Build Analysis
Freeze vs Melt: Which Cryo Team Archetype Is Better?
Freeze gives your Cryo carry up to 55% free CRIT Rate and removes enemy actions entirely. Melt multiplies individual hits but requires precise Pyro application and a shielder. The deciding factor is whether the enemy can be frozen.
Freeze vs Melt
Freeze
Team: Ayaka or Ganyu + Shenhe + Kazuha + Kokomi
Hydro aura freezes enemies in place, Blizzard Strayer grants up to 40% CRIT Rate, and Cryo resonance adds another 15%. The carry's burst then ticks through frozen enemies.
Pros:
- Up to 55% free CRIT Rate from set and resonance
- Frozen enemies cannot act — very safe to play
- Cheapest archetype to gear for endgame
Cons:
- Useless against bosses that cannot be frozen
- Requires both a Hydro applier and an Anemo unit
Rotation: Kazuha E+Q → Kokomi E → Shenhe hold E → Q → Ayaka dash → E → N2C ×2 → Q
Melt
Team: Ganyu + Xiangling + Bennett + Zhongli
Pyro aura is applied first, then Cryo attacks reverse-Melt for a 2x multiplier. Damage is concentrated in large individual hits rather than sustained damage.
Pros:
- 2x reaction multiplier on Cryo hits
- Works against bosses that cannot be frozen
- Ganyu's Frostflake bloom can Melt twice per shot
Cons:
- Requires precise Pyro aura management
- Needs a shielder — interruption cancels charged shots
- Harder to play on mobile
Rotation: Zhongli hold E → Bennett Q+E → Xiangling E+Q → Ganyu charged shots
Verdict
Run Freeze by default, because it is cheaper to gear and far safer to play. Switch to Melt for boss chambers and for any content where Freeze does nothing — Melt is also the higher-ceiling option once your execution is clean.