The Flickering Flames event is a limited-time winter progression tied to the Cold Snap update in Arc Raiders. While snowstorms reshape how raids play out on the surface, the event itself focuses on steady play, community contribution, and unlocking a full reward track without any paid tiers. If you spend time in raids, you will progress naturally.
Arc Raiders Flickering Flames Event
Flickering Flames runs alongside the Cold Snap update and is built around a Merit-based reward track. Instead of challenges or daily tasks, progression comes from playing raids and earning XP. That XP is automatically converted into Merits, which unlock rewards in a fixed order.
There is no premium track, no branching choices, and no map restriction. As long as you are playing raids during the event window, you are progressing.
How Event Progression Works
At the core of Flickering Flames is Merit, a temporary event currency.
- You earn XP from looting, defeating ARCs, fighting other Raiders, and completing runs.
- XP is converted into Merits at a fixed rate.
- Both successful extractions and failed runs count, as long as the match concludes normally.
- Rewards unlock automatically when you reach the required Merit threshold.
The full event track contains 25 reward tiers, with the final reward unlocking at 15,000 Merits.
All Arc Raiders Flickering Flames Rewards
The reward track leans heavily into a winter-themed cosmetic set, with functional extras mixed in along the way. Most items expand the Hi-Tech Hiker outfit through variants and color options, while other rewards support the parallel Candleberry project.
| Merit Required | Reward | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 600 | Hi-Tech Hiker | Outfit |
| 1,200 | Candleberries ×10 | Event Supply |
| 1,800 | Scanner (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Variant |
| 2,400 | Candleberries ×10 | Event Supply |
| 3,000 | Check Compass | Emote |
| 3,600 | Candleberries ×10 | Event Supply |
| 4,200 | Raider Tokens ×50 | Currency |
| 4,800 | Blue Camo (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Color |
| 5,400 | Candleberries ×10 | Event Supply |
| 6,000 | Field Phone (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Variant |
| 6,600 | Candleberries ×10 | Event Supply |
| 7,200 | Sprayed Eyes Red | Face Style |
| 7,800 | Raider Tokens ×50 | Currency |
| 8,400 | Orange (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Color |
| 9,000 | Candleberries ×10 | Event Supply |
| 9,600 | Mask (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Variant |
| 10,200 | Raider Tokens ×50 | Currency |
| 10,800 | Yellow Camo (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Color |
| 11,400 | Candleberries ×10 | Event Supply |
| 12,000 | Headgear (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Variant |
| 12,600 | Raider Tokens ×50 | Currency |
| 13,200 | White (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Color |
| 13,800 | Goggles (Hi-Tech Hiker) | Outfit Variant |
| 14,400 | Raider Tokens ×50 | Currency |
| 15,000 | Space Wrench | Raider Tool |
The Space Wrench at the end of the track is the headline item, while the outfit variants allow you to fully customize the Hi-Tech Hiker set by the time you finish the event.
The Candleberry Project Explained
Running alongside Flickering Flames is a community-driven project often referred to as the Candleberry Banquet. This project is shared across all players and progresses through multiple stages as materials are donated.
See also: How to Get Free ARC Raiders Red Ryder Skin from THE FINALS
Each stage requires a mix of common crafting items and Candleberries, an event-exclusive resource introduced with Cold Snap.
Candleberry Project Stages
- Stage 1: Basic crafting materials and a small Candleberry contribution
- Stage 2: Light and power-related items with increased Candleberry requirements
- Stage 3: Utility items, explosives, and additional berries
- Stage 4: Kitchen and filtration gear with higher totals
- Stage 5: Food and entertainment items with the largest Candleberry cost
Completing the final stage rewards players with:
- A Snowglobe backpack charm
- Bettina III
- Extended Barrel
- Kinetic Converter
Donated items are permanently consumed, so it is worth checking your inventory before committing rare gear.
Where to Find Candleberries
Candleberries are unique to the Cold Snap update and appear only while the event is active.
You can obtain them in several ways:
- Looting Candleberry bushes found in snowy outdoor areas
- Opening Raider Caches during Cold Snap conditions
- Exploring nature-themed points of interest
- Unlocking Candleberries directly from the Flickering Flames reward track
Because the reward track itself provides a large number of Candleberries, you do not need to gather every single one manually to complete the project.
Tips to Earn Merits Faster
Progression in Flickering Flames rewards consistency more than risky play.
- Stay alive longer in raids to maximize XP gains.
- Focus on looting and controlled fights rather than rushing PvP.
- Take advantage of indoor routes during snowstorms to avoid health drain.
- Collect Candleberries when it is safe to do so, as they contribute to both progression systems.
If you are already playing regularly, Merits tend to accumulate faster than expected.
FAQs Arc Raiders Flickering Flames
How do you earn Merits in the Flickering Flames event?
You earn Merits by gaining XP in raids. XP comes from looting, defeating ARCs, fighting other Raiders, and completing matches. Both successful extractions and failed runs count toward your total.
Do you need to extract successfully to make progress?
No. Even if you are eliminated during a raid, any XP earned before returning to Speranza is converted into Merits, so progress is never lost.
How many Merits are needed to unlock all rewards?
You need a total of 15,000 Merits to unlock every reward on the Flickering Flames track, including the final Space Wrench Raider Tool.
What is the Candleberry Project and why does it matter?
The Candleberry Project is a community event running alongside Flickering Flames. Donating Candleberries and crafting materials advances shared stages and provides bonus rewards, including items and additional Merits.
Can Candleberries be earned without farming them in raids?
Yes. A large portion of Candleberries are granted directly through the Flickering Flames reward track, reducing the amount you need to gather manually during raids.
Are Flickering Flames rewards permanent?
Yes. Once unlocked, all cosmetics, tools, and items from the Flickering Flames event remain permanently in your account, even after the event ends.
Is there a premium or paid track for Flickering Flames?
No. Flickering Flames is completely free. All rewards are earned through gameplay, with no paid tiers or shortcuts.
Flickering Flames is a time-limited event, running through the winter window tied to the Cold Snap update. Once the event ends, the reward track and project will no longer be available.
The event is designed to reward normal gameplay rather than force grinding. If you plan to keep running raids during the season, you can unlock the full reward track without changing how you play. Play Now!
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