Theorylytics
Prisma Machete

Prisma Machete

Status Melee / Conditioner

The addition of Prisma Crystal allows this otherwise barbaric weapon to elegantly hack through any foe.

Role
Status Melee / Conditioner
Polarities
None
Exilus
Mastery
7
Disposition
1.45
Introduced
Hotfix 30.3.5 (2021-06-10)

Stats

Ordnance Telemetry

MeleeMelee

Damage

193.0

Crit

15.0%

Crit Mult

1.9x

Status

31.0%

Damage Composition

193.0 total

Impact
29.0
Puncture
135.1
Slash
29.0
Attack Speed
0.92
Range
2.5
Combo
5.0s
Follow Through
0.7
Disposition1.45
None
  • Mastery7
  • IntroducedHotfix 30.3.5 (2021-06-10)

Weapon dossier

Verified 2026-07-23

Playstyle

The addition of Prisma Crystal allows this otherwise barbaric weapon to elegantly hack through any foe. Built as a status melee / conditioner option for squad clear and mission pressure.

Signature

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

When to Pick

  • You want a Melee that fits a status melee / conditioner play pattern.
  • Your loadout needs what Prisma Machete 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 28.9 · Slash 135.1 · Puncture 28.9

    Crit 15% / 1.9× · Status 31% · Fire Rate 0.92

  • Slam Attack

    Impact 386

    AoE · Crit 19% / 1.9× · Status 10% · Fire Rate 0.92 · Falloff 0–8m (−50%)

  • Heavy Slam Attack

    Blast 579

    AoE · Crit 19% / 1.9× · Status 10% · Fire Rate 0.92 · Falloff 0–9m (−30%)

Attack Notes

  • Normal Attack: Impact 28.9, Slash 135.1, Puncture 28.9.
  • Slam Attack (AoE): Impact 386.0.
  • Heavy Slam Attack (AoE): Blast 579.0.

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 1.45.

    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 Prisma Machete still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled.
Exterminate / Capture Speed RunsStrongUse Prisma Machete 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 Prisma Machete, then reposition.
Open World / Long SightlinesSituationalLong sightlines favor hitscan/sniper/bow patterns over short falloff or melee.
Solo Boss / Single-TargetSituationalFine if Prisma Machete 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 Prisma Machete isn’t the right fit.

  • Machete

    Related variant in the same weapon line as Prisma Machete — Machete has lower damage (38%) and lower crit (33%). Compare polarities before Forma.

  • Machete Wraith

    Related variant in the same weapon line as Prisma Machete — Machete Wraith has higher damage (9%) and higher crit (27%). Compare polarities before Forma.

  • Ack & Brunt

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