Molecular Prime
Used by Nova
Molecular Prime
Primes all enemies in an expanding radius with volatile antimatter. Press the ability to slow down enemy movement, hold the ability to speed them up.
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
- Primes all enemies in an expanding radius with volatile antimatter.
Info
- Molecular Prime is Nova’s ability 4.
- Primes all enemies in an expanding radius with volatile antimatter.
- Use it with the rest of the kit — especially Null Star, Antimatter Drop — instead of casting it in isolation.
- Ability Strength, Duration, Range, and Efficiency each matter differently; check Mod Scaling below before dumping all four.
Augment
Molecular Fission
Molecular Prime Augment: Enemies hit by Null Stars are primed. When killed, primed enemies will restore a Null Star charge and have a 100…
NovaMolecular Prime Augment: Enemies hit by Null Stars are primed. When killed, primed enemies will restore a Null Star charge and have a 100% chance of restoring two.
Max rank drain ~9; see rank table on the augment page.
Cast Changes
- Modifies Molecular Prime with: Molecular Prime Augment: Enemies hit by Null Stars are primed.
- 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 Molecular Prime already does what you need and you’d rather keep the slot for survivability or strength.
Tips & Tricks
- Read the battlefield first — cast Molecular Prime when it actually solves the room, not on cooldown habit.
- Pair Molecular Prime with movement and energy economy so you’re not stranded after a big spend.
- On Steel Path, confirm whether Molecular Prime still carries without strip, Viral, or a squad buff.
- If you never press 4, it’s the first Helminth candidate on Nova.
Ability dossier · Molecular Prime
Synergies
- Molecular PrimeNull Star
Use Molecular Prime to set up Null Star, or follow Null Star with Molecular Prime while enemies are vulnerable.
- Molecular PrimeAntimatter Drop
Use Molecular Prime to set up Antimatter Drop, or follow Antimatter Drop with Molecular Prime while enemies are vulnerable.
- Molecular PrimeWormhole
Use Molecular Prime to set up Wormhole, or follow Wormhole with Molecular Prime while enemies are vulnerable.
Mod Scaling
Strength
- Strength matters if Molecular Prime scales effect power; otherwise dump it for other stats.
Duration
- Duration is low priority on Molecular Prime unless an augment or lingering effect needs it.
Range
- Increases Molecular Prime’s reach, radius, or targeting distance.
Efficiency
- Molecular Prime 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 Molecular Prime still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled. |
| Mobile Defense / Excavation | Use Molecular Prime to control or delete the swarm on the objective, then reposition. |
| Exterminate / Capture Speed Runs | Cast Molecular Prime only when it saves time — skip it on empty tiles. |
| Spy / Rescue / Quiet Routes | If Molecular Prime 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 — Molecular Prime is tuned for Nova’s loop — don’t judge it as a standalone subsume without the rest of the kit.
Null Star
Antimatter Drop
Wormhole