Quick answer: In the current Minecraft 26.4 Java snapshots, you craft an Arrow of Freezing by placing a Lingering Potion of Freezing in the center of a crafting table and surrounding it with eight regular arrows. In the current Bedrock Preview 26.60.29, the method is different: dip arrows into a cauldron filled with Potion of Freezing. The effect duration is currently listed as about 5 seconds for a standard arrow and 11 seconds for an extended arrow, but these are still in-development features and may change before release.
Minecraft’s upcoming 2026 winter game drop adds a new combat option for players who want to slow an enemy’s escape and put pressure on mobs in icy terrain. The Arrow of Freezing applies the new Freezing effect on a hit. The important detail for crafters is that Java and Bedrock currently use different crafting methods—so don’t follow a Java recipe in Bedrock and assume it will work.
How to craft Arrows of Freezing in Java Edition
In Java Edition 26.4 Snapshot 3 and later development builds where the feature is available, use the crafting-table recipe:
- Collect regular arrows and brew a Potion of Freezing.
- Convert the potion into a Lingering Potion of Freezing using the brewing setup and Dragon’s Breath.
- Open a crafting table and place the Lingering Potion of Freezing in the center slot.
- Fill the other eight slots with regular arrows.
- Collect the resulting batch of Arrows of Freezing.
The recipe follows the familiar Java tipped-arrow pattern: one lingering potion surrounded by eight arrows. If the recipe does not appear, check that you are running a Java snapshot that includes the feature and that the potion in the center is the lingering version—not a regular or splash potion.
How to make Arrows of Freezing in Bedrock Edition
Bedrock Preview 26.60.29 documents a cauldron-based method instead of the Java crafting-table pattern:
- Make a Potion of Freezing and fill a cauldron with it, following the preview’s current mechanics.
- Hold regular arrows and use them on the cauldron to dip them into the potion.
- Check the arrows in your inventory before crafting a large batch; preview mechanics can change between builds.
Java vs. Bedrock at a glance:
| Detail | Java Edition | Bedrock Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Documented test version | 26.4 snapshots | Preview 26.60.29 |
| Crafting method | Lingering Potion of Freezing in the center of a crafting table, eight arrows around it | Dip arrows into a cauldron filled with Potion of Freezing |
| Effect | Applies Freezing on a hit | Applies Freezing on a hit |
| Status | In development | Experimental preview feature |
How long does an Arrow of Freezing last?
Current development data lists the standard Arrow of Freezing at approximately 5 seconds. An extended version is listed at approximately 11 seconds. Treat these as current test-build values, not a promise for the final release: Mojang may adjust the effect, duration, or recipe as feedback comes in.
The Freezing effect makes the target progressively freeze as if it were in Powder Snow. Players can shake and eventually take damage, while mobs vulnerable to Freezing take extra damage. The official snapshot notes a five-times damage multiplier for vulnerable mobs. That makes the arrow potentially useful for controlling a dangerous target, but it is not a universal answer to every mob.
Does leather armor stop the effect?
Leather armor is useful protection against freezing, but the new effect has an important nuance: Mojang’s development notes say leather armor protects the wearer from freezing damage without preventing the Freezing effect from being applied or instantly removing the status. Don’t assume that a leather piece erases the debuff; keep an escape route and watch your freeze state.
Common crafting mistakes
- Using the wrong potion in Java: the documented recipe calls for a Lingering Potion of Freezing, not a regular potion.
- Using the Java recipe in Bedrock: the current Bedrock preview describes dipping arrows in a potion-filled cauldron.
- Testing in a stable release: the feature is still part of the upcoming game drop’s development builds, so it may not exist in your normal world yet.
- Assuming every mob is vulnerable: some mobs are immune or unaffected by freezing. Test the arrow on the target you intend to fight.
- Ignoring protection and escape routes: use cover and keep a retreat path when fighting Frostbites or exploring ice caves.
Frequently asked questions
Can you craft Arrows of Freezing in regular Minecraft right now?
Availability depends on the edition and build. The recipe is documented in Java 26.4 snapshots and Bedrock Preview 26.60.29, not as a guaranteed feature in every stable release.
How many arrows does the Java recipe make?
The documented pattern uses eight regular arrows around one Lingering Potion of Freezing, following the standard Java tipped-arrow recipe format.
What is the Arrow of Freezing duration?
Current development data lists about 5 seconds for the standard arrow and about 11 seconds for an extended version. Values can change before the feature ships.
Does the arrow freeze every mob?
No. Some mobs are immune or unaffected by Freezing, and the official notes say only vulnerable mobs take the additional Freezing damage.
Official sources and version notes
- Minecraft Java 26.4 Snapshot 3 — official changelog
- Minecraft Bedrock Preview 26.60.29 — official changelog
- Official guide to testing the 2026 game drop
Editorial note: This guide reflects publicly documented development builds checked on October 27, 2026. Recipes, duration values, and availability may change. Always check the notes for the exact snapshot or preview you are playing.
By Shivam Das