Photon Strike
Used by Vauban
Photon Strike
Drop a targeting beacon that calls in a devastating laser artillery strike. Deals doubled damage to enemies with Overguard.
Introduced in Update 7.11 (2013-05-17)
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
- Drop a targeting beacon that calls in a devastating laser artillery strike.
Info
- Photon Strike is Vauban’s ability 3.
- Drop a targeting beacon that calls in a devastating laser artillery strike.
- Use it with the rest of the kit — especially Tesla Nervos, Minelayer — instead of casting it in isolation.
- Ability Strength, Duration, Range, and Efficiency each matter differently; check Mod Scaling below before dumping all four.
Augment
Photon Repeater
Photon Strike Augment: If Photon Strike hits at least 5 enemies, the next cast will cost no Energy and fire two additional strikes.
VaubanPhoton Strike Augment: If Photon Strike hits at least 5 enemies, the next cast will cost no Energy and fire two additional strikes.
Max rank drain ~9; see rank table on the augment page.
Cast Changes
- Modifies Photon Strike with: Photon Strike Augment: If Photon Strike hits at least 5 enemies, the next cast will cost no Energy and fire two additional strikes.
- 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 Vauban.
- Skip it if the base Photon Strike already does what you need and you’d rather keep the slot for survivability or strength.
Tips & Tricks
- Read the battlefield first — cast Photon Strike when it actually solves the room, not on cooldown habit.
- Pair Photon Strike with movement and energy economy so you’re not stranded after a big spend.
- On Steel Path, confirm whether Photon Strike still carries without strip, Viral, or a squad buff.
- If you never press 3, it’s the first Helminth candidate on Vauban.
Ability dossier · Photon Strike
Synergies
- Photon StrikeTesla Nervos
Use Photon Strike to set up Tesla Nervos, or follow Tesla Nervos with Photon Strike while enemies are vulnerable.
- Photon StrikeMinelayer
Use Photon Strike to set up Minelayer, or follow Minelayer with Photon Strike while enemies are vulnerable.
- Photon StrikeBastille
Use Photon Strike to set up Bastille, or follow Bastille with Photon Strike while enemies are vulnerable.
Mod Scaling
Strength
- Improves Photon Strike’s damage or effect potency where Strength is listed on the ability.
Duration
- Duration is low priority on Photon Strike unless an augment or lingering effect needs it.
Range
- Range is usually dumpable on Photon Strike unless you feel the hitbox is too tight.
Efficiency
- Photon Strike 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 Photon Strike still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled. |
| Mobile Defense / Excavation | Use Photon Strike to control or delete the swarm on the objective, then reposition. |
| Exterminate / Capture Speed Runs | Cast Photon Strike only when it saves time — skip it on empty tiles. |
| Spy / Rescue / Quiet Routes | If Photon Strike 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 — Photon Strike is tuned for Vauban’s loop — don’t judge it as a standalone subsume without the rest of the kit.
Tesla Nervos
Minelayer
Bastille