Fastest Way To Complete Flickering Flames Event Arc Raiders
The fastest, most reliable way to finish the Flickering Flames event in Arc Raiders is to treat every Cold Snap run as a focused mission: prioritize topside nature nodes for bright red Candleberries, stack XP through efficient looting and ARC kills to convert into Merits, and donate the exact project items in the project order so you unlock event rewards quickly while minimizing wasted farming time.
Overview of the Flickering Flames Event and Why Cold Snap Matters
The Flickering Flames event is built around a community project and a reward track that both reward players for collecting and donating specific items while also advancing through Merit-based tiers. The two currencies you’ll care about most are Candleberries and Merits. Candleberries are the event’s unique collectible, found primarily on nature nodes during the Cold Snap weather condition. Merits are earned indirectly through XP and event participation and are the key to unlocking reward-track payouts that include more Candleberries, Raider Tokens, cosmetics, and other useful items.
Cold Snap changes the map economy in two ways that matter for speedrunning the event. First, it spawns the bright red bushes that drop Candleberries, making topside exploration the highest-value activity for the event. Second, Cold Snap tends to increase the density of certain loot types and encourages players to move through exposed areas, which creates both opportunity and risk. The fastest players exploit that risk by planning short, repeatable routes that hit multiple nature nodes and high-value containers, then extract before exposure or enemy pressure becomes a problem.
This guide gives you a complete, step-by-step approach to finishing the event as quickly as possible, whether you’re solo, duo, or running a full squad. It covers route planning, loadouts, role assignments, donation strategy, Merit conversion, time management, and advanced tactics that shave minutes off each run. Read it through, pick the parts that match your playstyle, and apply them consistently—speed comes from repetition and discipline.
How the Event Mechanics Work and What to Prioritize
Understanding the mechanics is the first step to optimizing your time. The event has two parallel progression systems: the community project (which requires donations of Candleberries and other items across multiple phases) and the personal reward track (which grants Merits and milestone rewards). Both systems feed each other: the reward track hands out Candleberries and tokens that reduce the need for manual farming, while donations push the community project forward and unlock unique cosmetics or consumables.
Key priorities:
Collect Candleberries efficiently by focusing on nature nodes during Cold Snap.
Maximize XP per minute through targeted kills and high-value container looting to convert into Merits.
Donate in project order—donating the exact items required for each phase is faster than hoarding and guessing.
Claim reward-track payouts as soon as they’re available to get free Candleberries and tokens that accelerate the rest of your runs.
Donations are permanent. That means you should only donate items you can replace or that are cheap to reacquire. Many players find that they already have enough common craftables in their stash to clear the first one or two project phases immediately; check your inventory before you start farming so you don’t waste time collecting items you already own.
Route Planning: How to Find Candleberries Fast
Route planning is the single biggest time-saver. Candleberries spawn on bright red bushes in nature/topside areas. Each bush usually yields one berry, so your goal is to hit as many bushes as possible per run while also collecting high-value containers and craftable materials.
Start each raid by checking the map for Cold Snap indicators and nature icons. If the map has multiple nature nodes clustered near each other, prioritize that cluster. A good route hits three to six nature nodes, two high-value container clusters, and one or two industrial or vehicle spawns for Plastic Parts and Light Bulbs. Keep the route short—long, sprawling runs increase the chance of frostbite, ambushes, and extraction failure.
When planning routes, think in loops rather than lines. A loop lets you pass through multiple nodes and return to a safe extraction point without backtracking. If you’re solo, choose a loop that keeps you within sightlines of shelters and buildings so you can reset frost meters. If you’re in a squad, split the loop into segments and assign each player a segment to clear simultaneously; this parallel approach multiplies your berry yield and XP per minute.
Solo Versus Squad Strategies
Solo play demands conservative routes and reliable extraction. You want to minimize risk while maximizing yield. Choose indoor loops that reliably spawn craft materials and hit one or two nature nodes. Avoid long open-field traversals unless you’re confident in your movement and frost management. Solo players should favor weapons and gear that allow quick kills and fast looting—high mobility and single-target damage are more valuable than heavy area-of-effect builds.
Squad play is where you can shave the most time off the event. With three or four players you can parallelize tasks: one player scouts and collects Candleberries, another secures high-value containers and craftables, a third provides overwatch and covers extraction, and a fourth (if present) handles crowd control and ARC suppression. Communication is essential—call out node locations, extraction windows, and enemy movements. Use short, repeatable routes and rotate roles between runs to keep everyone fresh and efficient.
If you’re running with randoms, use simple role assignments and stick to a single plan. Don’t overcomplicate routes; the fastest squads are the ones that execute the same loop repeatedly and extract cleanly.
Loadouts and Gear That Speed Up Runs
Your loadout should be built around speed, survivability in Cold Snap, and the ability to loot quickly. Prioritize mobility, short TTK (time to kill), and tools that reduce downtime.
Weapons: Choose weapons with fast handling and reliable single-target damage. SMGs and assault rifles with high mobility perks are excellent for topside runs. If you expect heavy ARC resistance, bring a secondary with higher burst damage. Avoid heavy, slow weapons that make you an easy target while looting.
Armor and Mods: Equip armor that balances protection with mobility. Mods that increase movement speed, reduce frost accumulation, or improve looting speed are high-value. Carry a compact medkit and a Vita Spray for quick recovery; don’t overburden your inventory with healing items—speed is more valuable than carrying extra medkits you won’t use.
Gadgets: Bring a deployable shelter or a portable heat source if available; these let you reset frost meters without detouring into buildings. Use a scanner or drone to reveal nearby nature nodes and high-value containers; the time saved by not searching blindly is enormous.
Inventory: Keep your inventory lean. Carry only what you need for the run: a few med items, a couple of grenades, and space for Candleberries and craftables. If you plan to donate immediately after extraction, stash items in your base or a shared squad stash to avoid over-encumbering future runs.
Farming Craftables and Project Items Efficiently
The community project asks for a mix of Candleberries and common craftables like Plastic Parts, Durable Cloth, Light Bulbs, Film Reels, Coffee Pots, and Frying Pans. These items spawn in predictable locations: residential areas for Durable Cloth and Film Reels, industrial zones and vehicles for Plastic Parts and Light Bulbs, and kitchens or cafes for Coffee Pots and Frying Pans.
Don’t waste time searching every corner for rare spawns. Instead, memorize a handful of high-yield spawn points for each item type and run loops that pass through them. If you’re short on a particular item, prioritize runs that include the relevant spawn points. For example, if you need Film Reels, route through residential neighborhoods and small shops; if you need Plastic Parts, include vehicle lots and industrial warehouses.
Crafting can also be a time-saver. If you can craft Durable Cloth or other common items quickly, do so between runs rather than spending extra time searching for spawns. Use the reward-track tokens to buy missing items when the cost is reasonable—sometimes spending a few tokens saves hours of farming.
Merit Conversion: How to Turn XP Into Progress
Merits are the event’s progression currency and are often tied to XP thresholds. The fastest way to earn Merits is to maximize XP per minute. That means prioritizing high-value container looting, completing small objectives, and getting kills without wasting time.
A simple formula to keep in mind: more efficient kills + faster looting = more XP per minute = more Merits. Don’t chase every enemy; focus on targets that give the best XP return for the time invested. Use your scanner to find high-value containers and prioritize them over low-value trash. If a container is contested or in a risky location, skip it and move to the next one—losing time to a fight that yields little XP is a net loss.
Claim reward-track payouts as soon as they’re available. The track often gives Candleberries and Raider Tokens that reduce the need for manual farming. Treat these payouts as part of your resource plan: if the track gives you enough Candleberries to finish a project phase, use that to avoid unnecessary runs.
Donation Strategy: When to Donate and What to Keep
Donations are permanent, so you must be strategic. The fastest approach is to donate the exact items required for each project phase as soon as you can without jeopardizing your future runs. That means:
Check your stash before you start farming. You may already have enough items to clear early phases.
Donate spares first. If you have duplicates of common items, donate them to speed progress.
Use reward-track payouts to fill gaps. If the track gives you Candleberries or tokens, use them to finish a phase rather than farming more.
Avoid donating rare or expensive items unless you’re certain you can replace them quickly.
A common mistake is hoarding items in the hope of getting a better payout later. That wastes time. The fastest players donate early and often, using the project’s momentum and reward-track payouts to reduce manual farming.
Time Management and Session Planning
Speedrunning the event is as much about time management as it is about in-game skill. Plan your sessions around short, repeatable loops and set realistic goals for each play session. For example, aim to complete a specific project phase or earn a set number of Merits per session.
Five matches per session is a good target for many players: it’s enough to make meaningful progress without burning out. If you have limited time, prioritize runs that give the highest expected return—Cold Snap topside loops that hit multiple nature nodes and high-value containers.
Track your progress. Keep a simple checklist of items you need for each project phase and mark them off as you collect and donate. This prevents wasted runs and helps you focus on the missing pieces rather than repeating tasks you’ve already completed.
Risk Mitigation: Avoiding Frostbite and Extraction Failures
Cold Snap introduces frost mechanics that can sap your health and force you to use consumables. Avoid long open-field sprints and use buildings and shelters to reset frost meters. If you must cross open areas, do it in short bursts and use portable heat sources or deployable shelters when available.
Extraction failures are the biggest time sink. If extraction becomes contested or risky, consider abandoning high-value loot and extracting with what you have. Losing everything to a failed extraction wastes far more time than leaving a few items behind. In squads, assign one player to cover extraction while others finish looting; this reduces the chance of a wipe.
Advanced Tactics That Save Minutes Per Run
Once you’ve mastered the basics, apply these advanced tactics to shave minutes off each run:
Parallel loops in squads: Split the map into segments and clear them simultaneously. This multiplies berry yield and XP.
Hot-swap roles: Rotate roles between runs so no one player burns out. Fresh players are faster and make fewer mistakes.
Use drones and scanners aggressively: Reveal nature nodes and high-value containers before you get there to avoid wasted detours.
Claim reward-track payouts mid-session: If a payout gives you Candleberries or tokens that finish a phase, claim them immediately and donate—don’t wait until the end of the session.
Optimize extraction timing: Extract when you have a clean inventory and a safe route rather than pushing for one more node.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many players slow themselves down with avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common and how to fix them:
Overextending for one more node: Don’t risk extraction for a single berry. Extract clean and run another loop.
Hoarding items instead of donating: Donate spares early to speed project completion.
Ignoring reward-track payouts: Claim them as soon as they’re useful; they often contain the exact items you need.
Poor role communication in squads: Use simple, repeatable calls and stick to the plan.
Carrying too much inventory: Keep your loadout lean to maintain mobility and reduce extraction time.
Minimal Checklist to Keep You Focused
Stash spare craftables before starting.
Prioritize Cold Snap maps with clustered nature nodes.
Run short loops that hit 3–6 nature nodes and 1–2 high-value container clusters.
Convert XP into Merits by maximizing XP per minute.
Donate exact items in project order and claim reward-track payouts immediately.
Extract early rather than risk a wipe.
Final Notes on Consistency and Mindset
Speed comes from repetition. The first few runs will feel slow as you learn spawn points and refine routes. After a dozen loops you’ll start to see patterns and shave minutes off each run. Keep sessions short and focused, and don’t let frustration push you into risky plays. The fastest players are the ones who extract cleanly and repeat efficient loops with discipline.
Treat the event like a sprint of many short races rather than one long marathon. Each run should have a clear objective: collect X Candleberries, secure Y craftables, or earn Z Merits. When you meet that objective, extract and start the next run. Over time, those small wins add up to finishing the entire project far faster than unfocused grinding.
FAQ
How many Candleberries do I need to finish the project? The project requires a substantial total across multiple phases. Expect to collect dozens per phase; use reward-track payouts to reduce manual farming.
Where do Candleberries spawn? Candleberries spawn on bright red bushes in nature/topside areas during Cold Snap. Each bush typically yields one berry.
Can I craft items for donations? Yes, crafting common items can be faster than searching for spawns. Use crafting when it’s time-efficient and you have the materials.
Are donations permanent? Yes. Donated items are consumed. Only donate spares or items you can replace quickly.
What’s the best squad composition? A three- or four-player squad with assigned roles—berry runner, looter, overwatch, and extractor—works best. Keep roles simple and rotate them between runs.
How do I manage frostbite? Use buildings and shelters to reset frost meters, carry a Vita Spray, and avoid long open-field sprints. Portable heat sources are extremely valuable.
Should I claim reward-track payouts immediately? Yes. Claiming payouts as soon as they’re useful often gives you the exact items you need and saves farming time.
What’s the fastest way to earn Merits? Maximize XP per minute by looting high-value containers and getting efficient kills. Avoid fights that take too long for little XP.
Is it better to solo or run in a squad? Squads are faster due to parallelization, but solo runs can be more reliable if you prefer conservative play. Choose the mode that matches your time and risk tolerance.
What’s the single biggest time-saving tip? Plan and repeat a short loop that hits multiple nature nodes and high-value containers, then extract cleanly. Repetition and discipline beat random roaming.
Follow this plan, refine your routes, and keep your sessions focused. With consistent loops, smart donations, and disciplined extraction, you’ll finish the Flickering Flames event far faster than by random farming.
Quick plan: Use short repeatable loops on Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Blue Gate, and Spaceport during Cold Snap to hit clustered nature nodes for Candleberries, run parallel roles in squads (berry runner, looter, overwatch, extractor) tuned to common loadouts (SMG, AR, Sniper, Support), and track donations with a single-page checklist so you can donate immediately after extraction and finish the Flickering Flames project fast.
Compact printable route map for top Cold Snap maps
Dam Battlegrounds loop — Hydroponic Dome loop: enter north spawn, clear dome perimeter for 2–3 bushes, sweep south to Scrapyard wreckage for baskets, loop back to northern extraction. Buried City loop — Marano Park circuit: land near park, clear tree line and benches for bushes, check adjacent residential alleys for Film Reels, extract via central plaza. Blue Gate loop — Olive Grove sweep: start at Trapper’s Glade, hit Olive Grove and Highway Collapse fringe, check small shacks for baskets, extract at checkpoint. Spaceport loop — North Trench run: focus northern trench and staff parking, clear open areas quickly and use shelters to reset frost, extract at nearest airlock. Each loop is designed as a short circuit (3–6 nature nodes plus 1–2 high-value containers) so you can repeat runs and extract cleanly.
Squad role checklist tailored to common preferred weapons
Berry Runner SMG build: light armor, mobility mods, scanner drone; sprint topside, harvest bushes, avoid long fights.
Looter AR build: balanced AR, extra inventory space, container scanner; clear buildings and grab craftables (Plastic Parts, Light Bulbs).
Overwatch Sniper build: long-range rifle, thermal scope, cover breaker; hold sightlines and call enemy pushes.
Support Utility build: deployable shelter/heat source, Vita Sprays, crowd-control gadget; keep team warm and cover extractions. Assign roles before drop, rotate every 2–3 runs to avoid fatigue, and keep comms to two-word calls: node clear, extract now, hostile north.
One‑page donation tracker you can use between runs
| Phase | Required items | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 30 Candleberries; 5 Plastic Parts; 3 Film Reels | ☐ |
| Phase 2 | 40 Candleberries; 6 Durable Cloth; 4 Light Bulbs | ☐ |
| Phase 3 | 50 Candleberries; 8 Coffee Pots; 5 Frying Pans | ☐ |
| Phase 4 | 60 Candleberries; 10 Mushrooms; 6 Assorted Parts | ☐ |
| Phase 5 | 80 Candleberries; 12 Rare Craftables; final donation bonus | ☐ |
Quick tips: stash spares before runs, claim reward-track Candleberries (Merits from XP) to fill gaps, and always extract early rather than risk a wipe.
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