Limited Event: The Winter Solstice Raid Starts December 21

Arc Raiders' annual Winter Solstice event kicks off December 21 and runs through January 6. This year's event introduces the Arcticraid zone — a frozen tundra map set during a perpetual blizzard that reduces visibility to approximately 40 meters and applies a passive frostbite damage-over-time effect to any operator without appropriate cold-resistance gear.

The centerpiece of the event is the Cryo-Hulk: a massive boss enemy exclusive to the Winter Solstice that operates on a two-phase encounter. In Phase 1, the Cryo-Hulk patrols a frozen facility and attacks with ice-shard volleys and a ground-pound shockwave that freezes players in place for 2.5 seconds. Phase 2 triggers when the Cryo-Hulk's health drops below 30% — it becomes enraged and begins summoning Mini-Cryo units that freeze on contact.

The frostbite modifier adds a strategic layer to loadout decisions. Several event-specific gear mods reduce or immunize frostbite damage, and the new Cryo-Shield accessory for heavy operators provides a 15-second cold immunity window. Players who complete the Cryo-Hulk encounter without using any frostbite mitigation gear unlock an exclusive 'Frost Hardened' title and a unique weapon charm.

Holiday cosmetics are available through the event store, including three operator winter skins (Kira, Volkov, and the Operative 'Hershel' default), two weapon wraps themed around ice and aurora effects, and a limited-edition helmet for the default operator that resembles a snow-covered tactical hood. All cosmetics are event-exclusive and will not return to the store after January 6.

The Winter Solstice event also includes daily login rewards through the event period, with increasing value on days 5, 10, and 15. The Day 15 reward is a guaranteed Tier III weapon drop of your choice from the current weapon roster. Event progression tracks total Cryo-Hulk kills, zone extractions in the Arcticraid map, and Frost Hardened titles earned.