The Cold Snap update has completely changed the atmosphere in Arc Raiders, covering maps in snow and adding small seasonal mechanics that make raids feel very different.
One of the most fun additions is Snowballs, a simple throwable item that lets players mess around during winter conditions.
If you are wondering where Snowballs spawn, how to collect them, and whether they actually do anything useful, this guide breaks everything down in a clear and simple way.
What Are Snowballs in Arc Raiders
Snowballs are seasonal throwable items introduced during the Cold Snap update. Unlike grenades or other combat items, Snowballs are mainly added for fun and light interaction between players during snowy raids.
They are not permanent loot and only appear when winter conditions are active on a map.
In game description
A compact snowball fashioned out of the most malleable and aerodynamic snow.
Where To Find Snowballs in Arc Raiders
Snowballs are not looted from containers, enemies, or buildings. Instead, they are collected directly from the environment.
Snow Mounds on the Ground
During winter conditions, you will notice small snow mounds scattered across ice themed areas of the map. These snow piles appear naturally on the ground and stand out slightly from the regular terrain.
When you walk close to a snow mound, you will see a Collect prompt. Interacting with it allows your raider to scoop up snow and form Snowballs.
Once collected, the Snowballs are automatically placed into your quick slot, ready to be used immediately.
When Snowballs Spawn
Snowballs only spawn when the winter or snow condition is active. If the map is not affected by Cold Snap weather, you will not find any snow mounds at all.
If you are specifically looking to collect Snowballs, check the map conditions before deploying into a raid.
SEE ALSO: Arc Raiders Where To Find Empty Wine Bottle
How To Use Snowballs
Using Snowballs works just like any other throwable item.
- Equip them from your quick slot
- Aim at another raider or target
- Throw them like a grenade
Snowballs have a short to medium throwing range, so you will need to get fairly close to hit someone accurately.
This often leads to playful encounters where players chase each other instead of fighting seriously.
Do Snowballs Have Any Effect
Snowballs have no combat effect at all.
- They do not deal damage
- They do not slow enemies
- They do not apply debuffs or status effects
They are purely cosmetic and meant for fun interactions during winter raids.
Because of this, throwing Snowballs at the wrong player can be risky, as not everyone is in a festive mood and some may respond with real weapons.
Should You Extract With Snowballs
In most cases, no.
- Snowballs sell for only 20 Raider Coins each
- They weigh 0.2 per Snowball
- They take up inventory space
The only reason to bring Snowballs back is if you are completing a Cold Snap related quest or challenge that specifically requires them.
Otherwise, it is better to use them during the raid and leave them behind.
Tips for Using Snowballs Safely
- Only throw Snowballs at players who seem friendly
- Avoid using them near high traffic combat zones
- Do not replace important throwables with Snowballs
- Use them early in the raid since extraction value is low
Snowballs are best treated as a fun distraction rather than a strategic item.
Final Thoughts
Snowballs in Arc Raiders are a small but enjoyable addition that fits perfectly with the Cold Snap update. They are easy to find during winter conditions, quick to collect, and fun to use, but they offer no real gameplay advantage.
If you are exploring snowy maps anyway, grabbing a few Snowballs can add some lighthearted moments to your raid. Just remember that not every raider wants to play along.
Nishant Singh is a gaming writer with a passion for Roblox and the Call of Duty franchise. He enjoys exploring new titles, sharing tips, and writing stories that bring the gaming world to life.