Elden Ring Cold Infusion is a powerful tool that can enhance your weapons and strategies. In this guide, we’ll explore the mechanics of Cold Infusion, its compatibility with different weapons, the materials and crafting process, scaling and damage potential, and use cases and strategies.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new adventurer, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to master Cold Infusion.

Elden Ring Cold Infusion Overview

Cold Infusion is a weapon infusion type in Elden Ring that enhances weapons with Frostbite buildup and alters their scaling and attributes. When a Cold-infused weapon strikes an enemy, it accumulates Frostbite, a status effect that slows movement and increases damage taken from subsequent attacks.

This infusion can be particularly effective against enemies vulnerable to Frostbite, such as Fire-based creatures.

Applying Cold Infusion to a weapon changes its scaling, primarily favoring Dexterity and Intelligence. This makes it a suitable option for weapons that naturally scale well with these attributes, such as katanas and rapiers. Additionally, Cold Infusion reduces the base physical damage of the weapon but compensates with increased Frostbite buildup and scaling.

Weapon Compatibility and Effects

Cold Infusion is compatible with a wide range of weapon types, including:

• Swords
• Katanas
• Daggers
• Axes
• Spears

The effects of Cold Infusion vary depending on the weapon class:

• Swords and Katanas:Increased Dexterity scaling and moderate Intelligence scaling, making them ideal for Dexterity-based builds.
• Daggers:High Dexterity scaling and reduced Strength scaling, emphasizing their role as fast, agile weapons.
• Axes:Moderate Strength scaling and Dexterity scaling, providing a balance between power and finesse.
• Spears:Increased Dexterity scaling and reduced Strength scaling, favoring a more agile playstyle.

Materials and Crafting

To apply Cold Infusion to a weapon, the following materials are required:

• Smithing Stone (1)
• Ice Crystal Tear (1)
• Silver Tear Husk (1)

Ice Crystal Tears can be found in various locations throughout the Lands Between, including the Weeping Peninsula and Liurnia of the Lakes. Silver Tear Husks are obtained by defeating Silver Tears, which are found in underground areas.

The infusion process can be performed at any Smithing Table. Select the weapon you wish to infuse, choose “Infuse Weapon,” and then select “Cold” from the available infusions.

Scaling and Damage

Cold Infusion affects weapon scaling in the following ways:

• Physical Damage:Reduced base physical damage.
• Dexterity Scaling:Increased Dexterity scaling.
• Intelligence Scaling:Moderate Intelligence scaling.
• Frostbite Buildup:Significantly increased Frostbite buildup.

The specific scaling values vary depending on the weapon’s base attributes. For example, a weapon with high base Dexterity will receive a more significant Dexterity scaling bonus from Cold Infusion.

Cold-infused weapons generally have lower base damage than other infusions, but their Frostbite buildup potential and scaling make them formidable against enemies vulnerable to Frostbite.

Use Cases and Strategies

Cold Infusion is particularly effective against enemies and bosses with the following characteristics:

• Vulnerable to Frostbite
• Fire-based creatures
• Slow-moving enemies

Cold-infused weapons are well-suited for playstyles that emphasize fast attacks and mobility, as the Frostbite buildup can quickly accumulate and weaken enemies. Additionally, they can complement equipment and abilities that further enhance Frostbite damage, such as the Hoarfrost Stomp Ash of War or the Shard Spiral talisman.

Detailed FAQs: Elden Ring Cold Infusion

What is Cold Infusion?

Cold Infusion is a weapon enhancement in Elden Ring that imbues weapons with Cold affinity, altering their attributes and scaling.

What are the benefits of Cold Infusion?

Cold Infusion increases a weapon’s Intelligence scaling, making it ideal for Intelligence-based builds. It also inflicts Frostbite buildup on enemies, slowing them down and dealing additional damage.

What are the drawbacks of Cold Infusion?

Cold Infusion reduces a weapon’s base physical damage and increases its magic damage. It is also less effective against enemies with high Cold resistance.