro Tips from the Community
Total Event Rewards Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Flickering Flames event run in Arc Raiders?
The Flickering Flames winter event runs from December 16, 2025 to January 13, 2026. You have about 4 weeks to complete all 5 phases.
How many Candleberries do I need in total for the Flickering Flames event?
You need 250 Candleberries total across all 5 phases: 10 for Phase 1, 50 for Phase 2, 60 for Phase 3, 60 for Phase 4, and 70 for Phase 5.
What is the fastest way to farm Candleberries in Arc Raiders?
The absolute sleeper method is looting Raider Caches! Each cache gives 3-5 Candleberries instead of just 1 from bushes. Dam Battlegrounds has many caches spread around the map. You also earn Candleberries passively through the event Merits ticker as you play the game normally.
Where can I find Candleberry bushes in Arc Raiders?
Candleberry bushes spawn in nature/wilderness areas during Cold Snap. Best locations: Dam Battlegrounds center (marked as Nature area), Blue Gate Trappers Glade (west side), Spaceport outskirts and back trench, Buried City center and near the orchard.
What is Cold Snap in Arc Raiders?
Cold Snap is the winter environmental condition that brings freezing temperatures, blizzards, and frostbite damage to all topside maps. Seek indoor shelter regularly to avoid damage. Candleberry bushes only spawn during Cold Snap!
Where can I buy Snap Blast Grenades for Phase 3?
Buy from trader Apollo for 2,400 each (limit 3 per day). You can also craft them at the Explosives Station using 2 Crude Explosive and 1 Magnet. You need 5 total, so buy 3 and craft 2.
Where can I buy Duct Tape in Arc Raiders?
Purchase Duct Tape from trader Celeste for 6 Seeds each. You can buy all 10 you need at once for just 60 Seeds total - much faster than farming!
Where do I find Candle Holders and Light Bulbs?
Both items are found in residential areas like Ruby Residences and Grandioso apartments on Buried City. Check kitchen drawers, lockers, and cupboards. Light Bulbs also spawn in industrial areas like Power Generation Complex. These items are relatively rare.
Where can I find Industrial Batteries?
Industrial areas only. Best spots on Dam Battlegrounds: Power Generation Complex (has industrial icon), Hydroponic Dome Complex, Water Treatment Control, and the Primary Facility underground which has tons of industrial loot.
How do I get Fireball Burners for Phase 4?
Fireball Burners are dropped by Fireball ARCs - the rolling robots that chase and try to cook you. They're super common inside buildings of any kind, so you'll collect 10 quickly during normal gameplay. No farming needed!
Where can I find Film Reels and Music Albums?
Both are found in high-value containers in premium areas. Best spot: Space Travel building on Buried City has tons of lockers. The Library on Buried City also has lockers on two floors. Usually found inside lockers.
What rewards can I earn from the Flickering Flames event?
You earn Raider Tokens (250+), Merits (10,000+), 5 Firecrackers, Red Light Stick Blueprint, 3 Flame Burners, VA Spray, and the Snap Hook. The Merits progress you toward outfit variants and eventually the Space Wrench.
Where can I find Mushrooms for Phase 5?
Mushrooms are harder to find now since Lush Blooms event is out of rotation. On Dam Battlegrounds, check the far left foresty area and near Wreckage Scrapyard. Use the interactive map to enable mushroom markers!
What is the Goalie Raider Deck?
Starting December 26, the free Goalie Raider Deck becomes available. It's a winter-themed outfit inspired by hockey gear, including a heavy cloak, gloves, iconic mask, and the Hockey Stick Raider Tool cosmetic.
Is Flickering Flames worth completing?
The main rewards are Raider Tokens and Merits to progress the event, which unlock outfit variants and eventually the Space Wrench. The Snap Hook utility item is probably the most useful reward. Firecrackers and other items are nice bonuses.
🗺️ Optimal Farming Routes
Efficient routes to complete all phases as quickly as possible
🏃 Speed Run Route (Minimum Time)
- Start at Hideout: Buy Duct Tape (60 Seeds), Plastic Parts (25 Seeds), Snap Blast Grenades (3x from Apollo)
- Craft: 2x Snap Blast Grenades at Explosives Station (4 Crude + 2 Magnets)
- Dam Battlegrounds: Farm Raider Caches for Candleberries (3-5 each!), check industrial areas for batteries and bulbs
- Buried City: Ruby Residences & Grandioso for residential items, Space Travel for film reels and albums
- Any Map: Fireball Burners drop from Fireballs in any building - you'll get these passively
- Dam Battlegrounds (Forest): Far left area for Mushrooms near Wreckage Scrapyard
🌿 Casual Route (Play Normally)
Just play the game normally! The Merits ticker gives you Candleberries passively, and you'll find most items naturally. Focus on picking up any Candleberry bushes you see, and loot Raider Caches whenever possible. The event runs for 4 weeks - plenty of time to complete everything without dedicated farming sessions.
📍 Complete Item Location Guide
Detailed location guides, farming tips, and interactive maps for every item required in the Flickering Flames event. Click any item to see its full page with crafting info, trader prices, and ARC drops.
Candleberries
🔥 SLEEPER METHOD: Raider Caches give 3-5 Candleberries each! Much faster than bushes (1 each). Dam Battlegrounds has tons of caches spread around. Also check nature areas on all maps: Buried City center/orchard, Blue Gate Trappers Glade (west), Spaceport outskirts/back trench. You also earn them passively through the Merits ticker as you play!
📍 Found In
Can be found in Nature while exploring.
Map Locations
158 spawns found
Empty Wine Bottle
Residential areas, restaurants, general world containers. Phase 1 item - you'll find this easily.
📍 Found In
Can be found in Residential, Commercial while exploring.
Plastic Parts
EVERYWHERE! Super common crafting material. Or buy from Celeste for just 1 Seed each if you're lazy (25 Seeds total for Phase 1).
📍 Found In
Can be found in Commercial, Residential, Technological while exploring.
🛒 Traders
♻️ Recycle From
Durable Cloth
Found in residential areas. Also obtainable by recycling cloth items at the workbench!
📍 Found In
Can be found in Medical, Commercial while exploring.
🔧 Crafting Recipe
♻️ Recycle From
Candle Holder
Found in residential areas like Ruby Residences, Grandioso apartments on Buried City. Check lockers, kitchen drawers, cupboards. These are relatively rare - expect to search many buildings.
📍 Found In
Can be found in Residential while exploring.
Light Bulb
Found in residential areas AND industrial zones. Power Generation Complex on Dam Battlegrounds, Hydroponic Dome, Water Treatment Control. Apartment buildings on Buried City work too. Same spots as industrial batteries!
📍 Found In
Can be found in Electrical while exploring.
Industrial Battery
Industrial areas only: Power Generation Complex (has industrial icon), Hydroponic Dome Complex, Water Treatment Control on Dam Battlegrounds. Also in the Primary Facility underground - tons of industrial loot there!
📍 Found In
Can be found in Industrial while exploring.
Snap Blast Grenade
EASIEST: Buy from Apollo for 2,400 each (limit 3/day). CRAFTABLE: Explosives Station - 2 Crude Explosive + 1 Magnet. You need 5 total, so buy 3 and craft 2, or just wait 2 days.
🛒 Traders
🔧 Crafting Recipe
Duct Tape
PRO TIP: Buy from Celeste for 6 Seeds each - you can buy all 10 at once for just 60 Seeds total! Don't waste time farming this.
📍 Found In
Can be found in Residential, Commercial while exploring.
🛒 Traders
Film Reel
High-value containers only. Best spots: Library on Buried City (lockers on 2 floors), Space Travel building (tons of lockers). These are rare valuable items.
📍 Found In
Can be found in Old World, Residential while exploring.
Coffee Pot
Residential areas throughout all maps. Kitchens and break rooms. Pretty common item - you'll find 2 quickly.
📍 Found In
Can be found in Residential while exploring.
Fireball Burner
EASY: Dropped by Fireball ARCs - the rolling robots that chase and try to cook you. Super common in buildings. You'll collect 10 in no time just by playing normally!
📍 Found In
Can be found in ARC while exploring.
💀 Dropped by ARCs
Water Filter
Found in residential areas and buildings with water systems. Similar locations to coffee pots. Check kitchens and bathrooms.
📍 Found In
Can be found in Industrial while exploring.
Mushroom
⚠️ HARDER NOW: Lush Blooms event is out of rotation, making these rarer. On Dam Battlegrounds, check the far left foresty area and near Wreckage Scrapyard. Enable mushroom markers on the interactive map!
📍 Found In
Can be found in Nature while exploring.
Map Locations
57 spawns found
Frying Pan
Residential areas and kitchens throughout all maps. Common household item - check any building with a kitchen.
📍 Found In
Can be found in Residential while exploring.
Music Album
Similar to film reels - high-value containers in premium areas. Space Travel building lockers on Buried City is the best spot. Usually inside lockers.
📍 Found In
Can be found in Residential, Commercial while exploring.
The Rust Belt winter is unforgiving. Complete the Flickering Flames event before January 13, 2026.
