Shock
Used by Volt
Shock
Launch a voltaic projectile that stuns and damages its target. A chain of electricity extends from the target to shock nearby enemies.
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
- Launch a voltaic projectile that stuns and damages its target.
Info
- Shock is Volt’s ability 1.
- Launch a voltaic projectile that stuns and damages its target.
- Use it with the rest of the kit — especially Speed, Electric Shield — instead of casting it in isolation.
- Ability Strength, Duration, Range, and Efficiency each matter differently; check Mod Scaling below before dumping all four.
Augment
Shock Trooper
Shock Augment: Hold to cast will grant all allies within 15m an additional 100% Electricity Damage to their attacks for 40s.
VoltShock Augment: Hold to cast will grant all allies within 15m an additional 100% Electricity Damage to their attacks for 40s.
Max rank drain ~9; see rank table on the augment page.
Cast Changes
- Modifies Shock with: Shock Augment: Hold to cast will grant all allies within 15m an additional 100% Electricity Damage to their attacks for 40s.
- 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 Volt.
- Skip it if the base Shock already does what you need and you’d rather keep the slot for survivability or strength.
Tips & Tricks
- Read the battlefield first — cast Shock when it actually solves the room, not on cooldown habit.
- Pair Shock with movement and energy economy so you’re not stranded after a big spend.
- On Steel Path, confirm whether Shock still carries without strip, Viral, or a squad buff.
- If you never press 1, it’s the first Helminth candidate on Volt.
Ability dossier · Shock
Synergies
- ShockSpeed
Use Shock to set up Speed, or follow Speed with Shock while enemies are vulnerable.
- ShockElectric Shield
Use Shock to set up Electric Shield, or follow Electric Shield with Shock while enemies are vulnerable.
- ShockDischarge
Use Shock to set up Discharge, or follow Discharge with Shock while enemies are vulnerable.
Mod Scaling
Strength
- Improves Shock’s damage or effect potency where Strength is listed on the ability.
Duration
- Duration is low priority on Shock unless an augment or lingering effect needs it.
Range
- Increases Shock’s reach, radius, or targeting distance.
Efficiency
- Shock 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 Shock still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled. |
| Mobile Defense / Excavation | Use Shock to control or delete the swarm on the objective, then reposition. |
| Exterminate / Capture Speed Runs | Cast Shock only when it saves time — skip it on empty tiles. |
| Spy / Rescue / Quiet Routes | If Shock 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 — Shock is tuned for Volt’s loop — don’t judge it as a standalone subsume without the rest of the kit.
Speed
Electric Shield
Discharge