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. It focused on the Mountains, one of the most atmospheric yet long underused biomes. With the addition of Frost Caves, that changed dramatically.
In this article, you’ll learn what the update introduced, what new dangers and rewards await you, and how the Mountains became a much more engaging part of the game.
Mountains before the Frost Caves update: enemies and pacing
Before the update, the Mountains were dangerous yet fairly predictable. With enough frost resistance (e.g., via mead or Wolf armor), you could move around quite freely. Enemies were mostly Wolves, Drakes, and the occasional Stone Golem. The challenge was more about preparation than moment-to-moment gameplay. Many players treated the Mountains as a transit biome—a place to mine silver, not somewhere to linger. That’s exactly what Frost Caves changed.
Iron Gate added a brand-new type of dungeon to the Mountains. These Frost Caves work similarly to the Burial Chambers in the Meadows biome or the Sunken Crypts in the Swamp, but they are visually and mechanically unique. The Mountains finally gained the depth many had been missing.
Finding and entering Frost Caves: tips for getting started
While exploring the Mountains, you can spot Frost Cave entrances on steep slopes. They blend into the terrain and are easy to miss. Inside, you’ll find winding passages, icy chambers, and tight corridors with limited visibility—an environment where mistakes can be costly.
Important spawn logic: Frost Caves only appear in Mountains areas that were not generated before the update. If you’re on an older world, you’ll need to generate new parts of the map to find these dungeons.
Recommended prep for your run:
- Gear: Solid armor, a reliable melee weapon, and a bow for reach.
- Consumables: Plenty of food for health and stamina, healing mead, and frost resistance for the trip there if needed.
- Tools: A light source (torch) and enough inventory space for crystals and rare materials.
- Tactics: Control rooms, leverage choke points, and approach doors and corners carefully.
Frost Caves enemies: bats and Ulv
The update added several new enemies specific to Frost Caves—each encounter feels different and keeps the tension high.
- Bats: Often hang from ceilings and attack in swarms. Individually harmless, but in tight corridors they get annoying fast. A bow or well-timed parries help.
- Ulv: Wolf-like creatures, fast and aggressive. Dangerous in packs. Watch your back, use a shield, and counter when possible.
- Ulv variants: Tougher versions with more health and a more aggressive behavior pattern.
Cultists in the Frost Caves: fire spells and tactics
The most striking new enemy type is the Cultist. Cloaked in red and wielding fire magic, they introduce a threat that isn’t purely physical. In groups, they’re especially dangerous.
Tips against Cultists:
- Positioning: Use cover and tight spaces to dodge fireballs.
- 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 adds a mysterious vibe to the Mountains—an extra layer of lore and intrigue.
Loot in the Frost Caves: crystals, Fenris hair, and red jute
It’s not all danger—there are rewarding drops too:
- Crystals: Mined from large cave formations; used for weapons and decor.
- Fenris hair: Found in the caves and dropped by Ulv; essential for new armor pieces.
- Red jute: Used for decorative items and themed furnishings.
Fenris armor: bonuses, advantages, and style
The Fenris armor (tunic, leggings, and cape) is a highlight of the update. It’s light, grants a noticeable movement speed bonus, and provides resistance to fire damage—perfect against Cultists. Its wild, wolf-pelt look brings plenty of style alongside solid functionality.
Crystal battleaxe and new recipes: weapons from the Frost Caves
With crystals from the caves you can forge the crystal battleaxe—a powerful weapon with a striking look. The update also adds new recipes for meads and smaller items, opening up more build variety.
Dungeon design in the Mountains: Frost Caves as a gameplay upgrade
With Frost Caves, Iron Gate extends the successful dungeon formula of Burial Chambers (Meadows) and Sunken Crypts (Swamp)—this time with its own identity. The mix of unique enemies, engaging architecture, and rewarding loot makes these dungeons real standouts.
Players are rewarded for tactical play: use choke points, manage stamina, anticipate ambushes, and split enemies instead of overextending.
Frost Cave atmosphere: level design and mood
Dark, mysterious, and menacing: the reflective ice, the narrow tunnels, and the howls of Ulv create an intense, almost claustrophobic mood—a sharp contrast to the open world. This atmosphere sticks with you and is a big part of the update’s appeal.
Impact on Valheim: why the Mountains are worth it now
Thanks to Frost Caves, the Mountains have become a worthwhile biome: beyond silver, you now have dungeons, armor, and weapons to chase. The update shows how new content can be organically integrated into the world without feeling out of place—a blueprint for future expansions.
Frost Caves update verdict: icy depths, fiercely contested
The Frost Caves Update may be smaller than later additions like Mistlands or Ashlands, but its impact was big: it filled a gameplay gap, added fresh enemies, compelling dungeons, and new gear. For you, that means more excitement, more rewards—and a strong reason to head back into the Mountains, ideally together with friends. Conquer the frozen depths to secure rare materials and prove your skill. Rent your own Valheim server now.
