- The Frost Adder is a persistent, deadly close-range combatant offering the most reliable bind technique of any Viper-type species. The Stranglehold tree focuses on the Rush And Bind ability, namely letting the Frost Adder get into position for it easier and stay right up front safely. The Shotgun Surgeon tree offers a mix of different shot types much like LWOTC's Assault class, making it the best specialization for quick kills and taking on groups. The Frigid tree is the Bitterfrost kit, offering both more sources of Bitterfrost and making it easier to hit a single target with multiple instances of it.

- At Squaddie rank, the Frost Adder has the Rush And Bind, Bleed Cold, Molt, and Stock Bash abilities. They are also immune to Frost, but unlike all other Viper-type species are not immune to poison, at least by default.

- Frost Adders can acquire "Tail Booster" upgrades which let their Rush And Bind ability do more damage and more armor pierce. The basic tail does 2 damage and 2 armor pierce. Each tier offers +2 of each compared to the previous tier. Tier 2 is acquired with the Stun Lancer Autopsy and Corpse, and Tier 3 is acquired with the Berserker Autopsy and Corpse.

- Since the Frost Adder wields a shotgun and cannot use its tongue offensively, it relies on Frost Spit and grenades for anything outside of short to mid-short range combat. Consider taking Slug Shot at LCPL to remedy this, especially if you get an unlucky Mobility roll with NCE.

- Rush And Bind is the Frost Adder's claim to fame. Although it has to charge into the enemy lines to use it, it is guaranteed to hit, and the Frost Adder cannot be forced to release its target through damage alone. Taking the Neural Damping ability or equipping a Mind Shield can prevent mental ailment related releases, making it almost impossible for the bound enemy to escape.

- The Frost Adder does not have the Ice Shield ability that enemy Frost Legion units have, but this also means it does not have to be any more careful of Fire or Psionic based attacks than typical soldiers do. Its innate Frost immunity can make it a decent counter to the Frost Legion.

- The Frost Adder's shotgun's damage is not quite as high as a typical one, but it has an innate critical hit chance bonus of +20, making it very adept with crit builds should the right XCOM row skills pop up, as well as dealing with Dodge-focused enemies.

- Frost Adders can equip and throw grenades.

- The Frost Adder's shotgun is guaranteed to inflict Bitterfrost on any hit, but it cannot benefit from special ammo types or equip Experimental Magazines. The Frost Adder itself cannot equip special ammo at all.