Among the many weapon combinations that players have discovered inElden Ring, few have become as infamous and effective as the Cold-infused Uchigatana paired with the Hoarfrost Stomp Ash of War. This setup has gained popularity due to its balance between speed, damage output, and status effect buildup. The Cold Uchigatana with Hoarfrost Stomp isn’t just a powerful tool for mid-game progression it can remain relevant deep into late-game content depending on your build and playstyle. In this topic, we’ll explore the intricacies of this combination, from how to obtain it to why it’s such a formidable choice.
Understanding the Uchigatana
A Classic Katana with Reliable Scaling
The Uchigatana is one of the earliest katanas players can acquire in Elden Ring. With its fast slashing motion, bleed buildup, and moderate strength and dexterity requirements, it quickly becomes a favorite among dexterity-based characters. Its moveset includes both horizontal and thrusting attacks, making it versatile for both PvE and PvP scenarios.
- Base bleed buildup: 45
- Scaling: D in Dexterity (base), with room for improvement based on infusion
- Lightweight: only 5.5 weight units
What makes the Uchigatana even more flexible is its compatibility with Ashes of War. This means it can be customized to fit various elemental infusions and special moves, which leads us directly into the Cold infusion and Hoarfrost Stomp.
The Power of Cold Infusion
Frostbite Mechanics in Elden Ring
When a weapon is Cold-infused, it gains frost buildup in addition to reducing enemy resistances. Frostbite is a powerful status effect that deals an immediate burst of damage once inflicted, as well as a debuff to the target’s damage absorption. This makes Cold weapons ideal for sustained aggression, especially against high-health enemies.
- Frostbite buildup scales with Intelligence
- Upon proc, it deals damage equal to a percentage of max HP
- Enemies suffer reduced stamina regeneration and take increased damage
The Cold Uchigatana, therefore, is especially deadly when used in quick succession, allowing both bleed and frostbite to stack and deal massive burst damage in a short timeframe. With the right talismans or buffs, this can shred through even the toughest bosses or invaders.
Hoarfrost Stomp: Devastation from a Distance
Ash of War Overview
Hoarfrost Stomp is an Ash of War that became widely known due to its devastating area-of-effect potential. It sends out a wave of freezing mist in a cone in front of the player, dealing cold damage and rapidly building up frostbite. While it was nerfed in a past patch, it remains effective when timed and positioned well.
What makes Hoarfrost Stomp so dangerous is its low FP cost and fast execution. When combined with a Cold weapon like the Uchigatana, it turns the player into a mobile frost-dealing machine capable of controlling space and punishing enemies who try to close in.
Advantages of Hoarfrost Stomp
- Can hit multiple enemies at once
- Great for area control in PvP
- Synergizes perfectly with Cold-infused weapons
- Usable on lightweight gear
How to Obtain the Uchigatana and Hoarfrost Stomp
Getting the Uchigatana
The Uchigatana is found relatively early in the game and can be obtained in two ways:
- As a starting weapon for the Samurai class
- By exploring theDeathtouched Catacombsin Limgrave
For those who did not start as Samurai, heading to the Deathtouched Catacombs offers an opportunity to pick it up early and start investing in dexterity or intelligence for Cold scaling.
Acquiring Hoarfrost Stomp
Hoarfrost Stomp can be obtained by defeating the invisible Teardrop Scarab located near the shore of the frozen lake inLiurnia of the Lakes. It’s a straightforward battle as long as you watch for the scarab’s footprints and strike at the right moment.
Once acquired, it can be applied to a weapon using the Whetstone Knife and Magic Affinity to simultaneously gain the Cold infusion and the Ash of War’s effects.
Why the Cold Uchigatana with Hoarfrost Stomp Works
Dual Status Buildup Strategy
This weapon combination excels because it takes advantage of dual status effects: bleed and frost. While many builds focus on one, the Cold Uchigatana taps into both, creating an overwhelming synergy. When you land multiple hits with the blade while spamming Hoarfrost Stomp at intervals, the enemy is rapidly afflicted with both effects.
Bleed causes a percentage-based health loss, while frostbite deals a burst and debuff. Together, they’re hard to defend against and make for an oppressive offensive strategy. In PvP, even high-vigor builds will feel the sting, and in PvE, bosses with large health pools melt under the pressure.
Flexible Scaling and Build Potential
Infusing the Uchigatana with Cold shifts its scaling slightly toward Intelligence, but it still retains solid dexterity scaling. This opens up a number of build options:
- Dexterity/Intelligence hybrid: Utilize sorceries alongside weapon attacks
- Pure Intelligence build: Lean into frost spells like Adula’s Moonblade or Zamor Ice Storm
- Quality build with Cold utility: Rely on raw physical damage but keep frostbite as a backup tool
This adaptability makes it a favorite for players who want their weapon to evolve with their character throughout the game.
Optimal Talismans and Buffs
Maximizing Damage Output
To make the most of this weapon and Ash of War combination, players can enhance their performance using specific talismans and consumables:
- Magic Scorpion Charm Increases magic damage, boosting Hoarfrost Stomp
- Shard of Alexander Enhances Ash of War damage, including stomp AoE
- Radagon’s Scarseal Boosts strength for additional physical damage (with slight defense tradeoff)
- Terra Magica(spell) Temporarily increases magic damage within a field
These additions can turn a strong build into a devastating one, allowing players to delete enemies faster than they can react.
Tips for Using Cold Uchigatana + Hoarfrost Stomp
Combat Techniques
- Open with Hoarfrost Stomp to apply frost buildup before closing the gap
- Follow up with quick Uchigatana strikes to add bleed and finish off staggered foes
- In PvP, use stomp as a zoning tool to punish overly aggressive opponents
- Manage FP wisely to ensure you always have enough for Ash of War use
When It Shines
This combo is especially effective against enemies with low frost resistance. Against dragons, knights, and humanoid enemies, it can break through defenses quickly. It also performs well in narrow areas where enemies can’t dodge out of Hoarfrost Stomp’s cone effect.
The Cold Uchigatana with Hoarfrost Stomp is more than just a clever combo it’s a fully viable weapon setup that offers powerful crowd control, dual status buildup, and fast-paced action. Whether you’re tackling PvP invasions or challenging late-game bosses, this build brings reliable damage and stylish execution to the battlefield. With proper scaling, timing, and support gear, it’s one of Elden Ring’s most rewarding weapon strategies.