The latest ARC Raiders update, Cold Snap, has significantly expanded Blueprint spawn locations to improve availability across underrepresented areas. While the change was meant to address scarcity, early player reports suggest the adjustment may have gone too far, with some Raiders extracting four to eight Blueprints in a single raid.
Since the update went live on December 16, social media and community discussions have been filled with players sharing unusually large Blueprint hauls, sparking speculation that a balance hotfix could be imminent.
Cold Snap Introduces High-Risk, High-Reward Gameplay
Cold Snap is ARC Raiders’ second major content update and arrives just ahead of the holiday period. Its headline feature is the Cold Snap Map Modifier, which blankets maps in snow and introduces harsh environmental conditions.
This modifier is more than a visual overhaul. Visibility is reduced, ice-covered terrain becomes slippery, and prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be lethal. In return for the added danger, loot value is increased, making Cold Snap raids particularly lucrative.
Alongside the modifier, the update also introduces the Flickering Flames event, a wide range of quality-of-life improvements, and numerous bug fixes.
Blueprint Changes Spark Community Reaction
According to the official patch notes, Embark Studios expanded Blueprint spawn locations and redistributed some high-value drops. Most notably, the Aphelion Blueprint was moved from the Matriarch to Stella Montis.
Players quickly noticed the impact. Some have described Stella Montis as “broken,” with reports of multiple Blueprints dropping in a single run, including Aphelion, widely regarded as ARC Raiders’ rarest weapon. Others have reported extracting with as many as eight Blueprints from a single Cold Snap raid.
The sheer volume of Blueprint drops has led many to question whether this outcome was intentional or an oversight.
Expedition Reset Now Feels Less Impactful
The timing of the change is notable, as ARC Raiders’ first Expedition Project is scheduled to depart on December 22, resetting progression. While Expeditions were designed to encourage long-term planning and replayability, the increased Blueprint availability may reduce the sting of a reset.
Patch 1.7.0 also introduced the ability to reset the Skill Tree using Coins. This is significant because it is impossible to fully max the Skill Tree without resetting, as Expeditions provide up to five additional Skill Points. While this change adds flexibility, some players feel it further reduces the sense of commitment and challenge tied to Expedition resets.
Hotfix Possible, But Timing Is Uncertain
Embark Studios has not yet confirmed whether Blueprint spawn rates will be adjusted. However, given the scale of the increase, many players expect a hotfix or balance pass.
That said, Embark has recently announced a shift in its development cadence. Weekly updates are being phased out, with future releases moving to a Tuesday schedule. The studio has also confirmed it will be taking a break over the Christmas period, with new updates expected to resume in January. During this time, the team will continue monitoring and addressing critical issues.
The Finals Collaboration Adds Bonus Incentive
The Cold Snap update also includes a crossover collaboration with The Finals, granting ARC Raiders players access to an exclusive outfit. To unlock it, players must play three matches in The Finals. While this requirement may deter some, the shooter is free-to-play across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
For now, ARC Raiders players are enjoying one of the most generous loot periods the game has seen so far. Whether the current Blueprint abundance is a short-lived holiday bonus or an unintended imbalance remains to be seen.
