ARC Raiders Most Useless Gadgets That Become OP in Cold Snap

The new Cold Snap update lets you replay all ARC Raiders maps (except Stella Montis) with a fresh experience. Plus, some gadgets that were previously considered unhelpful are now actually useful.

Okay, so I’ve been digging into the Cold Snap event, and I’ve figured out the best gadgets to use on those new maps. I’ve also got some solid looting strategies that will totally throw off other players, and even a surprising tip about how to use that one item everyone complains about to get around quickly. Basically, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned to help you dominate!

Gas Grenade Trap

A Deadly Yet Undervalued Gadget

Crafted using: 1x Gas Grenade, 1 x Wire
Requires: In-round Crafting, Traveling Tinkerer

The Gas Grenade Trap is known for failing when players really need it, and it’s generally ineffective in fights, particularly outdoors. However, the Cold Snap event is pushing players to spend more time inside buildings, turning each one into a dangerous spot for Raiders.

This is a fantastic chance for players who love to ambush others, and it’s a perfect time to use the Gas Grenade Trap effectively. Players can block narrow passages and hide traps in unexpected locations. The resulting poisonous gas will disorient opponents, either driving them away from valuable loot or trapping them. Once that happens, quickly follow up with a burst of fire from the Stitcher or a well-aimed grenade to finish the job.

Door Blockers

Block Every Entrance To A POI, Then Rig Everything With Traps

Crafted using: Metal Parts, Rubber Parts
Requires: Workshop, Utility Station I

In the Cold Snap game mode, door blockers are incredibly powerful – it’s hard to argue otherwise. There’s nothing more frustrating in ARC Raiders than encountering a blocked doorway, especially when players are trying to avoid frostbite. A player close to freezing isn’t going to stop and consider why the door is blocked; they’ll just try to force their way through, alerting anyone inside and giving them time to set up an ambush.

Combining this gadget with traps like Gas Grenades and Mines, along with Barricade Kits, lets players effectively block off areas and control access to key locations. By strategically blocking doorways and then setting up a line of traps, players can create a dangerous obstacle course. Even if someone manages to get inside without triggering too many enemies – which can be deadly in areas with patrolling Rocketeers – they’ll still have to contend with the traps and the player waiting to ambush them. This gadget is especially useful now that more combat is happening indoors.

Lure Grenade Trap

Now They Are The Most Annoying And OP Trap

Crafted using: Lure Grenade, Wire
Requires: In-round Crafting, Traveling Tinkerer

Lure Grenades are surprisingly effective for drawing ARC Enemies and turning them against enemy Raiders, but many players don’t realize it. Lure Grenade Traps work on the same idea, but because they’re stationary and require careful planning, players quickly dismissed them as unhelpful.

Many players underestimate Lure Traps, especially on Cold Snap maps. Since Raiders have to go indoors to survive the freezing temperatures, they’ll inevitably enter buildings – which are often hotspots for conflict. This creates a great opportunity for clever players to set traps, particularly for aggressive Raiders who are actively hunting others. When a Lure Trap is activated, it draws in all nearby ARC enemies – like Leapers, Rocketeers, and Bastions – to investigate the location.

Noisemakers

Cheap, Reliable, The Noise Is Hard To Ignore

Crafted using: Speaker Component, Plastic Parts
Requires: In-round Crafting, Traveling Tinkerer

Noisemakers are incredibly useful because they’re easy and inexpensive to make, very light, and can be used over and over again. Players who aren’t using them are really missing out! Dropping a Noisemaker as you enter a location is a smart move – it’s like an investment that will likely save you trouble later on.

It’s common for Raiders to be caught in ambushes or tricked by players pretending to be friendly, so carrying a Noisemaker is essential. Thankfully, they’re easy to make with the Traveling Tinkerer Skill – just combine a Speaker Component and two Plastic Parts. These devices are incredibly lightweight (0.3 lbs), fit in your Tactical Slots, and provide an early warning system when deployed. They’ll keep ringing until you move a good distance away, acting like a louder, more mobile version of the Cameras found in Points of Interest. There’s really no reason not to have one – or several – on hand.

Ziplines

Extra Mobility, And Getaway Artist, All-in-One

Crafted using: Rope, Mechanical Components
Requires: Workshop, Utility Station 2

Exploring the high ground, or ‘Topside’, requires covering a lot of distance. While they can be tricky to use and attract attention, Ziplines become essential for getting around. With the recent update, ‘Cold Snap’, staying on the ground level is dangerous due to attacks from both ARC and enemy Raiders. It’s much safer and faster to travel across rooftops and between points of interest using Ziplines.

There are already plenty of Ziplines on each map, but adding more is a great way to improve gameplay. Having a full stack of Ziplines lets players quickly reach the best parts of locations – often the upper levels – and provides a reliable way to escape if enemies attack.

2025-12-20 23:06