99 Nights in the Forest Snow Melting Update (January 2026) Ultimate Guide
The Christmas season is coming to an end in 99 Nights in the Forest, and players need to prepare for one of the most significant transitions in the game’s recent history. The Snow is Melting update marks the conclusion of the beloved Christmas event, bringing dramatic changes to the game world that every player needs to understand. As the snowy landscape gradually returns to its original state, you’ll face new challenges and opportunities that will reshape your survival strategy.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about The Snow is Melting update, including the exact release date, countdown timer, critical changes to gameplay, and essential steps you must take before the event ends permanently. Whether you’re a seasoned survivor or new to the forest, this information could be the difference between losing valuable rewards and maximizing your gaming experience.
Quick Reference: The Snow is Melting Update Timeline
| Event | Date & Time (EST) | Duration | Key Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admin Abuse Event | January 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM EST | Limited time | Special admin-hosted event |
| Update Begins | January 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM EST | 7 days | Snow starts melting |
| Update Ends | January 10, 2026 at 5:55 AM EST | – | Full forest restoration |
| Candy Canes Expire | January 10, 2026 at 5:55 AM EST | – | Currency becomes worthless |
What is The Snow is Melting Update?
The Snow is Melting update represents a pivotal moment in 99 Nights in the Forest’s seasonal content cycle. For the past several weeks, players have enjoyed a winter wonderland where the entire map was covered in snow, creating a unique survival experience with modified gameplay mechanics. This update serves as the bridge between the Christmas event and the return to normal gameplay conditions.
Unlike typical content updates that add new features or enemies, The Snow is Melting is primarily a transition update. Its main purpose is to reset the world state, remove Christmas-themed elements, and restore the game to its standard forest environment. However, this seemingly simple change has profound implications for gameplay strategy, resource management, and player progression.
Detailed Release Schedule Across Time Zones
The Snow is Melting update follows a global rollout schedule to ensure players worldwide can participate in the transition. Here’s the complete breakdown of when the update will go live in your region:
Main Update Release Times
| Region/Country | Start Time (Local) | End Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|
| United States (EST) | January 3 at 1:00 PM | January 10 at 5:55 AM |
| United States (PST) | January 3 at 10:00 AM | January 10 at 2:55 AM |
| United Kingdom (GMT) | January 3 at 6:00 PM | January 10 at 10:55 AM |
| Europe (CET) | January 3 at 7:00 PM | January 10 at 11:55 AM |
| India (IST) | January 3 at 11:30 PM | January 11 at 4:25 AM |
| Australia (AEDT) | January 4 at 4:30 AM | January 11 at 9:25 AM |
| Japan (JST) | January 4 at 3:00 AM | January 11 at 7:55 AM |
| China (CST) | January 4 at 2:00 AM | January 11 at 6:55 AM |
Admin Abuse Event Timing
The special Admin Abuse event, a popular tradition in the 99 Nights in the Forest community, will occur at the beginning of the update:
- UTC/GMT: January 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM
- EST: January 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM
- PST: January 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM
- GMT: January 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM
This limited-time event offers unique opportunities for rare rewards and special interactions with game administrators, making it a must-attend for dedicated players.
Major Changes Coming With The Snow is Melting Update
1. Map Transformation
The most visible change will be the gradual disappearance of snow across the entire game map. The Christmas-themed winter wonderland that players have explored for weeks will slowly revert to the standard forest environment. This transformation isn’t just cosmetic – it fundamentally changes how players navigate and survive in the game world.
During the transition week, you may notice the snow melting progressively each day, creating a dynamic environment that evolves in real-time. This gradual process allows players to adapt their strategies gradually rather than facing an abrupt change.
2. Gameplay Mechanics Reset
The Christmas event temporarily modified several core gameplay mechanics. With The Snow is Melting update, these changes will be reversed:
- Freezing Damage Returns: The snow biome will once again cause freezing damage to players without proper protection
- Normal Resource Spawning: Christmas-specific resources will disappear, replaced by standard forest materials
- Enemy Behavior: Holiday-themed enemies and altered spawn patterns will revert to normal
- Weather Effects: Special Christmas weather patterns will end
3. Economic System Changes
The event economy will undergo a complete reset:
- Candy Canes: This event-exclusive currency will become worthless after the update
- Elf Shop Closure: All limited-time Christmas items will no longer be available
- Present Machines: The special Christmas reward systems will be removed
- Event-Exclusive Items: Any items marked with a clock symbol will disappear
Critical Actions You Must Take Before the Update Ends
1. Spend All Your Candy Canes Immediately
This is the most urgent priority for every player. Based on previous events in 99 Nights in the Forest, unused event currency typically becomes worthless once the event concludes. Don’t make the mistake of holding onto candy canes thinking they might be useful later.
Recommended Purchases from the Elf Shop:
| Item Name | Rarity | Why Buy It | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Maze Fire | Limited Edition | Cosmetic rarity, future value | High |
| Alien Fire | Limited Edition | Unique design, collector’s item | High |
| Christmas Lights | Event Exclusive | Decorative, limited availability | Medium |
| Special Christmas Fires | Event Exclusive | Unique effects, limited time | Medium |
2. Complete All Remaining Christmas Tasks
If you haven’t finished all Christmas event activities, now is the time. Check your quest log and ensure you’ve:
- Defeated the Impostor Santa (requires ladder, skates, and snow shovel)
- Collected all available presents from present machines
- Explored the North Pole biome completely
- Unlocked all Christmas-themed achievements
- Collected any remaining golden presents
3. Prepare for the Return of Normal Survival
Once the snow melts away, survival becomes significantly more challenging:
- Stock Up on Warm Clothing: Prepare gear for the snow biome’s return to freezing temperatures
- Relocate Camps: If you’ve built bases in snow areas, consider moving to more permanent locations
- Adjust Resource Gathering: Christmas-specific resources will disappear, so stock up on essentials
- Update Travel Routes: Safe paths through snow zones will become dangerous again
What Happens to Your Progress and Items?
Permanent Changes
Some elements will be permanently lost when the update concludes:
- Candy Cane Currency: Completely removed from the game
- Christmas-Specific Items: Any item marked with a clock symbol will disappear
- Event Achievements: Some Christmas achievements may become unobtainable
- Special Christmas Fires: Limited edition campfires will no longer be craftable
What You Keep?
Not everything will be lost. Players will retain:
- Standard Items: Regular game items without event markers
- Progress on Classes: Any class progress made during the event
- Base Structures: Non-Christmas buildings and constructions
- Regular Currency: Diamonds and other standard currencies
- Unlocked Classes: All classes unlocked during the event remain available
Survival Strategies for the Transition Period
Week Before the Update
- Maximize Candy Cane Farming: Focus on efficient candy cane collection methods
- Complete Event Quests: Prioritize unfinished Christmas objectives
- Stockpile Resources: Gather materials that will be useful after the snow melts
- Trade with Players: Exchange unwanted Christmas items for useful resources
During the Update Week
- Monitor Map Changes: Adapt your strategy as the snow gradually melts
- Test New Routes: Explore paths that will become viable after the transition
- Collect Last-Minute Rewards: Don’t miss any remaining Christmas opportunities
- Prepare Equipment: Craft and upgrade gear for the return of normal difficulty
After the Update
- Reestablish Safe Zones: Set up new camps in appropriate locations
- Adapt Combat Strategies: Prepare for the return of normal enemy behavior
- Explore Changed Areas: Discover how familiar locations have transformed
- Join Community Events: Participate in post-Christmas activities
Future Content Speculation
While The Snow is Melting update focuses primarily on transitioning back to normal gameplay, it sets the stage for future content updates. Based on developer patterns and unfinished elements in the current game, here’s what players might expect:
Cave Biome Expansion
The cave biome launched with several visibly blocked-off areas. Developers have previously mentioned plans for additional underground sections. With holiday updates complete, work may resume on expanding these cave systems, potentially adding:
- New underground resources and materials
- Unique cave-specific enemies and challenges
- Expanded crafting recipes using cave materials
- Hidden areas and secret passages
Environmental Evolution
The melting snow could lead to interesting environmental changes:
- Swamp Areas: Former snow zones might transform into waterlogged areas
- Spring Content: New seasonal content could follow the winter theme
- Dynamic Weather: More complex weather systems might be introduced
- Ecosystem Changes: Plant and animal life could evolve with the seasons
Quality of Life Improvements
Transition updates often include behind-the-scenes improvements:
- Performance optimizations
- Bug fixes from the Christmas event
- Interface enhancements
- Server stability improvements
Community Reactions and Expectations
The 99 Nights in the Forest community has mixed feelings about The Snow is Melting update. Many players have enjoyed the Christmas event’s unique atmosphere and modified gameplay mechanics. The return to normal survival difficulty will be challenging for those who have become accustomed to the safer winter environment.
However, veteran players are excited about the return of traditional survival elements. The snow biome’s freezing mechanic adds an important layer of strategy that has been missing during the Christmas event. This update represents a return to the core survival experience that made 99 Nights in the Forest popular.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly does the Christmas event end?
The Christmas event concludes with The Snow is Melting update, which begins on January 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST and completes on January 10, 2026, at 5:55 AM EST.
What happens if I don’t spend my candy canes?
Based on previous events, unused candy canes will become permanently worthless after the update ends. There is no conversion or carry-over system.
Will the snow biome still exist after the update?
Yes, the snow biome will remain in the game, but it will return to its normal state where it causes freezing damage to players without proper protection.
Is this a major content update?
No, The Snow is Melting is primarily a transition update focused on resetting the world state rather than adding significant new content. Larger content updates are expected later.
Can I keep Christmas items after the event?
Only items without the clock symbol will remain in your inventory. Event-exclusive items marked with a clock will disappear when the update concludes.
Should I participate in the Admin Abuse event?
Absolutely! The Admin Abuse event offers unique rewards and experiences that won’t be available again. It’s scheduled for January 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST.
How do I prepare for the return of freezing damage?
Stock up on warm clothing, fires, and cold-resistant gear. Consider relocating bases away from snow zones if you’re not prepared for the increased difficulty.
Will my progress be reset?
No, your general progress, unlocked classes, and standard items will remain intact. Only Christmas-specific content will be affected.
Conclusion
The Snow is Melting update represents a significant moment in 99 Nights in the Forest’s content cycle. While it may seem like just the end of the Christmas event, this transition fundamentally changes the game experience and requires careful preparation from players.
Make sure to mark your calendar for January 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST, and take immediate action to spend your candy canes and complete any remaining Christmas objectives. The return to normal survival mechanics will present new challenges, but also opportunities for experienced players to demonstrate their skills.
Remember, once the snow melts away, the Christmas event won’t return until next year. Don’t miss your chance to collect all the limited-time rewards and experience this unique seasonal content while you still can.