The Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event arrives as the narrative and mechanical centerpiece of the Cold Snap update. Rather than functioning as a simple checklist or seasonal pass, this event blends progression, resource commitment, and environmental storytelling into one extended community effort. It rewards consistent play, thoughtful inventory management, and a willingness to brave the frozen surface again and again.

This guide explains the Flickering Flames event from the ground up. It focuses on how the event functions, how players progress efficiently, and why its structure matters within Arc Raiders as a live service experience.

What the Flickering Flames Event Is Really About?

At its core, Flickering Flames celebrates survival during the Cold Snap. Speranza transforms with candles, decorations, and soft lights, reflecting a fragile sense of warmth against hostile conditions. Mechanically, the event revolves around two parallel systems:

A Merit-based reward track earned through normal play
A limited-time Project that asks players to donate specific items

Both systems feed into each other. Progress in one accelerates progress in the other, which creates a steady loop rather than a grind-heavy wall.

The event runs until January 13, 2026, ending alongside the Cold Snap update.

How You Progress Through Flickering Flames

Progression in the Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event hinges on Merits. Merits function as the event’s universal currency and connect directly to experience gained during raids.

Every 100 XP converts into one Merit. Any activity that earns XP contributes, including looting, defeating ARC units, surviving longer raids, and extracting successfully.

This design keeps progression organic. You do not need to chase special objectives to advance. Playing well and staying alive moves the tracker forward.

Flickering Flames Reward Track Breakdown

The Flickering Flames event includes 25 reward tiers, with a new reward unlocked every 600 Merits, culminating at 15,000 Merits.

Rewards fall into four main categories:

Hi-Tech Hiker outfit pieces and color variants
Raider Tokens for broader progression
Candleberries used in the Project
The final Space Wrench raider tool skin

The structure encourages steady play. Cosmetic rewards arrive early, while the Space Wrench acts as a long-term goal for committed players.

Because the event spans several weeks, most players will reach the final tier naturally without forced grinding.

Flickering Flames Project Stages and Requirements

Running alongside the reward track sits the Flickering Flames Project, a five-stage community-style donation system similar to Expeditions.

Each stage requires four item submissions. Once you commit an item, it leaves your inventory permanently. In exchange, you receive Merits, Raider Tokens, or usable raid items.

The project rewards are modest but meaningful. More importantly, each stage injects large Merit bonuses, which accelerate progress on the main reward track.

Stage One: Candlelight

You contribute everyday salvage items alongside Candleberries. This stage introduces the project gently and rewards firecrackers and Merits.

Stage Two: Decorations

This stage leans into lighting and power components. You unlock a blueprint alongside more Merit payouts.

Stage Three: Presents

Grenades and media items take center stage. The rewards shift toward mobility and tactical tools.

Stage Four: Beverages

Utility items dominate this stage, with Vita Spray providing tangible combat value.

Stage Five: Meals

The final stage asks for food and cultural items. Completing it grants a Snap Hook and completes the Project loop.

Across all five stages, you need 260 Candleberries in total.

Candleberries and Why They Matter

Candleberries exist exclusively for the Flickering Flames event. They appear only during Cold Snap weather conditions and serve as the main bottleneck for Project completion.

You find Candleberries in several ways: