Frost Mage Build

C-Tier Intelligence Build • Elden Ring
Frost Mage Build
  • Snow Witch Hat
    Helm
    Snow Witch Hat Boosts cold sorceries damage by 10%
  • Snow Witch Robe
    Chest Armor
    Snow Witch Robe Enhances cold sorceries and provides magical defense
  • Snow Witch Gloves
    Gloves
    Snow Witch Gloves Matching set piece for cold resistance
  • Snow Witch Skirt
    Legs
    Snow Witch Skirt Completes the Snow Witch set
  • Dark Moon Greatsword
    Right Hand (Primary)
    Dark Moon Greatsword Intelligence scaling greatsword with frost buildup and magic damage
  • Carian Regal Scepter
    Left Hand (Casting)
    Carian Regal Scepter High intelligence scaling staff perfect for cold sorceries
  • Graven-Mass Talisman
    Talisman
    Graven-Mass Talisman Greatly raises potency of sorceries by 8%
  • Magic Scorpion Charm
    Talisman
    Magic Scorpion Charm Raises magic attack by 12% but increases physical damage taken by 10%
  • Primal Glintstone Blade
    Talisman
    Primal Glintstone Blade Spells consume less FP, but maximum HP is reduced by 15%
  • Radagon Icon
    Talisman
    Radagon Icon Shortens spell casting time significantly
  • Flask of Crimson Tears 6
    Flask of Crimson Tears
    Restores HP. Lower allocation due to ranged combat style.
  • Flask of Cerulean Tears 9
    Flask of Cerulean Tears
    Restores FP. Primary resource for continuous casting.
  • Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear + Intelligence-knot Crystal Tear
    Effects
    Boosts magic attack power by 20%
    Temporarily boosts Intelligence by 10
  • Freezing Grease
    Freezing Grease
    Applies frost buildup to weapons. Enhances the Dark Moon Greatsword.
  • Clarifying White Cured Meat
    Clarifying White Cured Meat
    Boosts focus and reduces FP consumption temporarily.

Patch Viability

Still Viable (Patch 1.10)

Survived All Nerfs

Frost sorceries were buffed in 1.07. Viable but outclassed by pure Int builds.

Stat Distribution (Level 150)

  • Vigor: 45 (Moderate survivability for hybrid combat)
  • Mind: 45 (Large FP pool for continuous casting)
  • Endurance: 20 (Basic stamina for greatsword usage)
  • Strength: 16 (Dark Moon Greatsword requirements)
  • Dexterity: 11 (Weapon requirements)
  • Intelligence: 70 (Primary damage stat for maximum scaling)
  • Faith: 8 (Base stat)
  • Arcane: 9 (Base stat)

How to Get Dark Moon Greatsword

  • Complete Ranni's questline fully to the end
  • Obtained after defeating the final boss of her quest
  • Requires 16 Strength, 11 Dexterity, 38 Intelligence
  • Unique weapon skill: Moonlight Greatsword creates magic projectiles

Essential Sorceries

  • Adula's Moonblade: Massive frost damage sword beam
  • Freezing Mist: Area denial with continuous frost buildup
  • Glintstone Icecrag: Basic frost projectile for regular encounters
  • Zamor Ice Storm: Multi-hit frost tornado for crowd control

Gameplay Strategy

  • Frost Control: Use frost to slow enemies and reduce their damage
  • Area Denial: Control battlefield with freezing mists and ice storms
  • Hybrid Combat: Switch between casting and greatsword as needed
  • Status Focus: Prioritize frostbite procs for damage amplification
  • Range Management: Stay at medium range to utilize both spells and sword
  • Crowd Control: Excel against multiple enemies with area effects

PvP Notes

  • Area Control: Freezing mist creates no-go zones
  • Surprise Factor: Dark Moon Greatsword skill catches opponents off-guard
  • Status Pressure: Frost buildup forces defensive play
  • Hybrid Threat: Opponents must prepare for both magic and melee
  • Counters: Struggle against fast rushdown and magic resistance

Alternative Equipment

  • Staff: Academy Glintstone Staff for early game progression
  • Weapon: Crystal Sword for lighter alternative
  • Armor: Carian Knight set for different aesthetic
  • Talisman: Carian Filigreed Crest for reduced FP costs