Theorylytics
Orthos

Orthos

Melee / Generalist

The Tenno forged Orthos is a rare double bladed polearm. Those who take the time to master it speak of its impressive striking distance and ability to hit multiple targets.

Role
Melee / Generalist
Polarities
None
Exilus
Mastery
2
Disposition
1.0
Introduced
Update 8.1 (2013-06-07)

Stats

Ordnance Telemetry

MeleeMelee

Damage

185.0

Crit

6.0%

Crit Mult

1.5x

Status

18.0%

Damage Composition

185.0 total

Impact
27.8
Puncture
129.5
Slash
27.8
Attack Speed
0.92
Range
3.0
Combo
5.0s
Follow Through
0.6
Disposition1.0
None
  • Mastery2
  • IntroducedUpdate 8.1 (2013-06-07)
  • Market180 Platinum
  • Build Cost20,000 Credits
  • Build Time12h 0m
  • Rush35 Platinum

Weapon dossier

Verified 2026-07-23

Playstyle

The Tenno forged Orthos is a rare double bladed polearm. Built as a melee / generalist option for squad clear and mission pressure.

Signature

Orthos 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 Orthos 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 27.8 · Slash 129.5 · Puncture 27.8

    Crit 6% / 1.5× · Status 18% · Fire Rate 0.92

  • Slam Attack

    Blast 370

    AoE · Crit 6% / 1.5× · Status 10% · Fire Rate 0.92 · Falloff 0–7m (−50%)

  • Heavy Slam Attack

    Blast 555

    AoE · Crit 6% / 1.5× · Status 10% · Fire Rate 0.92 · Falloff 0–8m (−30%)

Attack Notes

  • Normal Attack: Impact 27.8, Slash 129.5, Puncture 27.8.
  • Slam Attack (AoE): Blast 370.0.
  • Heavy Slam Attack (AoE): Blast 555.0.

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 1.0.

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

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

Acquisition

Blueprint / parts commonly listed from sources like Duviri/Endless: Tier 6 (Normal). Full drop rows are in How to Get below.

How to Get

SourceDrop rate
  • Duviri/Endless: Tier 6 (Normal)1.03%

Crafting

Build
Credits
20,000
Time
12h 0m
Rush
35 Plat
Total resources
Credits
20,000
Time
12h
Rush
35 Plat

Alternatives

Other options if Orthos isn’t the right fit.

  • Orthos Prime

    Prime upgrade in the same line as Orthos — Orthos Prime has higher damage (26%) and higher crit (300%). Compare polarities before Forma.

  • Ack & Brunt

    Another Melee if you want more crit than Orthos (Ack & Brunt: 20.0%).

  • Amanata

    Another Melee if you want more crit than Orthos (Amanata: 24.0%).