Antimatter Drop
Used by Nova
Antimatter Drop
Launch a large particle of charged antimatter that will detonate on contact. Direct the particle by aiming, shoot it to charge it further. Deals Blast Damage with a guaranteed Status Effect.
Introduced in Update 9.0 (2013-07-13)
Ability stats
- See in-game / wiki ability card for rank values
- See in-game / wiki ability card for rank values
- See in-game / wiki ability card for rank values
- Launch a large particle of charged antimatter that will detonate on contact.
Info
- Antimatter Drop is Nova’s ability 2.
- Launch a large particle of charged antimatter that will detonate on contact.
- Use it with the rest of the kit — especially Null Star, Wormhole — instead of casting it in isolation.
- Ability Strength, Duration, Range, and Efficiency each matter differently; check Mod Scaling below before dumping all four.
Augment
Antimatter Absorb
Antimatter Drop Augment: Absorbs enemy bullets within 5m, increasing the power of the explosion from Nova’s particle of antimatter.
NovaAntimatter Drop Augment: Absorbs enemy bullets within 5m, increasing the power of the explosion from Nova’s particle of antimatter.
Max rank drain ~9; see rank table on the augment page.
Cast Changes
- Modifies Antimatter Drop with: Antimatter Drop Augment: Absorbs enemy bullets within 5m, increasing the power of the explosion from Nova’s particle of antimatter.
- Rank up the augment to unlock the full effect values.
- Costs a mod slot (and capacity) — only equip it when the change matters for your loop.
Worth the Slot?
- Worth it when the augment’s change is central to how you play Nova.
- Skip it if the base Antimatter Drop already does what you need and you’d rather keep the slot for survivability or strength.
Tips & Tricks
- Read the battlefield first — cast Antimatter Drop when it actually solves the room, not on cooldown habit.
- Pair Antimatter Drop with movement and energy economy so you’re not stranded after a big spend.
- On Steel Path, confirm whether Antimatter Drop still carries without strip, Viral, or a squad buff.
- If you never press 2, it’s the first Helminth candidate on Nova.
Ability dossier · Antimatter Drop
Synergies
- Antimatter DropNull Star
Use Antimatter Drop to set up Null Star, or follow Null Star with Antimatter Drop while enemies are vulnerable.
- Antimatter DropWormhole
Use Antimatter Drop to set up Wormhole, or follow Wormhole with Antimatter Drop while enemies are vulnerable.
- Antimatter DropMolecular Prime
Use Antimatter Drop to set up Molecular Prime, or follow Molecular Prime with Antimatter Drop while enemies are vulnerable.
Mod Scaling
Strength
- Improves Antimatter Drop’s damage or effect potency where Strength is listed on the ability.
Duration
- Duration is low priority on Antimatter Drop unless an augment or lingering effect needs it.
Range
- Range is usually dumpable on Antimatter Drop unless you feel the hitbox is too tight.
Efficiency
- Antimatter Drop costs energy each cast — Efficiency (or strong regen) keeps the loop comfortable on long missions.
Priority
Stack the stats that actually move this ability’s needle, then Efficiency for uptime.
Mission Use Cases
| Mission | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| Steel Path Survival / Defense / Disruption | Test whether Antimatter Drop still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled. |
| Mobile Defense / Excavation | Use Antimatter Drop to control or delete the swarm on the objective, then reposition. |
| Exterminate / Capture Speed Runs | Cast Antimatter Drop only when it saves time — skip it on empty tiles. |
| Spy / Rescue / Quiet Routes | If Antimatter Drop is loud or forces combat, save it for after the vault; if it’s stealth-friendly, use it to stay safe. |
Comparisons
- VS
Vs similar tools on other frames — Antimatter Drop is tuned for Nova’s loop — don’t judge it as a standalone subsume without the rest of the kit.
Null Star
Wormhole
Molecular Prime