Mat Placements: A Guide to Frost

This guide focuses on Frost's gadget, and how to utilise it. Please note that everything I say is solely based on my own experiences, and it's not meant to dictate any sort of "correct" playstyle (I'm not much of a Ranked player). Take it with a grain of salt!

A Brief Intro

When you look at Frost's win delta in most of the recent Designer's Notes, you can see that she performs well despite a low pick rate. In other words, she's underrated. Hopefully, by the end of this guide, you'll see why this is the case and how to broaden her usage as an Operator.

Also note that you'll find a crap ton of tips here.

Player Positioning

Where you place yourself as an Operator is just as important as where you place your mats. An example of a bad scenario is when you've successfully incapacitated an enemy, but you're halfway across the map. Because your gadget only injures the enemy, you want to stay somewhat near your mats in order to secure that kill. Not too far that it's barely accessible, but not too close that it's easy for the enemy to spot/kill you.

(TIP: Be at the room adjacent to where your mats are, or wherever there's a soft wall. Once you get that sound/visual notification that someone's trapped, spray.)

That being said, Frost exceeds in situations where the enemy doesn't know your location (even better, if you exist). If the enemy expects you within their vicinity, they'll also expect your mats too. Which is why in my opinion, Frost's hardest counter is drones. The moment they spot you, they have the advantage. During Prep Phase, hide (but still remember to place your mats). If you hear an Attacker pull out a drone, hide. I don't care if you put your volume to max, if you hear the easily-distinguishable drone sound, hide.

(TIP: Mute's your best friend.)

As a general rule, play Frost as stealthily as possible. It's surprisingly similar to like playing Caveira, except there's more of an emphasis on patience rather than aggression.

(TIP: Don't move a lot.)

Map Knowledge

I've noticed that some players tend to place their mats on objective sites. While this is perfectly fine and it works against rushing Attackers, it's rather expected. Hence, I lean towards setting up at common entry points, or at least rooms near the objective.

But in the long run, it depends on which map you're on. Learn where Attackers might end up and use this to your advantage. Map knowledge is not only a crucial part for playing Frost, but any Operator.

Part 1: Doorways

In Front of Doorway/Barricade
Success Rate: 25%-35%

Ok, so this is obviously not a great placement, because barricades impede Attacker movement, and you want them to rush. Also, it's way too easy to spot, even for rushers.









Behind Shield
Success Rate: 60%-70%

This is a classic, because it acts as both protection and an effective way to hide your gadget. The only downside is that it may prompt the Attacker to destroy the shield (and thus your mat) via explosives before entering. Nonetheless, if I'm in a site without many windows and places to vault over (especially basement sites), this is my go-to.






Side of Doorway
Success Rate: 50%-70%

So this is a very sneaky approach. It works similarly to Kapkan traps, because it's only successful when the Attacker is more focused on fragging than taking the time to look for traps. Sometimes it'll work, definitely worth giving a try.








Under Barbed Wire
Success Rate: 25%-35%

Slightly similar to the "In Front of Doorway/Barricade" placement. Although barbed wire sort of covers up the mat, most Attackers will notice it pretty easily. Also, Barbed Wire is currently removed from Frost's loadout, and will require a teammate.

(TIP: The mat re-skin that comes with Frost's elite blends better with barbed wire than the normal version.)
Side of Doorway w/ Shield
Success Rate: 55%-65%

Theoretically, this should work because the shield draws the Attackers' attention away from where your mat is. I haven't tried this often, so congrats if this concept performs well.

Part 2: Windows

Single Mat Behind Window
Success Rate: 65%-75%

This is one of the most common placements, and it's for a good reason. The window forces the Attacker to vault over, and the wall itself provides full obscurity and is indestructible. Just remember that advanced players can expect this placement.








Double Mat Behind Window
Success Rate: 70%-80%

This is great if you know that the window is a common entry point for Attackers and you expect more than one will come through (you can try baiting). It also works if one tries to shoot down one mat but ends up getting caught by the other.

(TIP: This double mat strategy also applies to the "Behind Shield" placement quite effectively.)





Triple Mat Behind Window
Success Rate: +90%

For the maddest of lads.

Part 3: Stairs, Hatches, and Vaultable Areas

Above Stairs
Success Rate: 25%-35%

The only scenario I can see this work is if the Attacker is focused on something else and is using an ACOG, because it's still quite visible even if you ADS. But again, it varies between different maps and players.








Below Stairs
Success Rate: 20%-30%

The same explanation as the one above, but now it's even more visible.












Below Hatch
Success Rate: 25%-35%

The only thing you need next is a Rook that places the armor pack right above the hatch, baiting the Attackers to their inevitable doom.










Behind Vaultable Area
Success Rate: 55%-65%

Very unexpected, but I don't see a lot of Attackers go to those kind of areas. Still worth a try.

Part 4: Other Stuff that Comes to Mind

Hiding it in Floor Patterns
Success Rate: 20%-30%

This depends on the map as well as the site you're on. It also depends on if the Attacker is playing on low-res.










Under/Above Ladders
Success Rate: 80%-90%

This is honestly one of my favourite placements, because Attackers aren't able to shoot whilst on a ladder, and it's remarkably unexpected. I recommend this especially on Clubhouse basement site.








Behind Wall Opening
Success Rate: 45%-55%

This will require some kind of vaultable wall opening that obscures the mat from being seen. Most Attackers will expose the entire wall, so rely on you or your teammates to make the opening for them.








Surrounding the Hostage
Success Rate: Yes

Fuze would be pleased.

Important Note

Lower all Success Rates by about 25% in higher ranks! Thanks to this fellow for pointing that out.

To Wrap Things Up...

Get creative when you play Frost, because at the very end, the more unexpected she is, the better she performs. There are plenty of other helpful sources available, and I highly recommend you check them out if you want to learn more about the Trap Queen.

Have fun!

[groundapples]

Well I mean in any case, if they know you're Frost, they're going to expect your welcome mats. Also yeah, this guide caters to Quick Match/mid-tier Ranked players.

[TWITCH.TV/TTV.tv-Twitch]

that is way to high for chance of catch tbh. you must be silver or gold

[TWITCH.TV/TTV.tv-Twitch]

reminder this works even better at high ranks because no one expect a low skill character to be played

[Dave]

reminder: If you are in copper/bronze (im bronze 1, was gold 3, solo q) add +200% success rate because they never drone and dont shoot the traps

[saiijiko]

-500% because everyone knows this

[Keir Starmer]

war

[nailgun]

low effort troll letozeth

[groundapples]

D: the horror

[G U M I]

-25% from all of them because now the enemies have read this guide!

[groundapples]

"These are very bad frost mats, like 99% of them are wrong."
"Get off the internet you fucking snowflake."
"take care crybaby."
Remember, Letozeth isn't flaming anyone, he's just providing very constructive criticism.