Theorylytics

Minelayer

Used by Vauban

Ability2
Energy25

Minelayer

Control the battlefield with masterful mines. Vauban's Tether-Flechette orb immobilizes and draws in enemies while launching deadly nails in all directions. HOLD to launch a Vector-Overdrive pad that accelerates foes and allies alike in the pad's direction, increasing ally Movement Speed and Weapon Damage.

Introduced in Update 7.11 (2013-05-17)

Ability stats

Strength
  • See in-game / wiki ability card for rank values
Duration
  • See in-game / wiki ability card for rank values
Range
  • See in-game / wiki ability card for rank values
Misc
  • Control the battlefield with masterful mines.

Info

  • Minelayer is Vauban’s ability 2.
  • Control the battlefield with masterful mines.
  • Use it with the rest of the kit — especially Tesla Nervos, Photon Strike — instead of casting it in isolation.
  • Ability Strength, Duration, Range, and Efficiency each matter differently; check Mod Scaling below before dumping all four.

Tips & Tricks

  • Read the battlefield first — cast Minelayer when it actually solves the room, not on cooldown habit.
  • Pair Minelayer with movement and energy economy so you’re not stranded after a big spend.
  • On Steel Path, confirm whether Minelayer still carries without strip, Viral, or a squad buff.
  • If you never press 2, it’s the first Helminth candidate on Vauban.

Ability dossier · Minelayer

Verified 2026-07-22

Synergies

  • MinelayerTesla Nervos

    Use Minelayer to set up Tesla Nervos, or follow Tesla Nervos with Minelayer while enemies are vulnerable.

  • MinelayerPhoton Strike

    Use Minelayer to set up Photon Strike, or follow Photon Strike with Minelayer while enemies are vulnerable.

  • MinelayerBastille

    Use Minelayer to set up Bastille, or follow Bastille with Minelayer while enemies are vulnerable.

Mod Scaling

Strength

Improves Minelayer’s damage or effect potency where Strength is listed on the ability.

Duration

Extends how long Minelayer’s effect lasts.

Range

Range is usually dumpable on Minelayer unless you feel the hitbox is too tight.

Efficiency

Minelayer 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

MissionHow to Use It
Steel Path Survival / Defense / DisruptionTest whether Minelayer still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled.
Mobile Defense / ExcavationUse Minelayer to control or delete the swarm on the objective, then reposition.
Exterminate / Capture Speed RunsCast Minelayer only when it saves time — skip it on empty tiles.
Spy / Rescue / Quiet RoutesIf Minelayer 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 — Minelayer is tuned for Vauban’s loop — don’t judge it as a standalone subsume without the rest of the kit.

Other Vauban abilities