Elemental Ward
Used by Chroma
Elemental Ward
Depending on Chroma's elemental alignment, an offensive area-of-effect is created. Chroma and its nearby allies are imbued with defensive energy.
Introduced in Update 16.0 (2015-03-19)
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
- Depending on Chroma's elemental alignment, an offensive area-of-effect is created.
Info
- Elemental Ward is Chroma’s ability 2.
- Depending on Chroma's elemental alignment, an offensive area-of-effect is created.
- Use it with the rest of the kit — especially Spectral Scream, Vex Armor — instead of casting it in isolation.
- Ability Strength, Duration, Range, and Efficiency each matter differently; check Mod Scaling below before dumping all four.
Augment
Everlasting Ward
Elemental Ward Augment: Allies that leave the radius will retain the effect for 100% of the remaining duration.
ChromaElemental Ward Augment: Allies that leave the radius will retain the effect for 100% of the remaining duration.
Max rank drain ~9; see rank table on the augment page.
Cast Changes
- Modifies Elemental Ward with: Elemental Ward Augment: Allies that leave the radius will retain the effect for 100% of the remaining duration.
- 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 Chroma.
- Skip it if the base Elemental Ward already does what you need and you’d rather keep the slot for survivability or strength.
Tips & Tricks
- Read the battlefield first — cast Elemental Ward when it actually solves the room, not on cooldown habit.
- Pair Elemental Ward with movement and energy economy so you’re not stranded after a big spend.
- On Steel Path, confirm whether Elemental Ward still carries without strip, Viral, or a squad buff.
- If you never press 2, it’s the first Helminth candidate on Chroma.
Ability dossier · Elemental Ward
Synergies
- Elemental WardSpectral Scream
Use Elemental Ward to set up Spectral Scream, or follow Spectral Scream with Elemental Ward while enemies are vulnerable.
- Elemental WardVex Armor
Use Elemental Ward to set up Vex Armor, or follow Vex Armor with Elemental Ward while enemies are vulnerable.
- Elemental WardEffigy
Use Elemental Ward to set up Effigy, or follow Effigy with Elemental Ward while enemies are vulnerable.
Mod Scaling
Strength
- Strength matters if Elemental Ward scales effect power; otherwise dump it for other stats.
Duration
- Duration is low priority on Elemental Ward unless an augment or lingering effect needs it.
Range
- Increases Elemental Ward’s reach, radius, or targeting distance.
Efficiency
- Elemental Ward 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 Elemental Ward still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled. |
| Mobile Defense / Excavation | Use Elemental Ward to control or delete the swarm on the objective, then reposition. |
| Exterminate / Capture Speed Runs | Cast Elemental Ward only when it saves time — skip it on empty tiles. |
| Spy / Rescue / Quiet Routes | If Elemental Ward 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 — Elemental Ward is tuned for Chroma’s loop — don’t judge it as a standalone subsume without the rest of the kit.
Spectral Scream
Vex Armor
Effigy