Theorylytics
Kesheg

Kesheg

Melee / Generalist

Slice through mobs of unruly enemies with this fierce halberd; the signature weapon of the Kuva Guardians.

Role
Melee / Generalist
Polarities
MaduraiMadurai
Exilus
Mastery
7
Disposition
1.35
Introduced
Update 19.0 (2016-11-11)

Stats

Ordnance Telemetry

MeleeMelee

Damage

241.0

Crit

19.0%

Crit Mult

2.5x

Status

23.0%

Damage Composition

241.0 total

Impact
96.4
Puncture
120.5
Slash
24.1
Attack Speed
0.83
Range
2.9
Combo
5.0s
Follow Through
0.6
Disposition1.35
Madurai
  • Mastery7
  • IntroducedUpdate 19.0 (2016-11-11)
  • Market180 Platinum
  • Build Cost20,000 Credits
  • Build Time24h 0m
  • Rush35 Platinum

Weapon dossier

Verified 2026-07-23

Playstyle

Slice through mobs of unruly enemies with this fierce halberd; the signature weapon of the Kuva Guardians. Built as a melee / generalist option for squad clear and mission pressure.

Signature

Kesheg is not a signature weapon — any frame can use it without a signature passive.

When to Pick

  • You want a Melee that fits a melee / generalist play pattern.
  • Your loadout needs what Kesheg does well — check Mission Usefulness below before investing Forma.
  • You’re ready to Catalyze / Forma it if you plan to main it on Steel Path.

Attack Modes

  • Normal Attack

    Impact 96.4 · Slash 120.5 · Puncture 24.1

    Crit 19% / 2.5× · Status 23% · Fire Rate 0.83

  • Slam Attack

    Blast 482

    AoE · Crit 19% / 2.5× · Status 10% · Fire Rate 0.83 · Falloff 0–7m (−50%)

  • Heavy Slam Attack

    Blast 723

    AoE · Crit 19% / 2.5× · Status 10% · Fire Rate 0.83 · Falloff 0–8m (−30%)

Attack Notes

  • Normal Attack: Impact 96.4, Slash 120.5, Puncture 24.1.
  • Slam Attack (AoE): Blast 482.0.
  • Heavy Slam Attack (AoE): Blast 723.0.

Upgrades

Permanent investments on this weapon copy — separate from the Prime variant.

  • Orokin CatalystCapacity

    Doubles mod capacity so endgame builds fit.

    Usually the first permanent upgrade on a weapon you plan to main.

  • FormaPolarity

    Adds or changes polarities so matching mods cost half capacity.

    expect multiple Forma for a hungry config.

  • Stance / Exilus (as applicable)Slot

    Unlocks utility options (Exilus on guns; melee focuses on stance polarity + utility mods).

    Install when you need ammo, handling, or QoL without sacrificing damage slots.

  • Melee Arcane AdapterArcane

    Lets you install a weapon arcane for a strong passive bonus.

    Worth it once the base mod config is already solid.

  • Riven ModRiven

    Unique rolled mod. Disposition 1.35.

    Chase clean desirable stats; skip awkward negatives on low-disposition weapons.

Mod Scaling

Multishot

Melee doesn’t use multishot — invest in range, combo, and attack speed instead.

Critical

Blood Rush + crit damage is the classic crit melee route when base crit is workable.

Elemental

Viral/Heat or Corrosive/Heat dual-stats after your damage and conditioner mods.

Fire Rate

Attack speed (Berserker Fury / Primed Fury) keeps combo stacks rising.

Priority

Damage/CO → Blood Rush / Weeping Wounds → Crit Damage → Elemental → Range/Speed QoL.

Mission Usefulness

Mission / ContextRatingWhy
Steel Path Survival / Defense / DisruptionStrongTest whether Kesheg still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled.
Exterminate / Capture Speed RunsStrongUse Kesheg when its fire pattern matches fast tile clears — skip if it feels awkward on empty lanes.
Mobile Defense / ExcavationStrongHold objectives by deleting approach packs with Kesheg, then reposition.
Open World / Long SightlinesSituationalLong sightlines favor hitscan/sniper/bow patterns over short falloff or melee.
Solo Boss / Single-TargetSituationalFine if Kesheg has strong single-target multipliers; otherwise bring a dedicated boss weapon.

Acquisition

Check the How to Get table for blueprint / part drop sources.

Crafting

Build
Credits
20,000
Time
24h 0m
Rush
35 Plat
Alloy Plate×8,000Blueprint×1Detonite Injector×5Ferrite×6,000Kuva×1,400
Total resources
Alloy Plate×8,000Blueprint×1Detonite Injector×5Ferrite×6,000Kuva×1,400
Credits
20,000
Time
1d
Rush
35 Plat

Alternatives

Other options if Kesheg isn’t the right fit.

  • Ack & Brunt

    Another Melee if you want less status than Kesheg (Ack & Brunt: 10.0%).

  • Amanata

    Another Melee option if Kesheg’s handling or acquisition doesn’t fit your farm.