Be Careful On The Ice In Neverwinter’s 33rd Module, Biting Cold

Today, Cryptic Studio launched the 33rd Neverwinter module, Biting Cold. The latest update to the free-to-play Dungeons & Dragons MMORPG, Biting Cold, takes players to Icewind Dale, where they’ll not only have to solve a mystery and deal with the goblins and kobolds taking over the port, but also survive the region’s cold weather.

The update introduces a new adventure zone to the game: The Reghed Edge. As you’d expect, this zone is filled with snow and ice. It also features a special mechanic. The “Encroaching Frost” is a shifting weather event that will force players to deal with the effects of the cold. It is possible to avoid, and as it shifts, it’s likely players can wait for it to move before entering an area. However, doing so means they won’t be able to earn the rewards from opening chests or defeating the Stormbound Reaver.

This mechanic also attracts frost creatures. So players will want to remain vigilant when exploring. Also, keep an eye out for braizers, as that’s the way to regain warmth and not simply die from freezing.

We were shown a bit of this new zone and the mechanic yesterday, via a virtual tour. In addition to the Encroaching Frost mechanic, we were also shown how the ice impacts gameplay. While not common in every MMO (at least in open zones), it’s been a long-time game tradition that standing on ice meant sliding around. This is the case here. Ice sliding isn’t restricted to instanced boss fights. Players will have to deal with it in combat with mobs out in the world.

Icewind Dale and the zone of Reghed Edge aren’t exactly the easiest places to reach. The area is cut off from other places, with Icewind Dale existing as a seasonal camp where people come for fishing. As mentioned, the camp is having some problems. Specifically, kobolds and goblins have begun to take over. Obviously, it’s up to the players to help stop that, while also seeking out any survivors. As they progress, they’ll also explore outside the town, where they will find named creatures that offer extra rewards when eliminated.

Dealing with the Kobolds is only the first part of the quest. Players will also need to help those in the area, including a priest having visions of the future and the local lighthouse. There will be several steps involved in solving their problem, and a bit of time shenanigans isn’t out of the question.

All told, it should take about 30 minutes or so to complete the questline. Don’t worry, though. This is the first of four acts. A new act will arrive next week. Between now and then, players can complete other activities, such as the Spirit Statue Heroic Encounters, requiring them to kill corrupted creatures after luring them near the relevant statue in order to cleanse their spirit and allow them to be reborn. Note that this activity is designed for two to five players and that the creatures must be killed in a specific area in order for it to count. There are six of these encounters in all.

In addition, Biting Cold also introduces a new dungeon, titled Jotunskar. As with the rest of the zone, the dungeon is filled with snow and ice, meaning players will find themselves slipping and sliding their way through parts of it. The ice isn’t the only problem as Frost Giants are mobilizing for battle, under the influence of mysterious whispers. There’s also the “Death Pit” to worry about. It’s advised to avoid that if at all possible. The dungeon is available in three different flavors: Normal, Advanced, and Master. The first can be accessed via random queues.