Elden Ring: Best Frostbite Build for Solo Playthrough

Frostbite is a powerful yet often overlooked status effect in Elden Ring, capable of dealing significant damage and providing strategic advantages in combat. This guide will explore the mechanics of Frostbite, notable weapons, sorceries, and talismans that enhance its effectiveness, helping players build formidable Frostbite builds.

Frostbite in Elden Ring

Introduced in Dark Souls 3, Frostbite continues to play a crucial role in Elden Ring. When inflicted, Frostbite deals an instant damage hit, causing 10% of a normal enemy's max HP plus an additional 30 damage. For bosses, it inflicts 7% of their max HP along with the same extra damage. Most importantly, Frostbite reduces the target's damage absorption by 20% for 30 seconds, allowing players to deal even more damage during this window.

Key Mechanics

Damage and Debuff: Upon triggering Frostbite, the affected enemy suffers immediate damage and a reduced ability to absorb damage. This makes Frostbite particularly effective against bosses and tougher enemies.

Cooldown: Unlike other status effects like Bleed, Frostbite cannot begin building up again until the debuff has expired. This requires strategic timing and planning in combat.

Mitigation: Frostbite can be countered with fire damage, which removes the debuff and allows enemies to recover.

Notable Weapons for Frostbite Builds

To effectively utilize Frostbite, players should equip specific weapons that either naturally inflict Frostbite or can be enhanced with the right Ashes of War. Here are some of the best weapons for Frostbite builds:

• Dark Moon Greatsword: A powerful greatsword that causes Frostbite buildup.
• Death's Poker: Another greatsword effective in applying Frostbite.
• Dragonscale Blade: A versatile weapon that benefits from Frostbite effects.
• Royal Greatsword: Known for its strong Frostbite application.
• Carian Glintstone Staff: Essential for casting Frostbite sorceries effectively.
• Carian Regal Scepter: Another great option for enhancing Frostbite spells.

Notable Sorceries

Incorporating sorceries into your Frostbite build can significantly enhance your damage output. Here are some key spells to consider:

• Adula's Moonblade: A powerful sorcery that creates a wave of frost, dealing damage and applying Frostbite.
• Ranni's Dark Moon: This spell not only inflicts damage but also applies Frostbite, making it a dual threat.
• Glintstone Icecrag: A spell that deals area damage while applying Frostbite to multiple enemies.

Essential Talismans

Talismans can further amplify your Frostbite effectiveness. Consider equipping the following:

• Stargazer Heirloom: Boosts Intelligence, enhancing your sorcery damage.
• Godfrey Icon: Increases the potency of charged spells, making your Frostbite sorceries even deadlier.
• Graven-Mass Talisman: A must-have for increasing all sorcery damage.
• Shard of Alexander: Enhances the damage of your Ashes of War, which can be crucial for Frostbite-infused weapons.
• Marika's Soreseal: Boosts various stats, including Intelligence, further enhancing your Frostbite capabilities.

Conclusion

Frostbite builds in Elden Ring offer a unique and rewarding gameplay experience. By leveraging the right weapons, sorceries, and talismans, players can create powerful setups that capitalize on the Frostbite status effect. While often overshadowed by other builds, Frostbite can be an incredibly effective strategy, especially against tougher foes.