Theorylytics

Transmutation Probe

Used by Lavos

Ability3
Energy25

Transmutation Probe

Launch a probe that converts Health and Energy Orbs into Universal Orbs that provide both, and ammo pickups into Universal Ammo Pickups. The probe shocks enemies in close proximity. Each electrocuted foe reduces other ability cooldowns by 1.5s. Hold to imbue the next ability cast with Electricity.

Introduced in Update 29.6 (2020-12-18)

Ability stats

Strength
  • See in-game / wiki ability card for rank values
Duration
  • See in-game / wiki ability card for rank values
Range
  • See in-game / wiki ability card for rank values
Misc
  • Launch a probe that converts Health and Energy Orbs into Universal Orbs that provide both, and ammo pickups into Universal Ammo Pickups.

Info

  • Transmutation Probe is Lavos’s ability 3.
  • Launch a probe that converts Health and Energy Orbs into Universal Orbs that provide both, and ammo pickups into Universal Ammo Pickups.
  • Use it with the rest of the kit — especially Ophidian Bite, Vial Rush — instead of casting it in isolation.
  • Ability Strength, Duration, Range, and Efficiency each matter differently; check Mod Scaling below before dumping all four.

Augment

9

Lingering Transmutation

Transmutation Probe Augment: Probe returns to cast position after reaching max range, and remains nearby for 15s. Recall Probe by recasti…

Lavos
Open augment →
Lingering Transmutation

Transmutation Probe Augment: Probe returns to cast position after reaching max range, and remains nearby for 15s. Recall Probe by recasting. Recast again to end.

Max rank drain ~9; see rank table on the augment page.

Open full augment page →

Cast Changes

  1. Modifies Transmutation Probe with: Transmutation Probe Augment: Probe returns to cast position after reaching max range, and remains nearby for 15s.
  2. Rank up the augment to unlock the full effect values.
  3. Costs a mod slot (and capacity) — only equip it when the change matters for your loop.

Worth the Slot?

  1. Worth it when the augment’s change is central to how you play Lavos.
  2. Skip it if the base Transmutation Probe already does what you need and you’d rather keep the slot for survivability or strength.

Tips & Tricks

  • Read the battlefield first — cast Transmutation Probe when it actually solves the room, not on cooldown habit.
  • Pair Transmutation Probe with movement and energy economy so you’re not stranded after a big spend.
  • On Steel Path, confirm whether Transmutation Probe still carries without strip, Viral, or a squad buff.
  • If you never press 3, it’s the first Helminth candidate on Lavos.

Ability dossier · Transmutation Probe

Verified 2026-07-22

Synergies

  • Transmutation ProbeOphidian Bite

    Use Transmutation Probe to set up Ophidian Bite, or follow Ophidian Bite with Transmutation Probe while enemies are vulnerable.

  • Transmutation ProbeVial Rush

    Use Transmutation Probe to set up Vial Rush, or follow Vial Rush with Transmutation Probe while enemies are vulnerable.

  • Transmutation ProbeCatalyze

    Use Transmutation Probe to set up Catalyze, or follow Catalyze with Transmutation Probe while enemies are vulnerable.

Mod Scaling

Strength

Strength matters if Transmutation Probe scales effect power; otherwise dump it for other stats.

Duration

Duration is low priority on Transmutation Probe unless an augment or lingering effect needs it.

Range

Range is usually dumpable on Transmutation Probe unless you feel the hitbox is too tight.

Efficiency

Transmutation Probe 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

MissionHow to Use It
Steel Path Survival / Defense / DisruptionTest whether Transmutation Probe still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled.
Mobile Defense / ExcavationUse Transmutation Probe to control or delete the swarm on the objective, then reposition.
Exterminate / Capture Speed RunsCast Transmutation Probe only when it saves time — skip it on empty tiles.
Spy / Rescue / Quiet RoutesIf Transmutation Probe 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 — Transmutation Probe is tuned for Lavos’s loop — don’t judge it as a standalone subsume without the rest of the kit.

Other Lavos abilities