Theorylytics
Pangolin Sword

Pangolin Sword

Melee / Generalist

A unique blade used by an old Tenno clan.

Role
Melee / Generalist
Polarities
MaduraiMadurai
Exilus
Mastery
3
Disposition
1.47
Introduced
Update 5.0 (2012-12-18)

Stats

Ordnance Telemetry

MeleeMelee

Damage

150.0

Crit

8.0%

Crit Mult

1.5x

Status

22.0%

Damage Composition

150.0 total

Impact
7.5
Puncture
120.0
Slash
22.5
Attack Speed
0.92
Range
2.5
Combo
5.0s
Follow Through
0.6
Disposition1.47
Madurai
  • Mastery3
  • IntroducedUpdate 5.0 (2012-12-18)
  • Build Cost20,000 Credits
  • Build Time12h 0m
  • Rush25 Platinum

Weapon dossier

Verified 2026-07-23

Playstyle

an unique blade used by an old Tenno clan. Built as a melee / generalist option for squad clear and mission pressure.

Signature

Pangolin Sword 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 Pangolin Sword 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 7.5 · Slash 120 · Puncture 22.5

    Crit 8% / 1.5× · Status 22% · Fire Rate 0.92

  • Slam Attack

    Puncture 300

    AoE · Crit 8% / 1.5× · Status 10% · Fire Rate 0.92 · Falloff 0–7m (−50%)

  • Heavy Slam Attack

    Blast 450

    AoE · Crit 8% / 1.5× · Status 10% · Fire Rate 0.92 · Falloff 0–7m (−30%)

Attack Notes

  • Normal Attack: Impact 7.5, Slash 120.0, Puncture 22.5.
  • Slam Attack (AoE): Puncture 300.0.
  • Heavy Slam Attack (AoE): Blast 450.0.

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 1.47.

    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 Pangolin Sword still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled.
Exterminate / Capture Speed RunsStrongUse Pangolin Sword 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 Pangolin Sword, then reposition.
Open World / Long SightlinesSituationalLong sightlines favor hitscan/sniper/bow patterns over short falloff or melee.
Solo Boss / Single-TargetSituationalFine if Pangolin Sword 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
12h 0m
Rush
25 Plat
Total resources
Credits
20,000
Time
12h
Rush
25 Plat

Alternatives

Other options if Pangolin Sword isn’t the right fit.

  • Ack & Brunt

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

  • Amanata

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