Arc Raiders’ Cold Snap Update Significantly Boosts Blueprint Economy

The extraction shooter Arc Raiders, which recently snagged a Game Awards win, has just rolled out a significant winter-themed update called Cold Snap. This update introduces a new map condition that can inflict frostbite, a timed event for players to earn rewards like Raider Tokens, and a Candleberry Banquet project that provides currency and cosmetics. Plus, players can expect a more generous rate of blueprint drops.

A popular thread on the official Arc Raiders subreddit, titled “Keep the blueprint drop rate,” is urging the developers at Embark Studios to make these changes to the drop rate a permanent fixture. The post argues, “Instead of sitting on gear and going with free loadouts, this incentivizes players to use loadouts with safe pockets and get some skin in the game. What this game needs is to better incentivize bold play.”

In Arc Raiders, players can choose to brave the treacherous surface with either a free loadout of random, low-tier gear that’s easy to lose if ambushed or a custom loadout that typically includes a safe pocket for storing one valuable item. The advantage of the custom loadout is that you’re guaranteed to leave with something, provided you stash it in your safe pocket. However, the trade-off is the risk of losing an upgraded weapon or a better shield.

Many players lean towards a more cautious approach, steering clear of confrontations with enemy squads. I can relate, as I often find myself running around with proximity chat on, pleading, “I’m doing a quest, please leave me alone!” But when there’s a coveted blueprint in my backpack, my trigger finger starts to itch—this could mean that the upcoming weeks of gameplay in Arc Raiders will be more intense than ever.

After diving into the game yesterday post-Cold Snap update, I snagged three blueprints across a few matches, which is definitely a higher yield than usual. In one match, I was in a frenzy trying to reach an elevator with a shiny new gun, a bunch of Candleberries (which you can find outside in the cold), and two blueprints, all while frostbite was steadily draining my health and a pesky Wasp buzzed overhead. I managed to escape, my knuckles whiter than the snow blanketing my backpack.

When I inquired about the blueprint drop adjustments, a representative for Arc Raiders pointed me to two bullet points in the latest patch notes. It remains uncertain whether this change is here to stay, but Embark Studios may tweak the blueprint drop rate if it becomes too easy to collect them. After all, avarice is a sin, and the sight of a player hoarding 15 blueprints in their backpack is enough to make anyone cringe.

For now, there are plenty of blueprints to be found. Go out there and enjoy, Raiders. Just remember, please don’t shoot.