Cold Damage

Cold damage is a non-physical, elemental magic, 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

There are many pieces of equipment scattered about in Baldur's Gate 3 that have a focus on Cold damage that Players can utilize. Some enable Players to inflict Cold damage through weapon attacks or by unlocking spells. While others offer unique modifiers on Cold attacks and damage such as increasing or resisting damage. Below is a list of known gear pieces associated with Cold damage and their importance to Cold damage.

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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.
	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 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.
	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

[Placeholder] Brief summary of 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
The gear 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 rare gear that inflict or impact Cold damage. Gear 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
Upon reaching Level 3, Monks can select the subclass Way of the Four Elements which provides them Ki actions that mirror various spells. This allows Monks to inflict different elemental damage such as Cold damage. 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
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

Spells

[Placeholder] Brief summary of spells

	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}

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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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

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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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