Null Star
Used by Nova
Null Star
Creates antimatter particles that orbit Nova and attack nearby targets. Each active particle reduces damage to Nova's Health and Shields.
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
- Creates antimatter particles that orbit Nova and attack nearby targets.
Info
- Null Star is Nova’s ability 1.
- Creates antimatter particles that orbit Nova and attack nearby targets.
- Use it with the rest of the kit — especially Antimatter Drop, 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
Neutron Star
Null Star Augment: Particles deal 240 Heat Damage with guaranteed Status effect in 8m. On recast, remaining particles seek out enemies wi…
NovaNull Star Augment: Particles deal 240 Heat Damage with guaranteed Status effect in 8m. On recast, remaining particles seek out enemies with doubled search radius.
Max rank drain ~9; see rank table on the augment page.
Cast Changes
- Modifies Null Star with: Null Star Augment: Particles deal 240 Heat Damage with guaranteed Status effect in 8m.
- 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 Null Star already does what you need and you’d rather keep the slot for survivability or strength.
Tips & Tricks
- Read the battlefield first — cast Null Star when it actually solves the room, not on cooldown habit.
- Pair Null Star with movement and energy economy so you’re not stranded after a big spend.
- On Steel Path, confirm whether Null Star still carries without strip, Viral, or a squad buff.
- If you never press 1, it’s the first Helminth candidate on Nova.
Ability dossier · Null Star
Synergies
- Null StarAntimatter Drop
Use Null Star to set up Antimatter Drop, or follow Antimatter Drop with Null Star while enemies are vulnerable.
- Null StarWormhole
Use Null Star to set up Wormhole, or follow Wormhole with Null Star while enemies are vulnerable.
- Null StarMolecular Prime
Use Null Star to set up Molecular Prime, or follow Molecular Prime with Null Star while enemies are vulnerable.
Mod Scaling
Strength
- Improves Null Star’s damage or effect potency where Strength is listed on the ability.
Duration
- Duration is low priority on Null Star unless an augment or lingering effect needs it.
Range
- Increases Null Star’s reach, radius, or targeting distance.
Efficiency
- Null Star 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 Null Star still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled. |
| Mobile Defense / Excavation | Use Null Star to control or delete the swarm on the objective, then reposition. |
| Exterminate / Capture Speed Runs | Cast Null Star only when it saves time — skip it on empty tiles. |
| Spy / Rescue / Quiet Routes | If Null Star 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 — Null Star is tuned for Nova’s loop — don’t judge it as a standalone subsume without the rest of the kit.
Antimatter Drop
Wormhole
Molecular Prime