Mont (Kotone Montagne) might be a free 4-star Phantom Idol in Persona 5: The Phantom X, but players who dismiss her as a budget option are making a huge mistake. This ice-skating assassin is currently one of the strongest characters in the game, capable of freezing entire enemy teams and delivering critical single-target nukes that can reach absurd numbers. However, unlocking her full potential requires a deep understanding of her intricate buff-stacking mechanics and a carefully tailored build. This guide will walk players through everything they need to know, from skills and Awakening perks to the best weapons, Revelations sets, and team compositions. As of 2026, Mont remains a top-tier pick, especially for new players who snag her for free.

❄️ Skills and Core Mechanics

Mont's kit revolves around generating and spending Ice Crystals, which fuel her other states: Blade Dancer, Resonance, and Parhelion. Here's how each piece fits together.

  • Ice Crystals: Mont gains stacks by attacking (melee) or using Winter Storm (4 stacks). These are the fuel for her other abilities.

  • Blade Dancer: A follow-up attack that triggers when Mont spends Ice Crystals (or at 8 stacks with her best weapon). It deals bonus damage based on the foe's missing HP.

  • Resonance: Activates at 10 Ice Crystals. The next attack or follow-up deals 65% extra damage and is a guaranteed Critical Hit.

  • Parhelion: When Mont uses Frost Lily or Winter Storm while Resonance is active, she gains Parhelion. This empowers her next Durandal of Ice, turning it into a massive single-target nuke.

Her main skills include:

Skill Effect
Frost Lily Ice damage to all foes (57.1% Atk), 19.2% chance to Freeze.
Durandal of Ice Ice damage to one foe (117.8% Atk). Bonus damage based on missing HP when Parhelion or 10+ Ice Crystals.
Winter Storm Ice damage to one foe (105.2% Atk), grants 4 Ice Crystals.
Thief Tactics (Terpsichore) Highlight attack: 192% Atk Ice damage to one foe, extra damage below 20% HP.

Passives like Frozen in Time give Blade Dancer a chance to Freeze (up to 100% at level 3), and State of Selfness grants Ice Crystals when Mont defeats a foe.

mont-build-guide-free-ice-assassin-in-persona-5-the-phantom-x-image-0

⚡ Awakening Priorities

Players who pull duplicates of Mont from the Phantom Idol banners can unlock Awareness passives. The priority for skill upgrades is straightforward: max Durandal of Ice and Winter Storm first, as they form the core combo for maximum damage. Next, upgrade Frost Lily, and finally Thief Tactics. Durandal of Ice, when timed with Parhelion, can crit for 15k to 70k damage depending on enemy HP and active buffs.

🗡️ Best Weapons for Mont

Mont uses fencing sabers. Two weapons stand out:

Weapon How to Get Effect
Queen of Winter Weapon Gacha (Platinum Milicoin) +36.6% crit damage, reduces Blade Dancer activation to 8 Ice Crystals, boosts Durandal damage at 8+ stacks. Best-in-slot.
Edelweiss Airsoft Store (Gecko Coins) +12% Attack, each Ice Crystal stack gives +2.4% Ice damage for 1 turn (stacks 10x). Budget-friendly and effective if Mont acts 4th.

Revelations cards provide set bonuses and combo effects. Here are the top three combinations:

Set Combo Key Benefits
Growth & Luxury +10% Ice damage, +40% Resonance damage. Luxury Mind card: each Resonance activation gives +10% Ice damage (stacks to 30%).
Meditation & Luxury +50% crit damage when Resonance activates. Since Resonance guarantees a crit, this is devastating.
Power & Luxury +12% damage, +10% Attack every 6 turns (stacks to 30%), +5 max combat buffs. Pairs well with Okyann.

👥 Ideal Team Composition

Mont wants to act last (or 3rd) so buffers can set her up. The best team is:

  • Wonder with Ice-boosting Personas (Lilim, King Frost, Genbu, Byakko, Queen Mab).

  • Leo Kamiyama as the primary buffer, using Justice Barrier and Ultima Booster.

  • Moko (Tomoko Noge) as the secondary supporter, using Cheering You On.

A typical rotation: Leon uses Justice Barrier, Moko uses Cheering You On, Mont uses Winter Storm to build Ice Crystals. Next turn, Leon uses Ultima Booster, Moko uses Cheering You On again, then Mont unleashes Durandal of Ice with Parhelion active. Enemies melt.

Alternatives include Haruna (top-tier Strategist with Courageous Campaign) and Okyann as an Elucidator to grant Attack buffs every 6 rounds, synergizing with Power & Luxury.

Mont is a free character who can outdamage many 5-stars. With the right build, she becomes an unstoppable ice queen. ❄️🗡️