Candleberries in Arc Raiders: Where to Find Them and How the Flickering Flames Challenge Works
Arc Raiders’ Cold Snap update brings a generous dose of wintery visuals, but it also introduces a seasonal quest line you’ll want to chase. The Flickering Flames project hinges on collecting Candleberries, a scarce but essential drop that unlocks rewards as you progress. Each completed step in the project yields incentives like Raider Tokens or Merits, with the Merits contributing toward the Gathering Candleberries event. Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly guide to locating Candleberries and assembling everything you need for Flickering Flames.
What you need to know about Candleberries
- Candleberries are only obtainable under the Cold Snap map condition. This weather modifier can appear on most maps except Stella Montis, so you should have frequent chances to hunt them.
- The most reliable natural source is bright red Candleberry bushes set against the snowy landscape. These bushes typically yield a single Candleberry per interaction, so gathering them can take some time.
- Areas that routinely host other collectible items—such as those used for Scrappy upgrades—are good places to check. Nature zones are especially fruitful and are marked on maps with a leaf icon.
- You can accelerate your collection by participating in the Gathering Candleberries event. The rewards track grants a total of 180 Candleberries as you progress. Gaining XP translates into Merits, so you’ll earn Candleberries while leveling up, almost passively.
The Flickering Flames project: item-by-item requirements
The Flickering Flames project demands a substantial bundle of items. Most of these are common loot you can find in drawers, cabinets, cars, and other containers scattered across maps. Below is the full item list organized by stage.
Stage 1
- Empty Wine Bottle x1
- Plastic Parts x25
- Durable Cloth x5
- Candleberries x20
Stage 2
- Candle Holder x3
- Light Bulb x3
- Industrial Battery x1
- Candleberries x50
Stage 3
- Snap Blast Grenade x5
- Duct Tape x10
- Film Reel x1
- Candleberries x60
Stage 4
- Coffee Pot x2
- Fireball Burner x10
- Water Filter x2
- Candleberries x60
Stage 5
- Mushroom x7
- Frying Pan x2
- Music Album x2
- Candleberries x70
Tips to streamline your hunt
- Prioritize Cold Snap days on maps you enjoy; this mode directly unlocks Candleberry spawns.
- Target Nature zones first, since they’re the most likely to contain Candleberries and related items you need for upgrades.
- Don’t overlook everyday loot crates and containers; several essential items appear in common locations, especially those linked to prior stages of the project.
If you’d like, I can tailor this guide to your preferred map or playstyle and suggest a quick farming route to minimize travel time while maximizing Candleberry yields.
Further Arc Raiders resources
- For broader Arc Raiders guides and up-to-date tips, explore our guides hub.
- If you have a news tip or want to reach the team, you can email news@gamespot.com.
But here’s the twist most players miss: you don’t have to rush to finish Flickering Flames. As you naturally accrue Merits via XP, Candleberries accumulate along the way, making the later stages feel less grindy. Do you think that pacing your progress and letting Merits accumulate could be the smarter strategy, or would you rather push hard to finish early for exclusive rewards?
