How does Sub-Zero Climate work in Genshin Impact?

Have you ever been stuck in the freezing cold without a warm coat? I have. It’s a pretty miserable experience all around, unless there happens to be a hot tub nearby, which there usually isn’t. When the cold is bearing down, you need to be proactive about staying warm if you don’t want to turn into a popsicle. Here’s how Genshin Impact’s new Sub-Zero Climate mechanic works.

“I’m So Cold… I’m Shivering!”

In Genshin Impact’s most recent major update, a new section of the map near Mondstadt was unveiled: the Dragonspine mountain. It’s a vast, beautiful mountain range full of interesting new places to explore and sights to see. It’s also really, really cold, and the moment you set foot on the mountain, you’ll feel that cold deep in your bones.

How does Sub-Zero Climate work in Genshin Impact?

While traveling around Dragonspine, you may notice a small white meter begin to fill up over your health bar at the bottom of the screen. This is the Sheer Cold meter, which fills up while inside of Dragonspine’s Sub-Zero Climate. Just walking around in the cold will cause the meter to rise, and if you spend time near large deposits of snow or, heaven forbid, in the water, it’ll rise even faster. If the Sheer Cold meter fills up entirely, your character’s health will begin quickly draining away.

Unless you want to drop dead from hypothermia, you’ll do everything in your power to keep that meter from filling all the way. Thankfully, there are four ways you can stave off the cold.

How to Warm Up

The first and most obvious method to get warm is by standing near a fire. Whether it’s a lit torch that’s been placed on the ground or a fire started with Pyro abilities, any kind of fire will alleviate Sheer Cold. Amber is a great party member for exploring Dragonspine, as her flaming arrows can light unlit torches the fastest. Standing near a Statue of the Seven and other Teleport Waypoints also warms you up.

Second, eat something warm. Specifically, a big bowl of Goulash. Completing the mission “Ah, Fresh Meat!” will reward you with the recipe for Goulash, which will stave off the cold for 900 seconds when consumed.

Third, hunt down some Scarlet Quartz. Dragonspine is rife with bright red mineral deposits that, when struck, surround you with a veil of heat. Not only does this fight the cold, it’s vital for solving the mountain’s ice-based puzzles.

Finally, craft yourself a Warming Bottle. By getting the Frostbearing Tree to level 4, you can receive the Warming Bottle gadget diagram, which can be used for crafting these handy doodads. Just pop one open and feel that lovely warmth.