Arc Raiders Locked Gate Event Returns: How to Unlock Underground Loot and Secure the Bobcat Blueprint

Locked Gate Returns: The Challenge and the Opportunity

After a long absence, the Locked Gate event has returned to Arc Raiders with the December 16, 2025, Cold Snap update (Red94.net). This event, exclusive to the Blue Gate map, transforms a routine raid into a tense, cooperative scavenger hunt. The premise is straightforward but demanding: collect four security codes hidden across the map, survive enemy encounters, and unlock the underground tunnels packed with rare loot and the much-desired Bobcat SMG blueprint.

Blueprints, Bugs, and the Event’s Rocky Past

The Locked Gate event has a history as mysterious as its gameplay. First introduced in 2025, it quickly became a fan favorite due to its rewarding loot and unique structure. However, its sudden disappearance left players speculating. According to SSBCrack, the event was temporarily removed in November due to bugs—specifically, a glitch that caused the newly accessible tunnels to spawn no loot at all. This led to frustration, especially for players who had braved the event’s challenges only to leave empty-handed.

The Cold Snap update marks its official return, with fixes in place and new blueprint drop rates that have shifted the in-game economy. Sellers who once commanded high prices for blueprints, like the Bobcat, now face a saturated market. The opportunity to obtain the Bobcat blueprint is greater than ever, but so is the competition.

How the Locked Gate Event Works

Unlike standard Blue Gate matches, the Locked Gate event dramatically alters your objectives and available resources. When the modifier is activated, players find fewer Return Points and no Raider Hatches, forcing careful planning for both extraction and combat. The core goal is to find four security codes, each hidden in containers at specific locations:

• Ancient Fort – Eastern section
• Pilgrim’s Peak – Southern area
• Raider’s Refuge – Western region
• Reinforced Reception – Northern section

Each code is randomly placed within containers at its respective site. There’s no shortcut—thorough looting and a willingness to confront ARC unit resistance are required. The risk is real, as every player in the match races for the same codes and the promise of underground rewards.

The Gate Control Room: Your Mission Hub

Once you have the codes, the next step is the Gate Control Room, located in the Warehouse Complex near the map’s center (Screen Rant). This facility is heavily guarded, and inside you’ll find four terminals—each requiring one security code. Only when all four are inputted do the outer gates unlock, triggering a system-wide notification and a frantic rush as every player heads for the tunnels.

Underground Tunnels: Loot, Competition, and the Bobcat Blueprint

With the gates open, players gain access to the Traffic Tunnels beneath Blue Gate. Here, the loot density spikes: rare weapons, blueprints, and high-value containers abound. The Bobcat SMG blueprint, once considered nearly unattainable, now drops at higher rates thanks to the Cold Snap update. Yet, extraction is never guaranteed—loot is randomized, and the area quickly fills with rival raiders eager for the same rewards.

According to the IGN Arc Raiders Guide, the drop rate for blueprints in standard containers hovers around 1-2%, but specific containers (raider caches, weapon boxes, security lockers) offer far better odds. Locked Gate’s underground area is the prime spot for blueprint hunters, but the competitive pressure means teamwork and speed are essential.

Farming Strategies and Community Impact

The return of Locked Gate has sparked a shift in player strategies. Dedicated blueprint farmers now prioritize these events, while casual players may stick to easier, quicker runs. The Cold Snap update’s increased blueprint drop rates have also disrupted the in-game economy, as once-rare items flood the market. Some longtime sellers have had to adjust prices, and the value of certain blueprints—like the Bobcat—has dropped considerably.

Still, for those seeking collection completion or the thrill of high-stakes competition, Locked Gate remains the pinnacle of Arc Raiders’ cooperative play. The event’s structure demands coordination, map knowledge, and quick decision-making. The risk—losing loot to another team or failing to extract before time runs out—is offset by the possibility of scoring ultra-rare gear in a single run.

Why Play Locked Gate? Is the Effort Worth It?

The event isn’t for everyone. Its difficulty, reduced escape options, and fierce enemy resistance mean casual players may prefer standard matches. But for serious grinders, the rewards—especially after the Cold Snap update—justify the challenge. Premium loot spawns, concentrated blueprint drops, and the adrenaline of competing against other teams make Locked Gate a memorable experience.

The community’s response has been enthusiastic. Social media and Discord channels buzz with strategy guides, loot reports, and stories of narrow escapes. The event’s temporary removal and subsequent return have only heightened anticipation, making its current run a must-play for those invested in Arc Raiders’ evolving world.

Looking Forward: The Event’s Future

Developers at Embark Studios have shown a willingness to listen to player feedback, patch bugs, and adjust loot distribution. Speculation about further event tweaks, exclusive cosmetic rewards for early participants, and new underground challenges continues to circulate. If Locked Gate remains a fixture in future updates, it could become the signature high-stakes experience in Arc Raiders.

Locked Gate’s return is more than just another map modifier—it’s a test of cooperation, planning, and adaptability. For those willing to brave its challenges, the event offers a rare window into the heart of Arc Raiders’ competitive spirit and the ever-changing dynamics of its loot economy. The real reward isn’t just the Bobcat blueprint—it’s the thrill of the chase and the community forged in pursuit of it.