Cold Damage

Cold damage is an elemental Damage Type available in Baldur's Gate 3. Cold damage is available through select Spells and Items. Targets in Baldur's Gate 3 may have Vulnerabilities, Resistances, and Immunities to certain Damage Types that affect how much damage they receive from such sources.

Cold damage has an association with conditions and effects that interfere with ground movement, particularly Ice Surfaces, that makes it valuable to disrupt moving Targets. The conditions and effects of Cold damage often run counter to those related to Fire damage.

^{*Given the extensive support for Ice Surfaces, and in turn Water Surfaces, both they and aspects interacting with them will be treated as factors of Cold Damage for this page.}

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Equipment

Traveling across the Sword's Coast in Baldur's Gate 3 players will be able to find many unique pieces of equipment to aid them in combat. From weapons to armors, arrows to potions, bottled water to barrels of explosive smokepowder, the equipment you can discover can drastically change the way players approach and handle conflict. More so, many pieces of equipable gear offer unique modifiers and effects that enable players to inflict additional damage types (i.e. Cold), or impact their actions and afflicted damage with greater abilities.

Below are tables listing the known equipment that inflict and impact the Cold damage players can deal, their base Cold damage, and Cold modifiers and effects.

Cold Gear

Gear that Inflicts Cold Damage Name Item Type Base Cold Damage Enables Spell Unlocks Special Cold Factors Allandra's Whelm Tridents 1d4 (1~4)Cold Frigid Blade weapon action, once per Short Rest Frigid Blade applies Frostbite condition on attack hit, and deals weapon Proficiency bonus as Cold damage. Arrow of Ice Arrows 2d4 (2~8)Cold Arrows are consumed upon use Creates Ice Surface Cold Snap Daggers 1d4 (1~4)Cold Chilling Counter effect When a Target misses you with an attack it must make a Constitution Saving Throw of be Chilled for 2 turns. Flail of Ages Flails 1d4 (1~4)Cold* ✓ Cast Elemental Age spell, once per Long Rest Elements of an Epoch effect Tenacity effect +1 Bonus to weapon attack roles, and an additional 1d4 damage depending on the elemental age selected (i.e. Cold). Depending on the kind of damage chosen from Elemental Age, your attack also inflicts a related condition (i.e. Chilled). When you miss a main hand attack, you deal 1 bludgeoning damage anyways. Frost Prince Amulets 2d6 (2~12)Cold* ✓ Cast Level 1 Ice Knife spell, once per Long Rest Standard effects of Ice Knife spell. Mourning Frost Quarterstaves 1d4 (1~4)Cold 1d8 (1~8)Cold* ✓ Heart of Ice effect Insidious Cold effect Cast Ray of Frost cantrip When dealing Cold damage, the wielder deals an additional 1Cold damage. Dealing Cold damage with a spell possibly inflicts Chilled upon the Target. Standard effect of Ray of Frost cantrip. Ring of Elemental Infusion Rings 1d4 (1~4)Cold* Elemental Infusion effect After dealing Elemental damage (i.e. Cold) using a spell or cantrip, until the end of your next turn, you deal an additional 1d4 of that element on a successful weapon attack. [Image Pending] Snow-Dusted Monastery Gloves Gloves 1d4 (1~4)Cold* 2d6 (2~12)Cold* ✓ Chilling Strike effect Cast Ice Knife spell Your unarmed attacks deal an additional 1d4 (1~4)Cold damage. Standard effects of Ice Knife spell. [Image Pending] Wavemother's Sickle Sickle 1d4 (1~4)Cold Watery Guidance effect This weapon has Advantage against Wet Targets. * Damage is indicative of unlocked spell/effects, not the base gear

Gear that Impacts Cold Damage Name Item Type Unlocks Special Cold Factors Amulet of Elemental Torment Amulets Nature's Vengeance effect When the wearer stands in certain surfaces (i.e. Ice Surface) and casts a spell that deals damage, the target also suffers the surface's effects (i.e. Prone). Boots of Elemental Momentum Boots Elemental Momentum effect Whenever the wearer deals Elemental damage (i.e. Cold) with spells or cantrips, they gain Momentum for 2 turns. Cloak of Elemental Absorption Cloaks Absorb Elements action, once per Short Rest Take half damage from the next Elemental damage (i.e. Cold) attack targeting you and deal an additional 1d6 of that element type on your next attack. Cloak of the Weave Cloaks Absorb Elements action, once per Short Rest Take half damage from the next Elemental damage (i.e. Cold) attack targeting you and deal an additional 1d6 of that element type on your next attack. Coldbrim Hat Hats Coldbrim Chill effect Once per turn, any condition inflicted on a (single) target also applies 2 turns of Encrusted with Frost. Darkfire Shortbow Shortbows Resistance to Cold damage Resistance to Fire damage Cast Haste spell, once per Long Rest 3. Standard effects of Haste spell. Elixir of Cold Resistance Potions Elixirs Resistance to Cold damage Can be thrown to act as an AOE Does not stack with other Elixirs Lasts until Long Rest Potions are consumed upon use Hoarfrost Boots Boots Hoarfrost Balance effect You cannot fall prone while traversing Ice Surfaces. Icebite Robe Clothing Resistance to Cold damage Cast Armour of Agathys, once per Long Rest 2. Standard effect of a Level 3 Armour of Agathys spell. Necklace of Elemental Augmentation Amulets Elemental Augmentation effect When one of your cantrips deals Elemental damage (i.e. Cold), add your Spellcasting Modifier to the damage dealt. Rain Dancer Quarterstaves Cast Create Water, once per Short Rest Standard effects of Create Water spell. Robe of Summer Clothing Resistance to Cold damage Snowburst Ring Rings Snowburst effect When the wearer deals Cold damage, they also create an Ice Surface around the Target(s). [Image Pending] Trident of the Waves Tridents The Water Caller effect On a hit, create a Water Surface centered on the Target. Water Consumables Consumables are consumed upon use. Creates Water Surface Gives Wet condition Water Barrel Wavemother's Robe Clothing Temperature Adjustment effect Watery Rejuvenation effect Cast Create or Destroy Water, once per Short Rest Wearer has Resistance to Fire and Cold Damage. If the wearer is standing in a Water Surface at the start of their turn, they heal for 1d4 Hit Points. [Ice Surfaces melt into Water Surfaces] Standard effects of Create or Destroy Water spell. Winter's Clutches Gloves Winter's Clutches effect When the wearer deals Cold damage, inflict 2 turns of Encrusted with Frost upon the Target(s).

Actions

Actions are the primary interaction options players can make in Baldur's Gate 3. Everything from weapon attacks, casting spells, crouching to hide, or throwing enemies headfirst at their allies are actions that use the distinct Action resource.

Cold Actions

The equipment you select in Baldur's Gate 3 affords players distinct actions, dependent on your proficiency with the weapon type, or by equipping unique one-of-a-kind items. Below are actions unlocked by such equipment that inflict or impact Cold damage. Equipment Actions Name Base Cold Damage Special Cold Factors Source Absorb Elements 1d6 (1~6)Cold* Take half damage from the next elemental attack you receive, then deal an additional 1d6 of that element on your next attack. Once per Short Rest Cloak of Elemental Absorption Cloak of the Weave Frigid Blade Deal weapon Proficiency bonus as Cold damage Applies Frostbite condition on attack hit Allandra's Whelm Frost of Dark Winter N/A Cast Cone of Cold, once per Short Rest Cast Ice Storm, once per Short Rest Gain Conduit of Kereska's Ice effect, until Long Rest Once per Short Rest Markoheshkir, Kereska's Favour * Damage is indicative of unlocked spell/effects, not the base action

Miscellaneous Actions Name Base Cold Damage AOE Saving Throw Special Cold Factors Source Frost Breath 2d6 (2~12)Cold ✓ Constitution: Halve Once per Long Rest Dragonborn race, Silver or White Subrace Rage: Bear Heart N/A Gives resistance to all Damage Types (i.e.Cold) except Psychic. 10 turn duration Level 3 Barbarian, Wildheart

Upon reaching Level 3, Monks can select the subclass Way of the Four Elements which provides them unique Ki actions that mirror various spells. This allows Monks to inflict different elemental damage (i.e.Cold) to diversify their attacks and offer immense variations to their playstyle. Monk Actions Name Ki Points Bast Cold Damage AOE Saving Throw Special Cold Factors Blade of Rime 2 2d6 (2~12)Cold ✓ Dexterity: Negate Creates Ice Surface Identical to Ice Knife Chill of the Mountain 1 1d10 (1~10)Cold 2d10 (2~20)Cold* Monk version of Ray of Frost Damage upcast at Monk Level 9 Shaping of the Ice 1 N/A Creates a climbable ice cube 10 turn duration * Damage is indicative of unlocked spell/effects, not the base action

Spells serve as a core aspect for combat, communication, and exploration in Baldur's Gate 3. [Revise and refine] Spells that Inflict/Impact Cold Damage Name Spell Level Base Cold Damage Upcast Cold Damage Concentration AOE Saving Throw Special Cold Factors Armour of Agathys 1 5Cold 5Cold Damage inflicted upon being melee attacked Chromatic Orb: Cold 1 2d8 (2~16)Cold 1d8 (1~8)Cold ✓ Creates Ice Surface Cone of Cold 5 8d8 (8~64)Cold 1d8 (1~8)Cold ✓ Constitution: Halve Conjure Elemental: Water Elemental 5 Consult Summoned Elemental Actions table N/A Only one entity can be summoned from Conjure Elemental at a time Conjure Elemental: Water Myrmidon 6 Conjure Minor Elemental: Ice Mephits 4 Summons 2 Ice Mephits Elemental Weapon: Cold 3 1d4 (1~4)Cold* N/A ✓ Damage added to weapon attack roles +1 bonus to weapon attack roles Fire Shield: Chill 4 2d8 (2~16)Cold N/A Damage inflicted upon being melee attacked 10 Turn Duration Glyph of Warding: Cold 3 5d8 (5~40)Cold 1d8 (1~8)Cold ✓ Dexterity: Halve Inflicts damage upon contact with Hostile Target Hunger of Hadar 3 2d6 (2~12)Cold N/A ✓ ✓ Damage inflicted to Targets starting their turn in AOE 10 turn duration Ice Knife 1 2d6 (2~12)Cold 1d6 (1~6)Cold ✓ Dexterity: Negate Creates Ice Surface Identical to Monk Ki spell, Blade of Rime Ice Storm 4 4d6 (4~24)Cold N/A ✓ Dexterity: Halve Creates Ice Surface Otiluke's Freezing Sphere 6 10d6 (10~60)Cold N/A ✓ Constitution: Halve Creates Ice Surface Protection from Energy: Cold 3 N/A N/A ✓ Gives Resistance to Cold damage Ray of Frost 0 1d8 (1~8)Cold 1d8 (1~8)Cold Inflicts Ray of Frost (Condition) Damage upcast added at Spellcaster Level 5 and again at 10 Sleet Storm 3 N/A N/A ✓ ✓ Constitution: Concentration Creates Ice Surface Interrupts Concentration 10 turn duration Wall of Ice 6 10d6 (10~60)Cold N/A ✓ ✓ Dexterity: Halve Initial damage to enemies in spell path Upon wall destruction leaves Ice Cloud Breaking concentration destroys wall 10 turn duration * Damage is indicative of effects, not the base spell

There are numerous useful creatures players can summon to assist them in combat by inflicting damage, aiding allies, applying conditions, or changing the Surfaces of the battlefield. The elemental summons stand as the most iconic and accessible summons players can bring forth, and those that deal and interact with Cold damage are listed below with their unique actions. Summoned Elemental Actions The Ice Mephit is the first and weakest Cold damage dealing elemental summon in Baldur's Gate 3. Brought forth through the Level 4 spell, Conjure Minor Elemental: Ice Mephits. The Ice Mephit is a useful ally in combat being able to attack and distract enemies, create Ice Surfaces, and inflicting damage even in death. 2 Ice Mephits are summoned at a time, conflict with any other entities summoned through Conjure Minor Elemental, do not conflict with entities summoned through Conjure Elemental, and persists until death or Long Rest. Ice Mephit Cold Actions Name Base Cold Damage AOE Saving Throw Special Cold Factors [Image Pending] Freezing Claws 2d6 (2~12)Cold Chromatic Orb: Cold 2d8 (2~16)Cold ✓ Creates Ice Surface [Image Pending] Ice Breath 2d6 (2~12)Cold Dexterity: Halve Once per turn Death Burst: Cold 4d6 (4~24)Cold ✓ Dexterity: Halve Kills Ice Mephit Death Burst: Cold (Auto) 2d6 (2~12)Cold ✓ Dexterity: Halve Automatically activates upon natural death The Water Elemental is the second Cold damage dealing elemental summon in Baldur's Gate 3. Brought forth through the Level 5 spell, Conjure Elemental: Water Elemental. The Water Elemental is a strong ally in combat applying, and exploiting, Conditions on Targets and creating plenty of Surfaces for battlefield management. 1 Water Elemental is summoned at a time, conflicts with any other entities summoned through Conjure Elemental, and persists until death or Long Rest. Water Elemental Cold Actions Name Base Cold Damage AOE Saving Throw Special Cold Factors Slam 1d6 (1~6)Cold Inflicts Chilled for 2 turns Creates Water Surface Winter's Breath 4d6 (4~24)Cold2d6 (2~12)Cold* ✓ Burning Targets take additional Cold damage, and become Brittle for 3 turns Creates Ice Surface Multiattack: (Water) 2d4 (2~8)Cold2d4 (2~8)Cold Once per turn * Damage is indicative of unlocked spell/effects, not the base action The Water Myrmidon is the third and most powerful Cold damage dealing elemental summon in Baldur's Gate 3. Brought forth through the Level 6 spell, Conjure Elemental: Water Myrmidon. The Water Myrmidon can be a costly ally to summon using the valuable 6th level spell slot, but offers great strength and utility in combat. 1 Water Myrmidon is summoned at a time, conflicts with any other entities summoned through Conjure Elemental, and persists until death or Long Rest. Water Myrmidon Cold Actions Name Base Cold Damage AOE Saving Throw Special Cold Factors Trident of the Depths 1d6 (1~6)Cold [Image Pending] Hiemal Strike 1d6 (1~6)Cold 1d10 (1~10)Cold Inflicts 2 turns of Chilled [Image Pending] Explosive Icicle 3d8 (3~24)Cold 3d8 (3~24)Cold 3d8 (3~24)Cold ✓ Once per turn 3 targetable attacks [Image Pending] Healing Vapours N/A ✓ Creates Water Surface Only available in combat

Effects

Progressing through Baldur's Gate 3 players will develop their skills; leveling and finding many unique pieces of equipment that can drastically improve and change their playstyle.

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Cold Effects

Persistent Effects that Impact Cold Damage Name Effect Description Source Animal Aspect: Crocodile On slippery surfaces (i.e. Ice Surface) you have Advantage on Saving Throws against being knocked prone. Level 6 Barbarian Wildheart Draconic Ancestry You have Resistance to a particular damage type depending on your Dragonborn subrace (i.e. Silver & White Dragons are Cold). Dragonborn Race Elemental Adept: Cold Your spells ignore Resistance to Cold. When you cast Cold spells you cannot role a 1. Feat Elemental Affinity: Damage When you cast a spell that deals damage of the type associated with your draconic ancestry (i.e. Silver & White Dragons are Cold), you add your Charisma modifier to the damage. Level 6 Sorcerer, Draconic Bloodline Elemental Affinity: Resistance When you cast a spell that deals damage of the type associated with your draconic ancestry (i.e. Silver & White Dragons are Cold), you can spend one Sorcerery Point to gain Resistance to that damage type. Level 6 Sorcerer, Draconic Bloodline Fiendish Resilience Choose a damage type (i.e. Cold) to become resistant to, you can change this each Short Rest. Level 10 Warlock Fiend Wasteland Wanderer: Cold Resistance to Cold damage. Ranger Natural Explorer

Persistent Gear Effects that Impact Cold Damage Name Effect Description Source Chilling Counter When a Target misses you with an attack it must make a Constitution Saving Throw of be Chilled for 2 turns. Cold Snap Chilling Strike Your unarmed attacks deal an additional 1d4 (1~4)Cold damage. Snow-Dusted Monastery Gloves Coldbrim Chill Once per turn, any condition inflicted on a target also applies 2 turns of Encrusted with Frost. Coldbrim Hat Conduit of Kereska's Ice Cast Cone of Cold and Ice Storm, once per Short Rest Cold spells deal additional Cold damage equal to your Proficiency Bonus. Resistance to Cold damage. When you deal spell damage, you inflict 1 turn of Encrusted with Frost on the Target. Markoheshkir, Kereska's Favour Must be reapplied after Long Rest Elemental Augmentation When one of your cantrips deals Elemental damage (i.e. Cold), add your Spellcasting Modifier to the damage dealt. Necklace of Elemental Augmentation Elemental Infusion After dealing Elemental damage (i.e. Cold) using a spell or cantrip, until the end of your next turn, you deal an additional 1d4 of that element on a successful weapon attack. Ring of Elemental Infusion Elemental Momentum Whenever the wearer deals Elemental damage (i.e. Cold) with spells or cantrips, they gain Momentum for 2 turns. Boots of Elemental Momentum Elements of an Epoch Depending on the kind of damage chosen from Elemental Age, your attack also inflicts a related condition (i.e. Chilled). Flail of Ages Heart of Ice When dealing Cold damage, the wielder deals an additional 1Cold damage. Mourning Frost Hoarfrost Balance You cannot fall prone while traversing Ice Surfaces. Hoarfrost Boots Insidious Cold Dealing Cold damage with a spell possibly inflicts Chilled upon the Target. Mourning Frost Nature's Vengeance When the wearer stands in certain surfaces (i.e. Ice Surface) and casts a spell that deals damage, the target also suffers the surface's effects. Amulet of Elemental Torment Snowburst When the wearer deals Cold damage, they also create an Ice Surface around the Target(s). Snowburst Ring Temperature Adjustment Wearer has Resistance to Fire and Cold Damage. Wavemother's Robe The Water Caller On a hit, create a Water Surface centered on the Target. Trident of the Waves Watery Guidance This weapon has Advantage against Wet Targets. Wavemother's Sickle Winter's Clutches When the wearer deals Cold damage, inflict 2 turns of Encrusted with Frost upon the Target(s). Winter's Clutches

Conditions

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Chilled
Encrusted with Frost
Frostbite
Frozen
Prone
Ray of Frost
Wet

Chilled

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Description, relevance to Cold, sources

Encrusted with Frost

This condition causes Targets to role with Disadvantage on Dexterity Saving Throws, and when there are more than 7 turns remaining of 'Encrusted with Frost' the Target has to make Constitution Saving Throws to avoid taking Cold damage and becoming Frozen. This condition is useful to make targets more vulnerable to becoming Prone on Ice Surfaces.

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Frostbite

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Frozen

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Prone

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Ray of Frost

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Wet

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Surfaces

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Ice Surface

Ice Surface is the signature Surface of Cold damage being directly created by many Cold spells with area effects. Ice Surfaces can also be created by Blood and Water Surfaces when they, or a target standing in them, are hit by a Cold damage or another Ice Surface is created that connects to them.

Ice Surfaces cause Targets to make Dexterity Saving Throws to avoid becoming Prone. Prone targets are more open to attack and attacks made within melee range role with Advantage.

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Steam Cloud

Steam Cloud is a valuable Surface to inflict the Wet Status on Targets making it highly useful when dealing Cold damage. Steam Clouds can be created by igniting Water Surfaces with Fire damage. Water Surfaces naturally form from Ice Surfaces that melt after 2 Rounds or after being hit by Fire damage.

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