Discharge
Used by Volt
Discharge
Volt discharges the electricity that courses through him. The shockwave paralyzes and damages nearby enemies. Enemies on the edge of the shockwave are stunned.
Introduced in Vanilla (2012-10-25)
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
- Volt discharges the electricity that courses through him.
Info
- Discharge is Volt’s ability 4.
- Volt discharges the electricity that courses through him.
- Use it with the rest of the kit — especially Shock, Speed — instead of casting it in isolation.
- Ability Strength, Duration, Range, and Efficiency each matter differently; check Mod Scaling below before dumping all four.
Augment
Capacitance
Discharge Augment: Converts 3% of Damage dealt into Shields split between Volt and Squadmates.
VoltDischarge Augment: Converts 3% of Damage dealt into Shields split between Volt and Squadmates.
Max rank drain ~9; see rank table on the augment page.
Cast Changes
- Modifies Discharge with: Discharge Augment: Converts 3% of Damage dealt into Shields split between Volt and Squadmates.
- 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 Volt.
- Skip it if the base Discharge already does what you need and you’d rather keep the slot for survivability or strength.
Tips & Tricks
- Read the battlefield first — cast Discharge when it actually solves the room, not on cooldown habit.
- Pair Discharge with movement and energy economy so you’re not stranded after a big spend.
- On Steel Path, confirm whether Discharge still carries without strip, Viral, or a squad buff.
- If you never press 4, it’s the first Helminth candidate on Volt.
Ability dossier · Discharge
Synergies
- DischargeShock
Use Discharge to set up Shock, or follow Shock with Discharge while enemies are vulnerable.
- DischargeSpeed
Use Discharge to set up Speed, or follow Speed with Discharge while enemies are vulnerable.
- DischargeElectric Shield
Use Discharge to set up Electric Shield, or follow Electric Shield with Discharge while enemies are vulnerable.
Mod Scaling
Strength
- Improves Discharge’s damage or effect potency where Strength is listed on the ability.
Duration
- Duration is low priority on Discharge unless an augment or lingering effect needs it.
Range
- Increases Discharge’s reach, radius, or targeting distance.
Efficiency
- Discharge 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 Discharge still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled. |
| Mobile Defense / Excavation | Use Discharge to control or delete the swarm on the objective, then reposition. |
| Exterminate / Capture Speed Runs | Cast Discharge only when it saves time — skip it on empty tiles. |
| Spy / Rescue / Quiet Routes | If Discharge 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 — Discharge is tuned for Volt’s loop — don’t judge it as a standalone subsume without the rest of the kit.
Shock
Speed
Electric Shield