Spectral Scream
Used by Chroma
Spectral Scream
Exhale a deep breath of elemental destruction. Tap to cycle through elements, hold to cast. The chosen element applies to all of Chroma's abilities.
Introduced in Update 16.0 (2015-03-19)
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
- Exhale a deep breath of elemental destruction.
Info
- Spectral Scream is Chroma’s ability 1.
- Exhale a deep breath of elemental destruction.
- Use it with the rest of the kit — especially Elemental Ward, Vex Armor — instead of casting it in isolation.
- Ability Strength, Duration, Range, and Efficiency each matter differently; check Mod Scaling below before dumping all four.
Augment
Afterburn
Spectral Scream Augment: Upon deactivation, Chroma will launch an elemental projectile dealing 100 Damage for each second the ability was…
ChromaSpectral Scream Augment: Upon deactivation, Chroma will launch an elemental projectile dealing 100 Damage for each second the ability was active, to a maximum of 500 Damage.
Max rank drain ~9; see rank table on the augment page.
Cast Changes
- Modifies Spectral Scream with: Spectral Scream Augment: Upon deactivation, Chroma will launch an elemental projectile dealing 100 Damage for each second the ability was active, to a maximum of 500 Damage.
- 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 Chroma.
- Skip it if the base Spectral Scream already does what you need and you’d rather keep the slot for survivability or strength.
Tips & Tricks
- Read the battlefield first — cast Spectral Scream when it actually solves the room, not on cooldown habit.
- Pair Spectral Scream with movement and energy economy so you’re not stranded after a big spend.
- On Steel Path, confirm whether Spectral Scream still carries without strip, Viral, or a squad buff.
- If you never press 1, it’s the first Helminth candidate on Chroma.
Ability dossier · Spectral Scream
Synergies
- Spectral ScreamElemental Ward
Use Spectral Scream to set up Elemental Ward, or follow Elemental Ward with Spectral Scream while enemies are vulnerable.
- Spectral ScreamVex Armor
Use Spectral Scream to set up Vex Armor, or follow Vex Armor with Spectral Scream while enemies are vulnerable.
- Spectral ScreamEffigy
Use Spectral Scream to set up Effigy, or follow Effigy with Spectral Scream while enemies are vulnerable.
Mod Scaling
Strength
- Strength matters if Spectral Scream scales effect power; otherwise dump it for other stats.
Duration
- Duration is low priority on Spectral Scream unless an augment or lingering effect needs it.
Range
- Range is usually dumpable on Spectral Scream unless you feel the hitbox is too tight.
Efficiency
- Spectral Scream 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 Spectral Scream still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled. |
| Mobile Defense / Excavation | Use Spectral Scream to control or delete the swarm on the objective, then reposition. |
| Exterminate / Capture Speed Runs | Cast Spectral Scream only when it saves time — skip it on empty tiles. |
| Spy / Rescue / Quiet Routes | If Spectral Scream 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 — Spectral Scream is tuned for Chroma’s loop — don’t judge it as a standalone subsume without the rest of the kit.
Elemental Ward
Vex Armor
Effigy