Polarize
Used by Mag
Polarize
Emit an energy pulse that depletes enemy shields and armor as it restores ally shields. Debris left over from the pulse becomes Polarize Shards. Nearby Polarize Shards orbit Mag and cut enemies, inflicting Slash Status Effect.
Introduced in Vanilla (2012-10-25)
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
- Emit an energy pulse that depletes enemy shields and armor as it restores ally shields.
Info
- Polarize is Mag’s ability 3.
- Emit an energy pulse that depletes enemy shields and armor as it restores ally shields.
- Use it with the rest of the kit — especially Pull, Magnetize — instead of casting it in isolation.
- Ability Strength, Duration, Range, and Efficiency each matter differently; check Mod Scaling below before dumping all four.
Augment
Counter Pulse
Polarize Augment: Enemy weapons are jammed and robotics are disabled for 4s when hit by Polarize.
MagPolarize Augment: Enemy weapons are jammed and robotics are disabled for 4s when hit by Polarize.
Max rank drain ~9; see rank table on the augment page.
Cast Changes
- Modifies Polarize with: Polarize Augment: Enemy weapons are jammed and robotics are disabled for 4s when hit by Polarize.
- 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 Mag.
- Skip it if the base Polarize already does what you need and you’d rather keep the slot for survivability or strength.
Tips & Tricks
- Read the battlefield first — cast Polarize when it actually solves the room, not on cooldown habit.
- Pair Polarize with movement and energy economy so you’re not stranded after a big spend.
- On Steel Path, confirm whether Polarize still carries without strip, Viral, or a squad buff.
- If you never press 3, it’s the first Helminth candidate on Mag.
Ability dossier · Polarize
Synergies
- PolarizePull
Use Polarize to set up Pull, or follow Pull with Polarize while enemies are vulnerable.
- PolarizeMagnetize
Use Polarize to set up Magnetize, or follow Magnetize with Polarize while enemies are vulnerable.
- PolarizeCrush
Use Polarize to set up Crush, or follow Crush with Polarize while enemies are vulnerable.
Mod Scaling
Strength
- Improves Polarize’s damage or effect potency where Strength is listed on the ability.
Duration
- Duration is low priority on Polarize unless an augment or lingering effect needs it.
Range
- Increases Polarize’s reach, radius, or targeting distance.
Efficiency
- Polarize 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 Polarize still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled. |
| Mobile Defense / Excavation | Use Polarize to control or delete the swarm on the objective, then reposition. |
| Exterminate / Capture Speed Runs | Cast Polarize only when it saves time — skip it on empty tiles. |
| Spy / Rescue / Quiet Routes | If Polarize 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 — Polarize is tuned for Mag’s loop — don’t judge it as a standalone subsume without the rest of the kit.
Pull
Magnetize
Crush