The Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event is the backbone of the Cold Snap update, and if you have spent any real time in extraction shooters, you already know this kind of event can either feel rewarding or painfully slow depending on how you approach it. Flickering Flames lands firmly on the rewarding side, but only if you understand how the systems work together. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event, including how to earn Merit fast, how the Candleberry Project works, and which rewards are actually worth chasing. For players looking to stay competitive during the event window, some choose PVPBank to buy ARC Raiders coins early to smooth out progression, but smart play alone is more than enough if you know what you are doing. Let us get into it.
What Is the Arc Raiders Flickering Flames Event
Flickering Flames is a limited time seasonal event introduced with the Cold Snap update. It adds snowstorm conditions, a full Merit based reward track, and a community driven crafting project that rewards everyone who participates. Here is a quick overview. Event runs during the Cold Snap season
Progression is based on Merit earned from XP
Candleberries act as the main event resource
Rewards include cosmetics, Raider Tokens, and a tool skin Unlike older events, Flickering Flames rewards consistent play instead of forcing hardcore grinding. That alone makes it one of the better designed seasonal events Arc Raiders has rolled out.
How Merit Works in Flickering Flames
Merit is the backbone of the event. You earn Merit simply by earning XP in raids. Every 100 XP equals 1 Merit
Looting, killing ARCs, PvP, and extraction all grant XP
Merit unlocks rewards every 600 points
There are 25 reward tiers total Veteran tip here. You do not need to farm PvP aggressively. Clean extractions with good loot often generate more consistent XP than risky gunfights.
Flickering Flames Reward Track Highlights
While the event has 25 tiers, not all rewards carry the same value. These are the milestones most players actually care about. 600 Merit unlocks the Hi Tech Hiker outfit
3000 Merit gives the Check Compass emote
4200 Merit grants Raider Tokens
6000 Merit unlocks another outfit variant
10800 Merit opens premium color variants
15000 Merit unlocks the Space Wrench tool skin Between these tiers, you also earn Candleberries that feed directly into the event project.
The Candleberry Project Explained
The Flickering Flames Candleberry Project is a community objective where players donate materials to unlock global rewards. Everyone benefits once all stages are completed. There are five stages total. Each stage requires Candleberries plus common crafting materials like plastic parts, cloth, batteries, and tools. Important warning from experience. Once you donate items, they are permanently removed from your inventory. Always double check before submitting anything rare or valuable. Completing all five stages unlocks a reward bundle that includes a Snowglobe backpack charm, weapon attachments, and a unique tool upgrade.
How to Get Candleberries Fast
Candleberries are easier to farm than they look at first glance. Most players accidentally overthink this part. You earn a large amount from the reward track alone
Cold Snap snowstorms spawn berry bushes on all maps
Raider Caches frequently contain multiple Candleberries
Nature themed locations often hide berry baskets If you play consistently, you will collect enough Candleberries without needing dedicated farming sessions.
Best Candleberry Farming Locations
Based on dozens of raids during Cold Snap, these locations consistently deliver. Hydroponic Dome Complex on Dam Battlegrounds
Marano Park in Buried City
The forest between Container Storage and East Plains Warehouse on Spaceport Stick to these routes during snowstorms and you will stay ahead of the project requirements.
Cold Snap Weather Mechanics You Cannot Ignore
Cold Snap is not just visual flair. The weather actively damages your Raider. Extended exposure drains health
Your character begins shivering and freezing visually
Only properly enclosed buildings stop the damage Some structures look safe but still let frost damage tick. Watch your Raider. If the snow on your body is not melting, you are not safe. Snowballs exist during Cold Snap, but they are mostly just for fun.
How to Finish Flickering Flames Without Burning Out
Here is the mindset that works best. Play normally and focus on extraction
Donate project materials when you can spare them
Let Merit accumulate naturally
Avoid forcing PvP unless it benefits your run This event is designed to reward time spent playing, not extreme efficiency abuse. If you log in regularly, you will finish everything well before the event ends.
Final Thoughts on the Flickering Flames Event
The Arc Raiders Flickering Flames event is one of those rare seasonal updates that respects your time. It blends progression, exploration, and community goals without punishing casual players or locking rewards behind extreme difficulty. Whether you are chasing cosmetics, Raider Tokens, or just enjoying Cold Snap gameplay, Flickering Flames delivers a solid loop that feels good from start to finish. If this is the direction Arc Raiders continues to move, the future seasonal content is looking very strong.
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