Freya

## Summary

***"Her ice wave freezes enemies for a few seconds"***

## Ability: Ice Wave

**On Attack:** Dragging onto an enemy squad will cast the Ice Wave in a line until it reaches the indicated point.

**On Defense:** The Ice Wave will be cast along her path of movement immediately before she begins moving. Enemies don't have a limit to how many times they are frozen, and can be caught twice if the rally moves along the same path.

## Upgrades

**Level 7: Dying Blast**

Defense only - Freya casts her Ice Wave upon dying.

**Level 17: Cracked Ice**

Units frozen by Freya's Ice Wave take reduced damage. Cracked Ice reduces this effect.

**Level 23: Deep Freeze**

Defense only - Units frozen by Ice Wave remain frozen a few seconds longer.

**Level 32: Icy Clutches**

Defense only - Adds a trap to place while planning your Defense.

**Level 57: Icy Burst**

Provides a small chance to freeze nearby enemies upon being hit.

## Strategy & Synergy

### **On Defense:**

Freya's ability to freeze enemies in a line can be manipulated effectively, and can be more powerful in different ways on different maps. For instance, on maps with narrow corridors the rally can be sent to cover a long distance then return to somewhere near Freya's own location, freezing the same squad multiple times. Once the ability "Icy Clutches" is unlocked, Freya's zoning pressure becomes even more prominent.

Freya on Defense works well with Pepper, as Freya's zoning pressure can funnel opponents into Freya's Fireball zone. A potent ambush can be set up with Baba if timed properly. Wesley can benefit from Freya's "Icy Clutches" ability once unlocked, as his Lantern Curse can whittle away their life while caught in the trap.

**Strong:**

* Soldiers give Freya the opportunity to charge into combat effectively, which is helpful as the Ice Wave is locked to her rally flag. The high Armor, Attack, and Health stats combined with the sizeable squad allows this squad to stand its ground and initiate easily.

**Good:**

* Knights are a good defensive flanking option with Freya as the knights can nearly keep up with the Ice Wave itself, meaning the squad starts attacking with less downtime.
* Archers provide the same range as Freya herself, allowing the squad to be positioned behind a natural barrier of some sort while providing fire on any frozen enemy within reach once the Ice Wave is triggered. The only downfall to this squad is that most of the time You want to keep this squad at the detour flag, as if they commit the full distance and engage an enemy, they will be in melee combat.
* Brutes can break down enemy troops with extreme ease, all the better if they don't attack back because they're frozen. Tied for the highest damage output in the game, Brutes have the luxury of incredible Health & Armor stats as well to survive some great punishment.

**Fair:**

* Sentries deal incredible damage to enemies even while frozen, thanks to their Attack stat. While this squad doesn't enjoy being alone, even if forced to engage enemies without any help they could easily power through a frozen chunk of an army in the right circumstances.

**Poor:**

* Serfs can be used to provide a meat shield for other more valuable squads. However, the already low damage output of the Serfs combined with the reduction in damage taken from Ice Wave means they can't take much advantage of the frozen enemies Freya provides. This can waste an enemies' time effectively if the plan fits.

### **On Attack:**

Freya's Ice Wave on attack is a much more straightforward process - the wave goes to an enemy squad of the player's choice, freezing them. While the Defensive plans have more potential freeze chances thanks to the way the flag can be moved, on Attack the Ice Wave can be used at a more critical moment and is more likely to hit the target thanks to the freedom of control.

The Ice Wave can be used after Balthor's Thunderstrike to give him free attacks to recharge his ability. Because it can be used at a distance, Wesley can abuse the freeze and allow his Cursed Lantern to chip away at enemies during the freeze duration. If the plan revolves around Iriel running to a more advantageous position, the freeze can prevent enemies from moving to engage with her and sneak past opponents that may be well positioned.

**Strong:**

* Archers are a natural choice with Freya as she herself is a ranged hero. In addition to this, the Ice Wave can freeze incoming enemies to keep them at a distance, allowing the squad to do maximum damage for a longer duration. Because they typically stay at range as well, they can catch more enemies in the Ice Wave.
* Knights provide a powerful flanking opportunity with Freya as the squad leader - this squad can quickly move into a position where it allows the Ice Wave to hit multiple or potentially *all* enemy squads, giving the entire team free damage without taking damage themselves.

**Good:**

* Sentries deal incredible damage even through the Ice Wave's damage reduction, with their incredible Attack stat and potentially decent squad size. They also have a slight range to their attacks, allowing them to be in the back lines behind other melee squads but still provide a forward barrier for Freya herself.
* Soldiers can dish out high damage while taking plenty of punishment themselves due to their high Attack & Armor stats. This allows Freya's squad to lead the charge without too much fear, and use Ice Wave at a critical time to prevent being overwhelmed by greater numbers or superior positioning.
* Brutes can be strong initiation as well thanks to their immense Health & Armor stats. Additionally, they can deal high damage even through the Ice Wave damage reduction with their high Attack stat. Finally, they can break opponent's traps without repercussion as Brutes are immune to stuns & freeze effects.

**Poor:**

* Serfs can be used to initiate as well with Freya, especially under cover of the Ice Wave's freeze effect. However, Serfs' naturally low damage paired with the reduced damage effect from the Ice Wave mean that once engaged, they do little to take advantage of the situation.