Frostner
The Frostner is the best elemental weapon in Valheim, delivering a devastating combination of 93 frost damage and 40 spirit damage at maximum quality. This one-handed mace does not deal conventional physical damage — instead, it channels the freezing power of the Mountain biome and the mystical energy of the spirit realm to annihilate enemies. The Frostner is particularly effective against creatures vulnerable to frost, slowing their movement and attack speed while draining their health with spirit damage that bypasses many resistances.
What makes the Frostner unique among Valheim weapons is its purely elemental damage profile. Unlike the Porcupine, which deals physical blunt and pierce damage, or the Blackmetal Sword with its slash damage, the Frostner's frost component applies a slowing debuff to most enemies, reducing their movement speed by approximately 30% for several seconds. This crowd-control effect is invaluable in group combat and against fast enemies like Deathsquitos and Wolves. The spirit damage component is equally important — many late-game enemies, including Fulings and certain Swamp creatures, have high physical resistance but low spirit resistance.
Valheim's biome progression — Meadows → Black Forest → Swamp → Mountain → Plains → Mistlands → Ashlands — places the Frostner at the intersection of the Swamp and Mountain biomes. To craft this weapon, you must have defeated Bonemass in the Swamp (for the Wishbone to find Silver) and have explored the Mountains extensively for Silver ore, Freeze Glands, and Ancient Bark. You also need to visit the Merchant (Haldor) in the Black Forest to purchase Ymir Flesh, a unique trade good that cannot be harvested or crafted.
The Frostner requires four primary materials: Silver, Ymir Flesh, Freeze Gland, and Ancient Bark. Silver is mined from veins in the Mountain biome using the Wishbone obtained from Bonemass. Ymir Flesh is purchased from the Merchant Haldor for 120 gold coins per piece. Freeze Glands drop from Drakes (dragon-like creatures) in the Mountains. Ancient Bark is harvested from Ancient Trees in the Swamp biome. Each material represents a different aspect of Valheim's world — precious metal, merchant commerce, creature drops, and biome-specific wood — making the Frostner a true testament to a player's exploration and mastery.
In the boss progression of Valheim — Eikthyr (Meadows) → The Elder (Black Forest) → Bonemass (Swamp) → Moder (Mountain) → Yagluth (Plains) — the Frostner becomes available after defeating Bonemass and reaching the Mountain biome. It serves as the premier weapon for the Mountain phase and remains competitive well into the Plains. Many players consider the Frostner and the Wolf Armor set as the defining equipment of the Mountain era, just as the Porcupine defines the Plains era. The Frostner's frost damage makes it especially effective against Moder's drake minions during the Mountain boss fight, though Moder herself is resistant to frost.
Crafting Recipe
The Frostner is crafted at the Forge, unlike the Porcupine which requires the Galdr Table. The Forge must be upgraded to at least level 4 to craft the Frostner, which means building the Forge itself plus three additional upgrade pieces: the Anvils (level 2), the Grinding Wheel (level 3), and the Smith's Anvil (level 4). Each upgrade requires specific materials and expands the range of recipes available at the Forge.
Crafting Station: Forge (Level 4+)
Forge: 4 Stone + 4 Coal + 10 Wood + 6 Copper
Anvils (Level 2): 5 Wood + 2 Bronze
Grinding Wheel (Level 3): 25 Wood + 5 Flint
Smith's Anvil (Level 4): 20 Iron + 5 Wood
| Quality | Silver | Ymir Flesh | Freeze Gland | Ancient Bark | Frost DMG | Spirit DMG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ★ | 10 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 93 | 40 |
| 2 ★★ | 20 | 2 | 10 | 10 | 96 | 42 |
| 3 ★★★ | 30 | 3 | 15 | 15 | 99 | 44 |
| 4 ★★★★ | 40 | 4 | 20 | 20 | 102 | 46 |
Total materials for Quality 4 (maximum): 110 Silver + 10 Ymir Flesh + 50 Freeze Glands + 50 Ancient Bark. The Frostner has a base durability of 200, matching the Porcupine, and shares the same attack speed of 2.04 seconds per swing with the same mace moveset: a three-hit combo with increased knockback on the final strike, and a secondary overhead slam attack that deals 1.5x damage at increased stamina cost. The Frostner's unique elemental damage means it does not benefit from the Clubs skill damage bonus as much as physical maces, but it still gains the attack speed and stamina reduction benefits from high Clubs skill.
Important Note: Ymir Flesh is purchased from the Merchant Haldor and costs 120 gold coins per piece. For a full Quality 4 Frostner, you need 10 Ymir Flesh, totaling 1,200 gold coins. Gold coins are obtained from Buried Treasures in the Meadows (located with the Wishbone), from Trolls, from chests in dungeons, and from selling gems (Rubies, Amber, Amber Pearls) to the Merchant. Plan your gold farming carefully — the most efficient method is using the Wishbone to locate multiple Buried Treasures in a single Meadows island.
Materials & Where to Find Them
The four materials for the Frostner span three biomes and one special NPC location. Understanding the most efficient farming methods for each material will significantly reduce your total crafting time.
Silver — Mountain Veins
Silver veins are located in the Mountain biome and are invisible until you use the Wishbone (dropped by Bonemass). The Wishbone emits a green pulse and chiming sound that intensifies as you approach a buried Silver vein. Silver veins are always underground and must be mined with an Iron Pickaxe or better.
Each Silver vein contains 30-50 Silver Ore. You need 110 Silver Ore for a Quality 4 Frostner, which means mining 3-4 full veins. The best strategy is to find a large Mountain biome and systematically search with the Wishbone. Build a small Mountain outpost with a portal, bed, and fire for warmth — the Mountains are extremely cold and you will die from exposure without frost resistance (from Wolf Armor, Frost Resistance Mead, or a nearby fire).
Mountain Y-coordinates: Silver veins spawn at Y-coordinates between 100 and 200, typically on flat or gently sloping terrain. Avoid steep cliffs and the highest peaks. The Wishbone detection radius is approximately 20 meters, so walk in a grid pattern covering the entire Mountain area. When the pulses become rapid and the sound is loudest, start digging downward with your pickaxe until you hit the Silver vein.
Ymir Flesh — The Merchant
Ymir Flesh is purchased exclusively from Haldor the Merchant, who spawns in a small circular camp in the Black Forest biome. Haldor's location is randomly generated per world and must be found through exploration. He is marked on your map once discovered. Each Ymir Flesh costs 120 gold coins, and you need 10 for a Quality 4 Frostner (1,200 total).
Gold Farming Strategy: The fastest way to earn 1,200+ gold is to use the Wishbone to locate Buried Treasures in the Meadows. Each Buried Treasure contains 30-60 gold coins plus gems that can be sold to Haldor for additional gold (Amber: 5g, Amber Pearl: 10g, Ruby: 20g). A single Meadows island typically has 3-5 Buried Treasures. Alternatively, raid Troll Caves in the Black Forest — Trolls drop gold and gems, and the caves contain chests with valuable loot.
Freeze Gland — Drake Hunting
Freeze Glands drop from Drakes, the dragon-like flying creatures that inhabit the Mountain biome. Each Drake drops 1 Freeze Gland upon death. Drakes spawn near dragon nests, which appear as stone formations with eggs. You need 50 Freeze Glands for Quality 4, so plan to hunt 50+ Drakes.
Drake Combat Tips: Drakes attack with frost projectiles from range and then swoop in for melee. Use a good bow (Huntsman Bow or better) with Fire Arrows for maximum damage — Drakes are vulnerable to fire. Alternatively, use the Iron Sledge for AoE damage if multiple Drakes attack. Drakes have 100 HP and deal significant frost damage, so bring Frost Resistance Mead and high pierce-resistant armor.
Ancient Bark — Swamp Ancient Trees
Ancient Bark is obtained by chopping Ancient Trees in the Swamp biome with a Bronze Axe or better. Ancient Trees are large, gnarled trees with distinctive bark textures that are unique to the Swamp. Each Ancient Tree yields 5-8 Ancient Bark. You need 50 Ancient Bark for Quality 4, requiring approximately 8-10 trees.
Swamp Safety: The Swamp is hostile with poison (Blobs, Oozers), melee/ranged attackers (Draugr, Draugr Elites), fire (Surtlings), and night-only Wraiths. Equip Poison Resistance Mead, carry a good weapon (Iron Mace or Frostner if you have the early materials), and fully upgrade your armor. Chop Ancient Trees during daytime to avoid Wraiths. Build a portal at your Swamp base for quick escapes.
Optimal Route
The optimal route to the Frostner follows the standard biome progression up to the Mountains, with a detour to find the Merchant and a return trip to the Swamp for Ancient Bark. This route maximizes efficiency by combining farming trips.
Full Biome Progression
Meadows → Black Forest → Swamp → Mountain → Plains → Mistlands → Ashlands
Step-by-Step Route
- Step 1-4: Standard Progression — Defeat Eikthyr (Meadows), craft Bronze tools (Black Forest), defeat The Elder, and raid Swamp Crypts for Iron. While in the Swamp, chop 10+ Ancient Trees for 50+ Ancient Bark.
- Step 5: Defeat Bonemass — Use Withered Bones to summon and defeat Bonemass. Collect the Wishbone — this is essential for finding Silver in Mountains.
- Step 6: Find the Merchant — Sail and explore Black Forest islands until you find Haldor's camp. Buy 10 Ymir Flesh (1,200 gold). If you lack gold, use the Wishbone to find Buried Treasures in Meadows first.
- Step 7: Mountain Exploration — Build a Mountain outpost with portal. Use the Wishbone to find 3-4 Silver veins. Mine Silver, hunt Drakes for Freeze Glands, and gather Obsidian and Wolf Pelts while here.
- Step 8: Smelt and Craft — Set up Smelters at your main base. Smelt all Silver Ore. Upgrade Forge to Level 4. Craft Frostner Quality 1-4 at the Forge.
The entire Frostner crafting journey from defeating Bonemass to holding a Quality 4 weapon takes approximately 15-25 hours for a solo player. The most time-consuming step is typically Silver mining (3-6 hours), followed by gold farming for Ymir Flesh (2-4 hours), Drake hunting (2-3 hours), and Ancient Bark collection (1-2 hours).
Gotchas & Common Mistakes
Gotcha 1: Dying from Cold in Mountains
The Mountain biome applies a constant freezing debuff that rapidly drains health. Without frost resistance, you will die in 60-90 seconds. Solutions: wear full Wolf Armor (provides frost resistance), drink Frost Resistance Mead (lasts 10 minutes), or stay within 5 meters of a campfire at all times. Never enter a Mountain without at least one of these protections.
Gotcha 2: Missing the Merchant
Haldor only spawns in the Black Forest, and his camp is relatively small. Look for a circular stone path surrounded by pine trees, often on medium-to-large Black Forest islands. He appears as a small dot on the minimap once you get within 200 meters. If you cannot find him, try sailing to unexplored Black Forest islands — each world has only one Merchant location.
Gotcha 3: Forgetting Forge Level Requirement
The Frostner requires Forge Level 4. Many players reach the Mountains with only a Level 2-3 Forge. To upgrade to Level 4, you need the Smith's Anvil (20 Iron + 5 Wood). Since you are already farming Iron in the Swamp for other purposes, plan to bring back enough Scrap Iron to craft the Smith's Anvil and upgrade your Forge before heading to the Mountains.
Gotcha 4: Wraith Night Farming
Wraiths spawn exclusively at night in the Swamp and are invisible until you are very close. They deal massive slash damage and can kill an unprepared player in 2-3 hits. They also spawn near Ancient Trees. Never farm Ancient Bark at night in the Swamp. Always retreat to your portal base when darkness falls. Wraiths burn in daylight and despawn at sunrise.
Gotcha 5: Not Enough Inventory Space for Silver
Silver Ore is heavy — each piece weighs 2 units. A full vein yields 30-50 ore, weighing 60-100 units. This will severely encumber most players. Bring a cart to your Mountain mining site, or build a portal and make multiple trips. Alternatively, bring wood and build a chest at the mining site to store ore temporarily.
Gotcha 6: Using Frostner Against Frost-Resistant Enemies
The Frostner's frost damage is ineffective against enemies with frost resistance, including Moder (the Mountain boss), Drakes, and certain cold-themed creatures. Against these targets, the Frostner still deals its spirit damage component (40-46), but the frost damage (93-102) is reduced by 50-75%. For frost-resistant bosses, switch to a physical damage weapon like the Iron Mace or Porcupine.
Free Benefits & Unlocks
1. Complete Mountain Infrastructure
The Mountain outpost you build for Frostner farming becomes your permanent base for all Mountain activities. This includes hunting Wolves for Wolf Pelts and Wolf Trophies (for Wolf Armor), mining Obsidian for advanced arrow crafting, and eventually summoning Moder. A well-built Mountain outpost with portal, bed, and storage dramatically simplifies all future Mountain visits.
2. Wolf Armor Set — Frost Immunity
While farming Silver and Freeze Glands in the Mountains, you will inevitably collect Wolf Pelts and Wolf Trophies. These are the primary materials for the Wolf Armor set — 20 armor per piece with built-in frost resistance. The Wolf Armor chest piece specifically provides complete frost immunity, allowing you to explore Mountains without Frost Resistance Mead. This armor set is essential for the Plains and Mistlands phases where frost attacks are common.
3. Drake Farming = Best Arrows
Drakes drop Freeze Glands (for Frostner) and also provide excellent combat practice. More importantly, the Mountains contain Obsidian deposits, which combined with Freeze Glands let you craft Frost Arrows — among the best arrows in the game. Drake hunting also raises your Bows skill significantly, making you a more effective archer for all future encounters.
4. Silver Surplus for Everything
Mining 110+ Silver Ore for the Frostner typically means excavating 3-4 full veins. Many players find 150-200+ Silver Ore in the process, which leaves a substantial surplus after crafting the Frostner. This extra Silver can be used for: Silver Shield (best pre-Blackmetal shield), Silver Sword, Silver Arrows, and upgrading the Forge to maximum level. The Silver Sword in particular is an excellent backup weapon for frost-resistant enemies.
5. Wishbone = Infinite Treasure
The Wishbone obtained from Bonemass is permanently useful. After finding Silver veins, use it to locate Buried Treasures in Meadows (gold, gems, amber) and hidden Iron deposits in the Swamp. The Wishbone never breaks and never consumes, making it one of the most valuable items in your inventory for the entire game. Every treasure you find is free gold for Ymir Flesh and other Merchant purchases.
6. Mountain Skills Mastery
Extended Mountain exploration raises your Pickaxes skill (Silver mining), Bows skill (Drake hunting), Running skill (mountain traversal), and Clubs skill (if using the Frostner itself). By the time you complete a Quality 4 Frostner, your character will be significantly more capable across all disciplines.
7. Perfect Pre-Plains Loadout
A Viking with a Quality 4 Frostner, full Wolf Armor, Silver Shield, and Huntsman Bow is perfectly equipped for the Plains biome. The Frostner's slowing effect makes Deathsquitos manageable, its spirit damage shreds Fulings, and the frost debuff cripples Lox movement. Combined with the Draugr Fang bow for ranged poison damage, you become an unstoppable force in the most dangerous pre-Mistlands biome.
The Frostner is not merely a weapon — it is a declaration of mastery over Valheim's harshest environments. From the freezing peaks of the Mountains to the fetid swamps where Ancient Trees grow, from the Merchant's hidden camp to the dragon nests where Drakes circle, the journey to forge this mace takes you to every corner of the Viking afterlife. When you swing the Frostner and watch frost spread across your enemies, you are wielding the cold fury of the north itself.