Theorylytics
Mk1-Bo

Mk1-Bo

Melee / Generalist

The MK1-Bo is the standard issue staff weapon for all Tenno.

Role
Melee / Generalist
Polarities
VazarinVazarin
Exilus
Mastery
0
Disposition
1.4
Introduced
Update 14.0 (2014-07-18)

Stats

Ordnance Telemetry

RifleMelee

Damage

90.0

Crit

10.0%

Crit Mult

2.0x

Status

10.0%

Damage Composition

90.0 total

Impact
81.0
Puncture
0.0
Slash
9.0
Attack Speed
1.0
Range
3.0
Combo
5.0s
Follow Through
0.5
Disposition1.4
Vazarin
  • Mastery0
  • IntroducedUpdate 14.0 (2014-07-18)

Weapon dossier

Verified 2026-07-23

Playstyle

The MK1-Bo is the standard issue staff weapon for all Tenno. Built as a melee / generalist option for squad clear and mission pressure.

Signature

Mk1-Bo is not a signature weapon — any frame can use it without a signature passive.

When to Pick

  • You want a Rifle that fits a melee / generalist play pattern.
  • Your loadout needs what Mk1-Bo 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 81 · Puncture 9

    Crit 10% / 2× · Status 10% · Fire Rate 1

  • Slam Attack

    Impact 180

    AoE · Crit 10% / 2× · Status 10% · Fire Rate 1 · Falloff 0–6m (−50%)

  • Heavy Slam Attack

    Blast 270

    AoE · Crit 10% / 2× · Status 10% · Fire Rate 1 · Falloff 0–7m (−30%)

Attack Notes

  • Normal Attack: Impact 81.0, Puncture 9.0.
  • Slam Attack (AoE): Impact 180.0.
  • Heavy Slam Attack (AoE): Blast 270.0.

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 1.4.

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

  • Bo PrimeVariant

    The primed version — stronger stats and usually better polarities.

    Upgrade path when relics/parts are available.

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 Mk1-Bo still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled.
Exterminate / Capture Speed RunsStrongUse Mk1-Bo 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 Mk1-Bo, then reposition.
Open World / Long SightlinesSituationalLong sightlines favor hitscan/sniper/bow patterns over short falloff or melee.
Solo Boss / Single-TargetSituationalFine if Mk1-Bo has strong single-target multipliers; otherwise bring a dedicated boss weapon.

Acquisition

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

Alternatives

Other options if Mk1-Bo isn’t the right fit.

  • Bo

    Related variant in the same weapon line as Mk1-Bo — Bo has higher damage (56%) and higher crit (25%). Compare polarities before Forma.

  • Bo Prime

    Prime upgrade in the same line as Mk1-Bo — Bo Prime has higher damage (96%) and higher crit (140%). Compare polarities before Forma.

  • Dual Viciss

    Another Rifle if you want more crit than Mk1-Bo (Dual Viciss: 23.0%).