Complete guide to ARC Raiders Flickering Flames event rewards, merit farming strategies, and optimization tips
Flickering Flames Event Overview

The Flickering Flames seasonal event has officially launched in ARC Raiders alongside the recent Cold Snap game update. This marks the second major content release since Embark Studios introduced their acclaimed extraction shooter to the gaming community. The event introduces a comprehensive progression system where players advance through reward tiers by accumulating match experience points.
As part of the Cold Snap seasonal content, this limited-time engagement provides substantial incentives for both new recruits and veteran raiders. The event mechanics integrate seamlessly with core gameplay loops while offering exclusive cosmetic items unavailable through other acquisition methods.
This time-limited engagement remains active for precisely 27 days, giving participants until January 12, 2026 to complete the extensive reward track. Strategic planning becomes essential for players aiming to secure all available premium items before the event concludes.
Complete Reward Track Breakdown
The Flickering Flames reward track encompasses 25 distinct tiers with escalating merit requirements. Each level provides either exclusive cosmetic items for the Hi-Tech Hiker set or valuable in-game currencies to accelerate your progression.
- Hi-Tech Hiker Base Item– 600 Merits (Starter cosmetic piece)
- Candleberries x10– 1200 Merits (Essential crafting resource)
- Scanner (Hi-Tech Hiker Variant)– 1800 Merits (Custom detection equipment)
- Candleberries x10– 2400 Merits (Additional resource stockpile)
- Check Compass– 3000 Merits (Navigation tool variant)
- Candleberries x20– 3600 Merits (Expanded resource cache)
- Raider Tokens x50– 4200 Merits (Premium currency bundle)
- Blue Camo (Hi-Tech Hiker Color)– 4800 Merits (First color variant)
- Candleberries x30– 5400 Merits (Substantial resource allocation)
- Field Phone (Hi-Tech Hiker Variant)– 6000 Merits (Communications gear)
- Candleberries x30– 6600 Merits (Continued resource supply)
- Sprayed Red Eyes– 7200 Merits (Distinct visual modification)
- Raider Tokens x50– 7800 Merits (Second currency installment)
- Orange (Hi-Tech Hiker Color)– 8400 Merits (Secondary color option)
- Candleberries x40– 9000 Merits (Enhanced resource package)
- Mask (Hi-Tech Hiker Variant)– 9600 Merits (Facial protection customization)
- Raider Tokens x50– 10200 Merits (Third premium currency drop)
- Yellow Camo (Hi-Tech Hiker Color)– 10800 Merits (Third color scheme)
- Candleberries x40– 11400 Merits (Advanced resource collection)
- Headgear (Hi-Tech Hiker Variant)– 12000 Merits (Head protection variant)
- Raider Tokens x50– 12600 Merits (Fourth currency distribution)
- White (Hi-Tech Hiker Color)– 13200 Merits (Fourth color pattern)
- Goggles (Hi-Tech Hiker Variant)– 13800 Merits (Eye protection customization)
- Raider Tokens x50– 14400 Merits (Final currency installment)
- Space Wrench– 15000 Merits (Prestige tool variant completion reward)
The progression system strategically spaces cosmetic unlocks with practical resource rewards, ensuring players receive consistent value throughout their advancement. The complete Hi-Tech Hiker armor set becomes available through dedicated participation, with color variants providing additional customization depth for committed participants.
Merit Acquisition Strategies
Progress within the Flickering Flames event directly correlates with your performance during matches. Upon returning to the underground city of Speranza – whether through successful extraction or being eliminated and respawning – all accumulated experience converts into event progression currency.
The conversion system operates at a fixed 100:1 ratio, meaning every 100 XP earned translates to 1 Merit toward your reward track advancement. This straightforward system rewards consistent gameplay and mission completion regardless of extraction success rates.
Supplemental merit opportunities emerge through the Candleberry Banquet Project, a complementary system introduced with the Cold Snap update. This secondary progression path provides bonus merits for specific achievements and collection objectives, effectively accelerating your advancement through the primary reward track.
Optimal farming involves focusing on high-XP activities like completing primary objectives, defeating elite ARC units, and assisting squadmates. Each successful extraction typically yields 800-1200 XP, translating to 8-12 merits per completed run. Failed extractions still provide partial XP based on accomplishments during the match.
Advanced Optimization Tips
Maximizing your Flickering Flames progression requires strategic approach beyond basic gameplay. Understanding the event’s mechanics and implementing efficient practices separates casual participants from those who complete the entire reward track.
Daily Engagement Strategy
Consistent daily play proves more effective than marathon sessions. The 27-day duration allows for approximately 556 merits per day to complete the track. Focus on completing daily challenges and objectives that provide bonus XP, as these significantly accelerate merit accumulation without requiring extended playtime.
Common Progression Mistakes
Many players underestimate the importance of failed extractions – even unsuccessful matches contribute substantial XP if you complete secondary objectives. Avoid abandoning matches early; instead, focus on gathering resources and accomplishing tasks regardless of extraction likelihood. Another common error involves ignoring the Candleberry Banquet Project, which provides crucial bonus merits.
Advanced Player Techniques
Experienced raiders should coordinate with squads to efficiently complete high-value contracts and elite eliminations. Prioritize missions with bonus XP modifiers and focus on activities that align with your personal skill strengths. Resource management becomes crucial – conserve Candleberries for critical upgrades rather than spending them immediately.
For comprehensive guides on specific mission types and advanced tactics, explore our dedicated ARC Raiders content library covering essential quests and strategic approaches.
- Complete walkthrough for Greasing Her Palms quest objectives
- Strategic guide for Industrial Espionage mission completion
- Step-by-step Hatch Repairs troubleshooting
- Optimal approaches for The Right Tool assignments
- Advanced techniques for Eyes on the Prize challenges
- Comprehensive Down To Earth mission strategies
No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » ARC Raiders: Flickering Flames event in ARC Raiders: All rewards and how to get them Complete guide to ARC Raiders Flickering Flames event rewards, merit farming strategies, and optimization tips
