Valheim has evolved step by step since its Early Access launch in 2021. After the first major Hearth & Home update in September of that year, the next milestone arrived in early 2022: the Frost Caves update. This one focused on the Mountains, one of the most atmospheric yet long rather sparse biomes. With the Frost Caves, that changed fundamentally.
In this article, you’ll learn what the update brought, which new dangers and rewards await you, and how the Mountains have become a compelling part of the game as a result.
The Mountains before the Frost Caves update: enemies and feel
Before the update, the Mountains were dangerous but fairly predictable. With enough frost resistance (for example via mead or wolf armour), you could move about quite freely. Enemies were mainly Wolves, Drakes, and the occasional Stone Golem. The challenge lay less in the gameplay and more in preparation. Many players therefore saw the Mountains as a transit biome – a place you visited to mine silver, not somewhere to linger. The Frost Caves changed exactly that.
Iron Gate added an entirely new type of dungeon to the Mountains. These Frost Caves worked similarly to the Burial Chambers in the Meadows or the Sunken Crypts in the Swamp, but felt unique both visually and in gameplay. At last, the Mountains gained the depth many had been missing.
Finding and entering Frost Caves: tips to get started
As you roam the Mountains, you can spot Frost Cave entrances along the slopes. They blend in well with the terrain and are easy to overlook. Inside, you’ll find winding passages, icy chambers, and narrow corridors with limited visibility – an environment where mistakes are punished.
Important spawn logic: Frost Caves appear only in Mountain regions you hadn’t explored before the update. If you have an older world, you’ll need to generate new areas of the map to find these dungeons.
Recommended preparation for your run:
- Equipment: Solid armour, a reliable melee weapon, and a bow for range.
- Consumables: Plenty of food for health and stamina, healing mead, and, if needed, frost resistance for the journey there.
- Tools: A light source (torch) and enough inventory space for Crystals and rare materials.
- Tactics: Control rooms, use choke points, and approach doors and corners with care.
Frost Caves enemies: Bats and Ulv
The update introduced several new enemies lurking specifically in the Frost Caves – each encounter feels different and adds fresh tension.
- Bats: Often hang from ceilings and attack in swarms. Weak alone, but quickly troublesome in tight corridors. A bow or well-timed parries help.
- Ulv: Wolf-like creatures, fast and aggressive. Particularly dangerous in packs. Watch your back, use a shield, and counter.
- Ulv variants: Stronger, starred versions with more health and a more aggressive approach.
Cultists in the Frost Caves: fire magic and tactics
The most distinctive new enemy type is the Cultist. Cloaked in red and wielding fire magic, they bring a threat that goes beyond simple physical attacks. In groups, they’re especially dangerous.
Tips against Cultists:
- Positioning: Use cover and choke points to dodge fireballs and flames.
- Resistances: A swig of Fire Resistance Mead can make all the difference.
- Priority targets: Focus Cultists first before turning back to Ulv or Bats.
Their presence lends the Mountains a new, almost mystical atmosphere – an extra dose of lore and mystery.
Loot in the Frost Caves: Crystals, Fenris hair, and Red jute
Of course, there’s not only danger but also worthwhile rewards:
- Crystals: Mined from large formations; used for weapons and decoration.
- Fenris hair: Dropped by Ulv; essential for new armour pieces.
- Red jute: Needed for decorative, themed furnishings.
Fenris armour: bonuses, advantages, and style
The Fenris armour set is a highlight of the update. It’s light, provides a noticeable movement speed bonus, and offers protection against fire damage – perfect against Cultists. Visually, it evokes a wild, wolfish look, combining style with solid functionality. The set comprises the Fenris coat, Fenris leggings, and Fenris hood.
Crystal battleaxe and new recipes: weapons from the Frost Caves
With the cave Crystals you can forge the Crystal battleaxe – a powerful weapon with a striking look. The update also adds further recipes for meads and smaller items, offering more build variety. Fans of agile melee combat can also craft the Flesh rippers, a fast-hitting fist weapon that pairs well with the Fenris set.
Dungeon design in the Mountains: Frost Caves as a gameplay upgrade
With the Frost Caves, Iron Gate continues the successful dungeon concept of the Burial Chambers (Meadows) and Sunken Crypts (Swamp) – this time with its own identity. The mix of unique enemies, engaging architecture, and worthwhile loot makes these dungeons a genuine highlight.
Players benefit from tactical play: use choke points, manage stamina, anticipate ambushes, and split enemies rather than overextending.
Atmosphere of the Frost Caves: level design and mood
Dark, mysterious, and foreboding: the reflective ice, the cramped tunnels, and the howls of Ulv create an intense, almost claustrophobic atmosphere – a strong contrast to the open world. This mood lingers and is a big part of the update’s appeal.
Impact on Valheim: why the Mountains are now worth it
Thanks to the Frost Caves, the Mountains have become a rewarding biome: alongside silver, there are now dungeons, armour, and weapons to chase. The update shows how new content can be integrated organically into the world without feeling out of place – a blueprint for later expansions.
Conclusion on the Frost Caves update: icy depths, fiercely contested
The Frost Caves update may be smaller than later expansions like Mistlands or Ashlands, but it had a big impact: it filled a gap in the gameplay, brought fresh enemies, exciting dungeons, and new gear. For you, that means more thrills, more rewards – and a strong reason to head back into the Mountains, ideally with friends. Those who master the frozen depths earn rare materials and prove their mettle. Rent your own Valheim server now: Valheim Server
