King of Frost (Intelligence/Dexterity)

Elden Ring’s elemental status effects are unique, and they all have their own uses and applications. That being said, you can also just freeze all your enemies to death. This guide will focus on how to maximize frost damage and buildup to deal massive amounts of damage.

What this Build is For

Frost has been nerfed since release, in large part due to Hoarfrost Stomp‘s damage numbers and stagger breaking the game. However, much like in our Bleed Build, even nerfed status effects can still melt enemies and bosses alike — with enough resourcefulness. This build aims to maximize frost buildup while also outputting as much damage as possible. Thus, we’ll be using the Dark Moon Greatsword, Zamor Curved Sword, and the Carian Regal Scepter. Since we’ll use a mix of sorceries, Intelligence/ Dexterity are the two prioritized stats. This build is tailored to level 150, and is ideal for PvE.

How to use this build

We’ll have our two swords in our right-hand slot: Dark Moon Greatsword and Zamor Curved Sword. In the left-handed slot, we’ll have the Carian Regal Scepter. This build can function most effectively at close and mid-range, and can deal massive damage when Frost is built up fully. With our level of mind, we won’t need to worry about FP being melted during fights. Bosses — especially ones weak to frost — will melt faster.

Tips and Strategies for Groups of Enemies

1. When enemies start to swarm you, open with the Zamor Curved Sword weapon art to start dealing damage. This will also start hitting enemies with Frost build-up.
2. For the heavier enemy types, use the Dark Moon Greatsword, as its weapon art is perfect for single-target damage and crowd control.
3. Cast Adula’s Moonblade if you want to deal some extra damage on top of your weapons.

Tips and Strategies for Bosses

1. At the start of the encounter, charge up your Dark Moon Greatsword and begin using its mid-ranged weapon art.
2. When the boss starts attacking, cast freezing mist to get in that Frost build-up while attacking.
3. Cast Adula’s Moonblade when the boss finishes their attack patters — you can cast this sorcery and use the Dark Moon Greatsword simultaneously.