Quick answer: In the Minecraft 26.4 Java snapshots, brew a Potion of Freezing by placing an Awkward Potion in a brewing stand and adding an Ice Ball as the ingredient. The feature is still part of a developing game drop, so recipes and mechanics can change before the full release. This guide separates confirmed snapshot information from details players should re-check in their own version.
How to brew a Potion of Freezing
The core recipe documented for Java Edition 26.4 Snapshot 3 is straightforward: combine an Awkward Potion with an Ice Ball in a brewing stand. The Ice Ball is associated with the new Frostbite hostile mob, which can throw the projectile and has a chance to drop Ice Balls when defeated. Make sure you are testing the correct snapshot; the recipe is not a feature of every older stable Minecraft version.
- Place a brewing stand and fuel it as required by your version.
- Put Awkward Potion bottles in the bottle slots.
- Add an Ice Ball to the ingredient slot.
- Wait for brewing to finish, then collect the Potion of Freezing.
If the recipe does not appear, first confirm that you launched a version containing the experimental or snapshot feature. Do not assume a standard release has received an unfinished feature simply because a guide mentions it.
Where to get Ice Balls
In the 26.4 development snapshots, Frostbites are a new zombie variant found in cold or icy areas. They can switch between melee attacks and ranged attacks; melee hits can apply the Freezing effect, while some Frostbites throw Ice Balls. Defeating Frostbites is therefore the main gameplay route to collecting the ingredient described in the snapshot notes.
Explore carefully: the new Ice Caves use packed ice and calcite, with icicles overhead and Ice Crystals that emit light. Strays and Frostbites may also appear. These environmental hazards make preparation worthwhile before you go farming for Ice Balls.
How to make stronger or different versions
The snapshot documentation also describes related brewing paths. Add Redstone Dust to a Potion of Freezing to extend its duration where supported. Add Gunpowder to make a Splash Potion of Freezing, which can be thrown. A Lingering Potion of Freezing is made by adding Dragon’s Breath to a Splash Potion of Freezing. The duration and availability of each variant should be checked against the exact build you are playing, because this content is still under development.
What does the Freezing effect do?
The Freezing effect causes the player to shake and gradually become frozen, and it can eventually deal damage. It can also reduce movement and jump height in the developing feature set. Leather armor protects against becoming frozen in the same way it protects against powder snow, but it does not prevent the effect from being applied and does not remove an effect that is already active.
Freezing can be especially dangerous around mobs vulnerable to the effect. The official snapshot notes state that vulnerable mobs take additional damage, with a five-times damage multiplier. Do not assume that every mob is vulnerable: some entities are immune or unaffected, and those rules can change between snapshots.
Java Edition vs. Bedrock: what to check
Java players should check the relevant 26.4 snapshot notes. Bedrock players should check the matching Preview/Beta notes and ensure the experimental game-drop features are enabled when required. The two editions may receive features in different preview builds, and brewing or crafting details can differ. Avoid relying on a Java-only recipe in Bedrock without checking the official changelog for your build.
For the primary sources, read the official Minecraft 26.4 Snapshot 4 notes for related ice-cave changes and the official Bedrock Preview 26.60.29 changelog. The Java Snapshot 3 notes are also available through the Minecraft 26.4 Snapshot 3 announcement.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong base potion: the documented recipe starts with an Awkward Potion.
- Searching for Ice Balls in an older release: this is development-version content, not a universal recipe across all versions.
- Expecting leather armor to remove the effect: it protects against freezing but does not clear an already-applied effect.
- Mixing up splash and lingering potions: Gunpowder and Dragon’s Breath are used for different variants.
- Assuming all mobs take bonus damage: only mobs vulnerable to Freezing receive the documented extra damage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Potion of Freezing recipe in Minecraft?
In the documented Java 26.4 development snapshot, brew an Awkward Potion with an Ice Ball in a brewing stand.
How do you get Ice Balls?
Ice Balls are associated with Frostbites, the new hostile zombie variant introduced in the 26.4 development snapshots. Frostbites can throw them and may drop them when defeated.
Does leather armor stop the Potion of Freezing?
Leather armor protects a player from becoming frozen, but it does not stop the effect from being applied or remove an existing effect.
Can you make Splash and Lingering Potions of Freezing?
The development notes describe using Gunpowder to make a splash variant and Dragon’s Breath to turn a splash potion into a lingering variant. Confirm the recipe in your current build.
Is the Potion of Freezing available in every Minecraft version?
No. The recipe is documented in development versions for the upcoming 2026 game drop. Check the exact Java snapshot or Bedrock Preview/Beta you are using.
Author
Written by Shivam Das. Updated October 27, 2026. This guide is based on published Minecraft snapshot and preview notes; unfinished mechanics may change before the full release.
Image note: Three distinct image URLs were verified in the sources checked. I did not add unrelated or fabricated pictures just to reach five; please verify reuse permissions before commercial use.