The Arc Raiders Flickering Flames Event is the heart of the Cold Snap update, and if you have been running raids lately, you already know winter hit the Rust Belt hard. This event mixes classic Arc Raiders gameplay with limited-time rewards, community objectives, and one of the most generous cosmetic tracks the game has seen so far. If you want to unlock everything without wasting time, this guide breaks it all down from a veteran player’s perspective.
Before we dive in, a quick note for newer Raiders. If you are short on currency or want to gear up faster for tougher runs, some players choose SSEGold to buy Arc Raiders coins and smooth out early progression. It is not required, but it can save time if you are juggling limited play sessions.
What Is the Flickering Flames Event
The Flickering Flames Event is a seasonal progression system tied to the Cold Snap update. It runs alongside normal raids and rewards players simply for playing the game. You earn Merit by gaining XP during raids, and that Merit unlocks rewards across 25 tiers.
This event also includes a community project, called the Candleberry Project, where players donate items to advance global stages. Completing both the reward track and the project is how you get the full Flickering Flames experience.
How the Cold Snap Weather Works
Cold Snap is more than visual flair. Snowstorms actively damage your Raider if you stay outside too long. You will notice your character shivering and slowly freezing. To avoid damage, you must move between proper shelters.
Not every building provides warmth. If your Raider is still shivering, you are not safe yet. Learning which structures protect you is part of mastering Cold Snap raids, and staying alive longer means more XP and more Merit.
How to Earn Merit Fast
Merit is the backbone of the Arc Raiders Flickering Flames Event. You earn it automatically by playing the game.
Key Merit sources include:
Looting valuable items
Defeating ARCs
Winning fights against hostile Raiders
Completing raid objectives
Contributing materials to the community project
Every 1,000 XP earned equals 10 Merit. Rewards unlock every 600 Merit, all the way up to 15,000 Merit for the final tier. The good news is you do not need to grind obsessively. If you play consistently, the Merit stacks up naturally.
Flickering Flames Rewards Overview
The Flickering Flames reward track includes outfits, cosmetics, currencies, and event materials. Here is a simplified look at what you are working toward.
Reward Type Examples
Outfits Hi Tech Hiker set and variants
Cosmetics Face styles, outfit colors, emotes
Currency Raider Tokens
Event Items Candleberries
Tool Skin Space Wrench
The Space Wrench at the final tier is a standout cosmetic and a strong motivation to finish the track.
Candleberries Explained
Candleberries are a limited-time event material introduced with Cold Snap. You need them both for the reward track and the community project.
You can find Candleberries in several ways:
Harvesting red berry bushes during snowstorms
Opening Raider Caches in Cold Snap zones
Looting baskets in nature-focused areas
Unlocking Candleberries directly from the reward track
You will need a large amount if you plan to finish the entire project, but the reward track itself supplies a big chunk, reducing the grind.
Flickering Flames Community Project Guide
The Candleberry Project is a multi-stage community objective. Players donate items permanently, so choose carefully. The required items are common materials you probably ignored before this update, which makes inventory management suddenly matter.
Below is a clean overview of the stages.
Stage Key Requirements
Stage 1 Candleberries, Plastic Parts, Durable Cloth
Stage 2 Candle Holders, Light Bulbs, Industrial Battery
Stage 3 Film Reels, Duct Tape, Grenades
Stage 4 Coffee Pots, Fireball Burners, Water Filters
Stage 5 Mushrooms, Frying Pans, Music Albums
Completing the final stage rewards everyone with a Snowglobe backpack charm and several powerful raid items.
Best Places to Farm Candleberries
From experience, certain maps are far better than others during Cold Snap.
Top farming spots include:
Hydroponic Dome Complex on Dam Battlegrounds
Marano Park in Buried City
Forested areas on Spaceport
Stick to routes with multiple berry bushes and Raider Caches. Avoid long open snowfields unless you know shelter locations well.
Veteran Tips to Finish the Event Efficiently
If you want to clear the Arc Raiders Flickering Flames Event without burning out, here is what works:
Play smart, not reckless. Staying alive earns more XP.
Prioritize Cold Snap maps for Candleberries.
Donate project items only when you have backups.
Do not stress about Merit numbers. They add up faster than you think.
Focus on fun runs instead of grinding one spot endlessly.
Final Thoughts
The Arc Raiders Flickering Flames Event is one of the strongest seasonal updates the game has had. It rewards steady play, encourages exploration, and finally gives purpose to many overlooked materials. Whether you are here for the cosmetics, the challenge, or just the winter vibes, this event respects your time.
If you log in regularly, manage your resources wisely, and keep pushing raids during Cold Snap, you will unlock everything before the event ends. That is the beauty of Flickering Flames. Just play the game, and the rewards follow.
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