Valve’s Deadlock hasn’t even officially released yet, and you can only access it through an invite, but the game is already pulling in massive numbers on Steam and building a dedicated fanbase. With the game still in development, Valve continues to add and test new mechanics, heroes, and items as part of the evolving experience.
One of the standout items currently getting attention is the Frostbite Charm, a powerful late-game option that can completely shut down enemies when used correctly. Here’s a full breakdown of how it works, its stats, and the best ways to use it.
What Is Frostbite Charm in Deadlock
Frostbite Charm is a Legendary Utility/Spirit item that focuses on disabling enemies rather than just dealing damage. Unlike traditional items, it doesn’t function purely as a passive or a simple active you press manually.
Instead, it is typically imbued into one of your abilities. Once attached, it triggers automatically when that ability is used, applying its powerful effects to enemies hit. It’s most commonly seen in late-game scenarios due to its high cost and impact.
Frostbite Charm Stats in Deadlock
Here are the key stats and bonuses provided by Frostbite Charm:
- Cost: 9999 Souls (Street Brawl)
- Cooldown: 10 seconds (per target trigger)
- Damage: 200
- Freeze Duration: 1 second
- Imbued Ability Cooldown Reduction: +50%
- Imbued Ability Spirit Power: +70
These stats make it both a control and damage-focused item, while also boosting the effectiveness of the ability it’s attached to.
How to Get Frostbite Charm in Deadlock
Frostbite Charm is primarily obtained in Street Brawl mode, where it appears as a high-cost Legendary item priced at 9999 Souls.
Because of its cost, it’s intended to be a late-game purchase and is not normally available in standard matches. However, about two days ago, players reported seeing Frostbite Charm appear in regular games for just 800 Souls. The situation quickly gained attention, with popular Deadlock update account @IntelDeadlock also posting about it on X.
This didn’t last long. It appeared to be a bug, and the item was removed from standard matches shortly after. As a Legendary item, Frostbite Charm is meant to remain exclusive to modes like Street Brawl, where high-cost items are part of the design.
Meanwhile, in custom games, you can still access it using the command: giveitem upgrade_shivas_bracelet
Frostbite Charm Power and Effects in Deadlock
Frostbite Charm’s strength comes from its Curse effect, which completely shuts down a target for a short duration. When triggered, it interrupts the enemy, silences them, disarms them, and prevents them from using items for 3.25 seconds. During this time, the target is essentially unable to respond, making them extremely vulnerable.
Alongside the control effects, the item also deals damage and applies a brief freeze, adding even more pressure. Because it is typically imbued into an ability, the effect triggers automatically when that ability hits, with a cooldown of 10 seconds per target. This makes it highly reliable in fights, especially when used on abilities that are cast frequently or can safely reach key enemies.
Best Heroes and Builds for Frostbite Charm
Frostbite Charm shines on heroes who can reliably apply its effect through frequent or well-placed abilities.
- Lash (Whip): A popular choice thanks to his mobility. He can safely apply the curse while weaving in and out of fights.
- Shiv (Dash): One of the strongest synergies. With an enhanced version, Shiv can refresh abilities on hit, allowing repeated triggers.
- Haze: Effective in teamfights, where her abilities can lock down enemies at key moments.
- Paradox: Works especially well in “scrambled eggs” style builds, letting her freeze enemies inside her zone-control abilities.
- Vindicta: Strong in high-fight scenarios, where she can consistently lock down priority targets during engagements.
- Viscous: Great synergy with his punch/ball combo, enhancing both the stun and damage output.
- McGinnis, Abram, and Mo & Krill: These heroes benefit from the added control Frostbite Charm provides, allowing them to stay on targets and capitalize on the enemy being unable to respond.
- Other high-frequency ability heroes: Any hero with spammable or multi-hit abilities can make excellent use of the item by triggering it consistently.
Overall, the best builds focus on abilities that are used often or can reliably hit key targets without putting you at risk.
Best Strategies for Using Frostbite Charm in Deadlock
To get the most out of Frostbite Charm, timing and targeting are everything.
- Focus priority targets: Use it on carries or high-impact enemies. Disabling them for a few seconds can decide a fight.
- Use it at key moments: Trigger the curse when an enemy is about to use an ultimate or during a crucial teamfight.
- Imbue the right ability: Choose abilities that are safe, reliable, and easy to land so you can trigger the effect consistently.
- Manage cooldowns carefully: With a 10-second cooldown per target, spacing out your usage helps maintain pressure throughout fights.
- Combine with other crowd control: Pairing Frostbite Charm with additional CC or burst damage makes it even harder for enemies to recover.
Conclusion
Frostbite Charm is one of the most impactful late-game items in Deadlock. Its ability to completely disable an enemy for several seconds makes it a top-tier option for shutting down carries and controlling teamfights.
With the right hero and setup, it can turn even fights heavily in your favor. If you’re looking for a reliable way to counter high-impact enemies, Frostbite Charm is easily one of the best tools available.
