Quick Overview: Freeze teams lock down enemies with Cryo and Hydro, letting your Ganyu or Ayaka unload massive damage without a hitch. Blizzard Strayer gives you 55% Crit Rate against frozen targets—game-changer. Hydro spreaders like Mona or Kokomi keep the freeze rolling, while Anemo helpers such as Kazuha or Venti shred 40% resistance and bunch up foes. This guide breaks down setups, rotations, and builds for Version 5.7, where Escoffier is fueling a Cryo comeback.
Getting the Hang of Freeze Teams in Genshin Impact
Why Freeze Teams Dominate the Meta Right Now
Ever wonder why pros swear by Freeze in high-end content? It kicks off the Frozen reaction, freezing enemies solid and boosting damage through Blizzard Strayer. In Version 5.7, characters like Escoffier and Citlali crank up that Cryo-Hydro combo, making it a beast for Spiral Abyss floors like 12-3 with multiple targets. Data shows these teams can double your DPS compared to reaction-less setups, thanks to that extra +15% Crit Rate from Cryo resonance on frozen enemies. Pick Ganyu or Ayaka as your main carry, and back them with two other Cryo units for that resonance pop.
Breaking Down the Freeze Reaction (Hydro + Cryo Basics)
Picture this: You hit an enemy with Hydro, then layer on Cryo, and boom—they're frozen, stuck in place. That opens the door for Shatter, which dishes out Physical DMG using Claymores, plunges, or Geo triggers. Start with Hydro application—Kokomi's Skill drops it every 2 seconds—followed by Ganyu's Burst (spreading 70% Cryo shards in an AoE) or Ayaka's Cryo-infused normals. The freeze wears off naturally, via Shatter, or if Pyro melts it away. Here's the flow: 1. Mona's Skill to wet 'em. 2. Cryo DPS Burst to lock in the freeze. 3. Top up Hydro right before Cryo fades; oh, and jump if you're worried about self-freezing—I've wiped a run or two forgetting that.
The Big Wins: Crowd Control Meets Blizzard Strayer Magic
Freeze lets you rain hell uninterrupted—Ganyu's charged shots or Ayaka's Burst window feel unstoppable. Pair it with Blizzard Strayer's 4-piece: +40% Crit Rate on frozen enemies, plus +15% Cryo DMG, and Cryo resonance pushes that to 55% total Crit Rate for a solid 1:2 CRIT DMG ratio. Ganyu's level 10 Burst? It pumps out 126% Cryo DMG per shard over 15 seconds in a clustered AoE—devastating when enemies are grouped. To nail it: Slap 4pc Blizzard Strayer on your DPS, grind Peak of Vindagnyr domain, and chase ATK% and EM substats. (As an editor who's farmed way too many domains, trust me—patience pays off here.)
Picking Freeze Over Other Setups: When It Shines (and When to Swap)
Freeze crushes freezable mobs in Spiral Abyss, but it flops against Cryo-immune stuff like Solitary Suanni—time to flip to a Mono-Cryo squad (Ayaka, Shenhe, Diona, Kazuha) for that VV resistance shred without Hydro. It edges out Melt teams because there's zero aura juggling; Version 5.7's Escoffier adds a whopping 55% Cryo/Hydro RES shred to sweeten the deal. For Pyro-immune fights, keep a Pyro aura going for Melt instead. Run some Abyss tests yourself; if Freeze uptime dips below 80%, pivot to Shatter with a Claymore user. Short version? Freeze for control; adapt or die.
Key Roles and Team Blueprints
Your Cryo DPS Core: The Heavy Hitter
Ganyu (level 90 ATK 335, 88.4% CRIT DMG) thrives in charged-shot Freeze plays, while Ayaka (level 90 HP 12,858, Burst 80 Energy, ~3500% total DMG at level 8) owns single-target bursts. Talent focus: Normal Attack > Burst > Skill for both. Build path: 1. Hit level 90, using Qingxin for Ganyu or Handguards for Ayaka. 2. Stack 120-140% ER with sands or Amenoma Kageuchi (6 Energy per seed). 3. Dial in for 100% Burst uptime—test it in the simulator. I've seen Ganyu melt bosses this way; it's addictive.
Hydro Enabler: Keeping the Freeze Locked In
Mona or Kokomi handle off-field Hydro for near-permafreeze; Kokomi's Skill hits every 2 seconds with 4pc Tenacity of the Millelith. Mona's Omen ramps enemy damage taken by 20% during bursts—perfect spike. F2P folks, Barbara's close-range normals get the job done for wetting. Optimization tips: 1. ER sands pushing 250%+ for Mona's Burst. 2. Fire off the Skill before your DPS jumps in. 3. Refresh Hydro to avoid Cryo overwriting it, aiming for 90% Freeze uptime. No fuss, just consistent lockdown.
Anemo Backup: Clustering and Shredding Resistance
Kazuha or Venti rock Viridescent Venerer (VV) for 40% Cryo RES shred; Venti's pull yanks 3-4+ enemies right into Ganyu's AoE (66.67% grouping preference, per community polls). Kazuha layers on EM DMG bonuses through Hydro/Cryo Swirls. Sucrose works for EM sharing if you're budget-conscious. Execution: 1. Burst to group. 2. Swirl Cryo for the shred. 3. Hit 180% ER with Favonius for particle funneling. Anemo's the glue—without it, your damage scatters.
Flex Pick: Battery, Shield, or Amp?
Shenhe shreds Cryo RES and buffs +15% ATK/Cryo DMG with Icy Quills; Diona or Layla throw up shields for safe positioning; Escoffier builds stacks for 55% RES shred on Cryo/Hydro. Premium setups love Shenhe in Ayaka teams. Build it: 1. Level Burst to 10 (Shenhe needs Diligence books ×186). 2. 4pc Noblesse Oblige for team DMG boost. 3. Team with Furina for extra Hydro flair. (Editor's take: Shenhe's a luxury, but once built, she transforms your output—worth the grind if you main Ayaka.)
Top Ganyu Freeze Squads
The Iconic Morgana: Ganyu + Mona + Venti + Diona
Ganyu's your DPS star, Mona's Hydro Burst sets the stage, Venti pulls everything into a tidy pile for AoE, and Diona handles shields plus resonance. It keeps Freeze humming for Ganyu's charged level 2 (128% Cryo + 218% Bloom). Venti's grouping efficiency? A solid 66.67%. Rotation: 1. Venti Burst to corral. 2. Mona Skill for Omen. 3. Ganyu Burst/Skill, then charged shots. 4. Diona refreshes the shield. Classic and reliable—feels like cheating in multi-mob fights.
Moryana Twist: Swap in Ayaka for Ganyu
Ayaka takes the field, with Ganyu's Burst as off-field Cryo support, Mona on Hydro, and Venti assisting. Freeze locks via Ayaka's dash infusion (+18% Cryo DMG, 10s duration). Her normals plus Ganyu's shards crank out 3500% Burst output. Steps: 1. Ganyu Burst upfront. 2. Mona/Venti setup. 3. Ayaka Skill > Burst > attacks. 4. Cycle to manage energy. It's a hybrid powerhouse—Ayaka's speed with Ganyu's reach.
Ganyu-Kokomi Setup: All About Comfort and Sustain
Ganyu leads DPS, Kokomi subs with healing and Hydro every 2s, Kazuha adds sub-DPS flair, and Shenhe buffs. Shenhe juices Ganyu's CA DMG; swap in Escoffier for 55% shred if Kazuha's busy elsewhere. Flow: 1. Kokomi Skill. 2. Shenhe Burst. 3. Kazuha Swirl. 4. Ganyu spams charged shots till her 20s Burst wraps. Healing on tap? Yes please—ideal for longer hauls.
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Easy-Mode Ganyu Freeze for Budget Builds
Ganyu DPS, Barbara subbing Hydro via normals, Lynette's Anemo Burst for grouping, Diona on support duty. Solid for F2P Abyss runs. Grab Prototype Crescent (+36% ATK on weak hits). Steps: 1. Barbara Skill to wet. 2. Lynette Burst. 3. Diona shield up. 4. Ganyu goes to town. No whales required—proves Freeze is accessible.
Prime Ayaka Freeze Builds
Ayaka + Kokomi + Kazuha + Shenhe (The Whale Setup)
Ayaka's DPS, Kokomi for Hydro and heals, Kazuha shreds and groups, Shenhe amps (+40% team DMG on Burst). ER targets: Ayaka 140%, Shenhe 180%. Weapon: Mistsplitter (+28% Elemental DMG stacks). Rotation: 1. Shenhe Burst. 2. Kokomi Skill. 3. Kazuha Burst. 4. Ayaka Skill > 2 NA + CA + Dash > Burst. Premium? Absolutely—feels polished.
Ayaka + Mona + Venti + Diona (Damage-Focused Variant)
Ayaka DPS, Mona's Omen sub-DPS, Venti for CC, Diona shielding. Mona's Burst hikes damage taken; Venti funnels into Ayaka's 19-hit Burst. Sub Ganyu for off-field Cryo if needed. Steps: 1. Venti Burst. 2. Mona Skill/Burst. 3. Diona particles. 4. Ayaka's full combo for infusion. High spikes, every time.
Ayaka + Xingqiu Freeze (Hydro Alternative)
Ayaka DPS, Xingqiu's off-field rain swords for Hydro, Shenhe buffering, Jean healing with VV (40% shred). Xingqiu nails single-target Freeze sustain. Flow: 1. Xingqiu Burst. 2. Shenhe setup. 3. Jean Burst. 4. Ayaka on-field for her 5s Burst window. Versatile for bosses.
F2P Ayaka Freeze Lineup
Ayaka DPS, Kaeya as Cryo battery sub, Barbara Hydro, Anemo Traveler grouping. Kaeya refuels Burst Energy; Amenoma gets Ayaka to 110% ER. Steps: 1. Barbara wets. 2. Traveler Swirls. 3. Kaeya Skill. 4. Ayaka Burst attacks. Starter-friendly—builds confidence.
Sizing Up Hydro Supports
Mona: Omen Buff and Burst Amp – That +20% damage taken debuff shines in quick fights; her Burst owns one-rotation clears. Push ER to 250%+; Skill repositions Hydro slickly. Perfect for Ayaka + Kazuha + Mona + Shenhe (max DPS potential).
Kokomi: Steady Hydro and Built-In Healing – Drops it every 2s with 4pc Tenacity; keeps you alive in long Freeze chains. Suits Ayaka + Kazuha + Kokomi + Shenhe (90% uptime). Skyward Atlas powers her Burst.
Xingqiu: Off-Field Hydro for Boss Focus – Rain swords hold the wet status; F2P gold for single-target. Pairs seamlessly with Ayaka's infused normals.
So, Who's Your Hydro Pick? – Mona for bursty Abyss one-shots; Kokomi if you need healing and multi-target reliability; Xingqiu for easy F2P bosses. Based on playtests, go Kokomi if Freeze keeps breaking; Mona for those speedrun highs.
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Choosing Your Anemo Ally
Kazuha: DMG Boosts and Smart Grouping
Kazuha Swirls for EM bonuses and VV's 40% shred; his Burst radius beats Venti's for flexibility. Prioritize Hydro/Cryo Swirls. Build: Freedom-Sworn, 180% ER. In action: 1. Plunge to trigger Swirl. 2. Burst mid-fight. 3. Cluster 2-3 enemies. He's the meta king for a reason—versatile as hell.
Venti: Pull Power for Tiny Foes
Venti hauls 3-4+ into Ganyu's AoE (66.67% go-to for Morgana setups). Unmatched CC for mob swarms in Abyss. Steps: 1. Hold Skill for a mini-pull. 2. Burst for the full suck-in. 3. Deploy in multi-mob hellscapes. If crowds are your nightmare, Venti's your savior.
Sucrose: Affordable EM Distributor
Sucrose Swirls EM and shreds with VV; solid F2P Kazuha stand-in. EM sands maximize buffs. Flow: 1. Skill for TTDS (+48% ATK). 2. Burst to group. 3. Pass EM to the squad. Budget but effective—don't sleep on her.
Fine-Tuning Viridescent Venerer
4pc VV slashes RES by 40% after Anemo Swirl on Cryo—essential shred. EM as main substat. Grind Momiji-Dyed Court domain; mix with Noblesse for Burst pops. It's the set that ties Freeze together.
Artifact Tweaks and Stat Chasing
Blizzard Strayer 4-Piece Deep Dive
2pc: +15% Cryo DMG. 4pc: +20% Crit vs Cryo-affected, jumping to +40% on Frozen (55% total with resonance). Beats Wanderer's Troupe for Freeze marathons. Farm Peak of Vindagnyr on Tuesdays/Sundays—stock up.
Hitting Crit Rate Goals with Freeze and Resonance
Target 45% base Crit Rate (Blizzard + resonance fills the gaps); stack CRIT DMG to 200%+. Ganyu hits near-100% on frozen targets. Do it: 1. CRIT DMG Circlet. 2. Simulator test for 1:2 ratio. Balance is key—I've tweaked mine endlessly.
Stat Priorities: ATK% Sands, Cryo Goblet, Crit DMG Circlet
Sands: ATK% for Ganyu, ER for Ayaka (140%). Goblet: Cryo DMG. Circlet: CRIT DMG. Mix: 2pc BS + Gladiator for ATK if needed. Straightforward power.
Substats and Farm Spots
CRIT DMG > ATK% > CRIT Rate > EM. Cap ER at 140%; hunt 3-5* pieces. Paths: Peak for BS; weekly bosses for mats. Efficiency matters—focus your resin.
Support Sets: Noblesse, Tenacity, VV
Noblesse 4pc: +20% Burst DMG, +20% team-wide. Tenacity amps Kokomi's Hydro. VV for Anemo shred. Shenhe? 4pc BS for Cryo synergy. Tailor to roles.
Weapon Picks Per Character
Ganyu's Top Bows: Amos' Bow, Polar Star, Prototype Crescent
Amos' Bow: 608 ATK, +12% NA/CA, +8% per 0.1s flight (up to 5 stacks). F2P Prototype Crescent: 510 ATK, +36% ATK on weak hits (10s). First Great Magic: +16% Charged DMG, stacking ATK/speed. Refine Amos' for +24% CA; craft Crescent weekly. Ganyu's a bow queen—these elevate her.
Ayaka's Best: Mistsplitter Reforged, Amenoma Kageuchi, Blackcliff
Mistsplitter: 674 ATK, +12% Elemental DMG (stacks to +28% in Burst). F2P Amenoma: 454 ATK, 6 Energy per seed. Haran Geppaku focuses Cryo. Proc 3 stacks pre-Burst; Amenoma for 110% ER. She dances with these.
Support Staples: Thrilling Tales, Favonius Line, Sacrificials
TTDS on Sucrose: +48% ATK to the next swap. Favonius on Mona: ER procs for funneling. Sacrificial Fragments on Kokomi: Skill resets. Utility weapons win fights.
4-Star and F2P Options
Blackcliff for Ayaka (+20% DMG post-kill); Hamayumi for Ganyu's CA. Blacksmith crafts; refine for 20-30% gains. Accessible power.
Rotations and In-Game Flow
Ganyu's Standard Freeze Rotation
Burst for AoE Cryo (15s, 20% DMG bonus). 2. Skill taunt. 3. Charged level 2 Frostflake (128% + 218% AoE). 4. Swap to Hydro (Kokomi Skill). 5. Buffs (Shenhe Burst). 6. Back for charged spam (6 normals: 124% each). Loop it; 120-130% ER. Smooth as silk.
Ayaka's Freeze Rotation Breakdown
Skill for particles (+30% NA/CA, 6s). 2. 2 NA + 1 CA + Dash (infuse Cryo 5s). 3. Dash again (+18% Cryo, 10s). 4. Burst (5s, 19 hits). 5. Hyouka follow-ups. 6. Supports recharge. Mistsplitter users: Sneak in 1 NA pre-Burst. Precision timing—practice pays.
Energy Tricks and Funneling
130-140% ER on DPS; Rosaria/Diona particles (+15% Crit share). Favonius supports spit white particles. 1. Funnel via sub-DPS Skills. 2. Amenoma seeds for 6 Energy. 3. No over-caps; CRIT first. Energy woes? Sorted.
Tweaking for Enemy Variety
Multi-target: Venti pull leads. Single-boss: Skip groups, refresh Hydro. Unfreezable: Mono-Cryo shift, Claymore Shatter. Adapt on the fly.
Pro Tips and Pitfalls to Dodge
Sidestepping Energy Droughts
Bursts cost 60 for Ganyu, 80 for Ayaka; battery with Kaeya/Rosaria. 110% ER works with funneling. Fix: Favonius Codex on Mona for procs. Common snag—don't let it stall you.
Smart Positioning and Enemy Herding
Ganyu: Skill taunt for safe shots; shields block stuns. Ayaka: Dash infuse before Burst. Pitfall: Delaying Ganyu's shots—WT set if setups falter. Positioning wins wars.
Handling Bosses That Won't Freeze
Mono-Cryo: Ayaka, Shenhe, Diona, Kazuha (VV shred, no Hydro). Zhongli for Geo shields. Skip Hydro; Shatter adds with Claymore. Boss-proof your kit.
When Freeze Falters (Heavies or Elites)
Heavy enemies shrug pulls—Kazuha over Venti. Cryo shields? Hydro freeze then Shatter. Immune? Melt with Pyro aura. Know your limits.
Freeze in Spiral Abyss
Meta Snapshot and Freeze's Edge
Version 5.7 amps Freeze via Escoffier (55% shred); it's top-tier for freezable floors. Ayaka/Ganyu ace 12-3 with grouping. F2P holds up with Barbara/Diona. Meta's shifting—Freeze rides high.
Floor-by-Floor Plays
Floors 9-11: Permafreeze the mobs. Floor 12: Venti pulls; Escoffier vs Hydro RES bosses. Tweak: Melt for immunes. Tailored wins.
Swapping for Abyss Cycles
Heavy wet? Rotate Hydro. Add Jean for heals. Premium buffs? 2x DPS. Weekly tests refine it.
Build Order and Investment Smarts
Start Here: Priority Characters
DPS first (Ganyu/Ayaka) > Buffer (Shenhe) > Hydro (Kokomi) > Anemo (Kazuha). F2P: Diona > Barbara. Logical progression.
Talent Priorities for DPS and Crew
Ayaka: Burst > Normal > Skill (Mora 1,652,500; Crown ×1). Ganyu: Normal > Burst > Skill (Charged level 2 128% at L10). Supports: Burst/Skill to 8-10. Farm Tuesdays/Fridays/Sundays. Talents = damage.
Constellation Breakdown
C0 works fine; Ganyu C1: 15% RES shred + Energy. Ayaka C2: +2 mini Frostflakes (20% each, +40% Burst). Skip C6 unless you're deep-pocketed. Value over vanity.
Newbie Resource Roadmap
BS farm first; craft F2P weapons. Pulls: Ganyu rerun January 2025 (Version 5.3 vibe); Ayaka last December 2023. Mora to talents. Steady build-up.
FAQ
What's the best Freeze team for Ganyu?
Go classic Morgana: Ganyu (DPS, Amos' Bow, BS 4pc), Mona (Hydro, 250% ER), Venti (Anemo CC), Diona (shield/resonance) for Venti's AoE pull and Mona's Omen (+20% damage taken). Premium twist: Shenhe + Furina + Escoffier for 55% RES shred and 2x DPS in Version 5.7 Abyss. Burst sequence for 90% Freeze uptime.
Mona or Kokomi for Ayaka Freeze?
Mona edges for burst rotations—Omen spikes DPS in one-shots (Ayaka + Mona + Venti + Shenhe). Kokomi for steady Hydro every 2s and heals in drawn-out battles (Ayaka + Kokomi + Kazuha + Shenhe). Mona for boss speedruns; Kokomi for multi-target Abyss. Both hit 55% Crit via BS + resonance.
How does Freeze actually work?
Cryo + Hydro = Frozen, immobilizing for Shatter (Physical DMG from Claymore/Plunge/Geo). Wet first (Kokomi Skill), then Cryo (Ayaka's 19-hit Burst); fades by timer, Shatter, or Pyro Melt. BS adds 40% Crit on frozen—jump to dodge self-freeze. Safe space for Ganyu's charged arrows.
Artifacts for Freeze DPS?
Blizzard Strayer 4pc on Ganyu/Ayaka: +15% Cryo DMG, +40% Crit on frozen (55% with resonance). Mains: ATK% sands, Cryo Goblet, CRIT DMG circlet. Subs: CRIT DMG > ATK% > ER (120-140%). Peak domain grind; Marechaussee Hunter (+12% Crit per HP change) for Furina squads.
Kazuha or Venti essential?
They're optimal for VV 40% shred and grouping—Venti pulls 3-4+ for Ganyu's AoE Burst (66.67% fave). Kazuha tosses EM DMG bonus. F2P Sucrose shares EM; Escoffier shreds 55% sans Anemo. Burst early for setup.
Freeze without 5-stars?
Totally—F2P: Ganyu/Barbara/Lynette/Diona or Ayaka/Kaeya/Barbara/Traveler for basic Hydro/Cryo Freeze. Prototype Crescent (Ganyu) and Amenoma (Ayaka) handle ER; Diona shields. Abyss-clearable; premium like Shenhe/Furina doubles DPS. Level talents to 8 for punch.