Sonic Boom
Used by Banshee
Sonic Boom
Banshee emits a sonic shockwave that pushes targets in range with enough force to incapacitate or kill attackers.
Introduced in Update 7.0 (2013-03-18)
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
- Banshee emits a sonic shockwave that pushes targets in range with enough force to incapacitate or kill attackers.
Info
- Sonic Boom is Banshee’s ability 1.
- Banshee emits a sonic shockwave that pushes targets in range with enough force to incapacitate or kill attackers.
- Use it with the rest of the kit — especially Sonar, Silence — instead of casting it in isolation.
- Ability Strength, Duration, Range, and Efficiency each matter differently; check Mod Scaling below before dumping all four.
Augment
Sonic Fracture
Sonic Boom Augment: Enemy Armor is reduced by 70%.
BansheeSonic Boom Augment: Enemy Armor is reduced by 70%.
Max rank drain ~9; see rank table on the augment page.
Cast Changes
- Modifies Sonic Boom with: Sonic Boom Augment: Enemy Armor is reduced by 70%.
- 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 Banshee.
- Skip it if the base Sonic Boom already does what you need and you’d rather keep the slot for survivability or strength.
Tips & Tricks
- Read the battlefield first — cast Sonic Boom when it actually solves the room, not on cooldown habit.
- Pair Sonic Boom with movement and energy economy so you’re not stranded after a big spend.
- On Steel Path, confirm whether Sonic Boom still carries without strip, Viral, or a squad buff.
- If you never press 1, it’s the first Helminth candidate on Banshee.
Ability dossier · Sonic Boom
Synergies
- Sonic BoomSonar
Use Sonic Boom to set up Sonar, or follow Sonar with Sonic Boom while enemies are vulnerable.
- Sonic BoomSilence
Use Sonic Boom to set up Silence, or follow Silence with Sonic Boom while enemies are vulnerable.
- Sonic BoomSound Quake
Use Sonic Boom to set up Sound Quake, or follow Sound Quake with Sonic Boom while enemies are vulnerable.
Mod Scaling
Strength
- Strength matters if Sonic Boom scales effect power; otherwise dump it for other stats.
Duration
- Duration is low priority on Sonic Boom unless an augment or lingering effect needs it.
Range
- Increases Sonic Boom’s reach, radius, or targeting distance.
Efficiency
- Sonic Boom 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 Sonic Boom still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled. |
| Mobile Defense / Excavation | Use Sonic Boom to control or delete the swarm on the objective, then reposition. |
| Exterminate / Capture Speed Runs | Cast Sonic Boom only when it saves time — skip it on empty tiles. |
| Spy / Rescue / Quiet Routes | If Sonic Boom 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 — Sonic Boom is tuned for Banshee’s loop — don’t judge it as a standalone subsume without the rest of the kit.
Sonar
Silence
Sound Quake