Resonator
Used by Octavia
Resonator
Launches a rollerball that charms foes to follow it. Combines with the Mallet to create a roving ball of sonic destruction.
Introduced in Update 20.0 (2017-03-24)
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
- Launches a rollerball that charms foes to follow it.
Info
- Resonator is Octavia’s ability 2.
- Launches a rollerball that charms foes to follow it.
- Use it with the rest of the kit — especially Mallet, Metronome — instead of casting it in isolation.
- Ability Strength, Duration, Range, and Efficiency each matter differently; check Mod Scaling below before dumping all four.
Augment
Conductor
Resonator Augment: Reactivate the ability to command Resonator to move to your aim point at 150% Speed.
OctaviaResonator Augment: Reactivate the ability to command Resonator to move to your aim point at 150% Speed.
Max rank drain ~9; see rank table on the augment page.
Cast Changes
- Modifies Resonator with: Resonator Augment: Reactivate the ability to command Resonator to move to your aim point at 150% Speed.
- 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 Octavia.
- Skip it if the base Resonator already does what you need and you’d rather keep the slot for survivability or strength.
Tips & Tricks
- Read the battlefield first — cast Resonator when it actually solves the room, not on cooldown habit.
- Pair Resonator with movement and energy economy so you’re not stranded after a big spend.
- On Steel Path, confirm whether Resonator still carries without strip, Viral, or a squad buff.
- If you never press 2, it’s the first Helminth candidate on Octavia.
Ability dossier · Resonator
Synergies
- ResonatorMallet
Use Resonator to set up Mallet, or follow Mallet with Resonator while enemies are vulnerable.
- ResonatorMetronome
Use Resonator to set up Metronome, or follow Metronome with Resonator while enemies are vulnerable.
- ResonatorAmp
Use Resonator to set up Amp, or follow Amp with Resonator while enemies are vulnerable.
Mod Scaling
Strength
- Strength matters if Resonator scales effect power; otherwise dump it for other stats.
Duration
- Duration is low priority on Resonator unless an augment or lingering effect needs it.
Range
- Range is usually dumpable on Resonator unless you feel the hitbox is too tight.
Efficiency
- Resonator 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 Resonator still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled. |
| Mobile Defense / Excavation | Use Resonator to control or delete the swarm on the objective, then reposition. |
| Exterminate / Capture Speed Runs | Cast Resonator only when it saves time — skip it on empty tiles. |
| Spy / Rescue / Quiet Routes | If Resonator 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 — Resonator is tuned for Octavia’s loop — don’t judge it as a standalone subsume without the rest of the kit.
Mallet
Metronome
Amp