Image credit: Embark Studios

ARC Raiders Candleberries can only be found during the Cold Snap map condition, and they’re required for the Flickering Flames seasonal event.

That means if you want to grab the exclusive rewards tied to this event, including valuable Raider Tokens and Merits, you’ll need to jump in while the opportunity is still active.

TL;DR

Arc Raiders Candleberries & Flickering Flames — Quick Summary

Candleberries are a limited-time seasonal resource in Arc Raiders, tied to the Cold Snap weather condition and required to complete the Flickering Flames event project.

  • Candleberries only spawn during Cold Snap: you will not find them unless the map is affected by the Cold Snap condition (all maps except Stella Montis).
  • Why they matter: Candleberries are required to progress the Flickering Flames seasonal project, which rewards Raider Tokens, Merits, and exclusive event items.
  • Where to find them: look for bright red bushes in Nature-marked zones (leaf icon) and areas that normally spawn fruit for Scrappy upgrades.
  • Low drop rate: each bush gives only one Candleberry, so relying on map spawns alone is slow.
  • Fastest farming method: play the Gathering Candleberries event — XP earned converts into Merits and can reward up to 180 Candleberries across milestones.
  • Flickering Flames structure: the project has multiple stages with increasing Candleberry requirements; most other materials are common scavenged loot.
  • Non-Candleberry items: easily found in drawers, cabinets, toolboxes, vehicles, and containers during normal scavenging routes.
  • Best overall strategy: combine XP grinding for event rewards with occasional Cold Snap runs in Nature zones to finish the project efficiently.

This Arc Raiders guide breaks down exactly how Candleberries work, why they matter right now, and how you can collect them before the event disappears.

What Are Candleberries and Flickering Flames?

Candleberries are a special seasonal resource in the extraction shooter Arc Raiders, and you need them to progress through the limited‑time Flickering Flames project. This project is part of the holiday‑themed content added with the Cold Snap update, and completing it rewards you with event‑exclusive items, Raider Tokens, and Merits.

Cold Snap Map Condition Explained

The Cold Snap condition is a temporary weather effect that can appear on most maps in the game. Everywhere except Stella Montis.

Made a guide on all Candleberry locations (that I know of)
byu/Candid_Reference8048 inArcRaiders

When it’s active, the environment becomes snowy and frozen, and only then can Candleberries spawn. This means you won’t find Candleberries at all unless the map is currently under the Cold Snap condition, so players need to watch for it and jump in when it appears.

Where to Find Candleberries on the Map

Candleberries grow in a few reliable places, and recognizing them makes collecting much easier. Each bush gives only one Candleberry, so the drop rate is low and you’ll need to search a wider area to gather enough for crafting items or upgrades. As you explore, focus on their usual spawn zones and watch for their bright, noticeable appearance.

  • Nature regions marked by the leaf icon
  • Areas that usually contain fruit for Scrappy upgrades
  • Bright red bushes that stand out clearly against the snow

Fastest Way to Get Candleberries

The most efficient way to stock up on Candleberries is by participating in the Gathering Candleberries event. As you play and earn XP, that progress is automatically converted into Merits, which advance you along the event’s reward track.

Candleberries in ARC Raiders | Image credit: Embark Studios

Reaching all milestones can grant you up to 180 Candleberries, making this the single best long‑term method for building a large supply without relying on slow world spawns. If you’re planning ahead for upgrades or major projects, this event should be your primary farming strategy.

Flickering Flames Project Overview

The Flickering Flames project is divided into several stages, and each one needs a different set of materials to move on to the next step. The list might look big at first, but most of the items are common drops you’ll pick up naturally while exploring any map.

The main challenge is getting enough Candleberries, since they are much harder to find. Once you collect the amount you need, especially by using the event rewards, the rest of the project becomes easy to finish.

Flickering Flames – Stage-by-Stage Item Requirements

The Flickering Flames project is divided into several stages, and each one requires a different type of material. The list may seem long, but most items are easy to find while exploring. The main challenge is collecting enough Candleberries, which are needed in larger amounts as you progress. Here’s what each stage focuses on:

  • Stage 1: basic materials and a few Candleberries
  • Stage 2: electronics and a higher Candleberry count
  • Stage 3: combat items and mid‑tier crafting loot
  • Stage 4: utility components and crafting‑heavy materials
  • Stage 5: rare‑looking but common scavenged items, plus the highest Candleberry requirement

Looting Tips for Non-Candleberry Items

Most of the materials you need besides Candleberries can be found by searching indoor loot spots and common containers around the map. These places usually provide most of the items required for each project stage, so here are the main sources you should focus on:

  • drawers
  • cabinets
  • toolboxes
  • vehicles
  • scattered containers

A quick method is to follow a simple scavenging loop through buildings with lots of loot, then check nearby cars and outdoor containers before moving on. During Cold Snap runs, keep an eye on your exposure and use short routes that let you warm up inside structures while collecting items safely.

Community Strategy and Event Planning

A solid long‑term approach is to combine steady XP grinding with focused Cold Snap runs, allowing you to progress the event while collecting useful materials. Playing with a squad can make things easier, since you can divide routes, point out good loot spots, and share map knowledge to stay efficient and safe.

Solo players can still do well by following familiar paths and learning which areas usually contain valuable items. As more players share tips and effective routes, the whole community benefits and progresses faster.

Conclusion

In short, the best way to gather a large number of Candleberries is to focus on the event reward track, as steady XP progress gives you most of what you need. You can then add extra farming in Nature‑marked zones whenever you have time, which helps you collect more berries without depending only on world spawns. Using both methods together keeps the process fast and reliable.