Theorylytics
Skana Prime

Skana Prime

Crit Melee / Combo Scaler

A basic blade known as a Skana. It is widely used by the Tenno. Prime model offers slightly increased damage.

Role
Crit Melee / Combo Scaler
Polarities
MaduraiMaduraiNaramonNaramon
Exilus
Mastery
12
Disposition
1.2
Introduced
Update 5.0 (2012-12-18)

Stats

Ordnance Telemetry

MeleeMelee

Damage

210.0

Crit

26.0%

Crit Mult

2.6x

Status

26.0%

Damage Composition

210.0 total

Impact
31.5
Puncture
147.0
Slash
31.5
Attack Speed
1.0
Range
2.5
Combo
5.0s
Follow Through
0.6
Disposition1.2
MaduraiNaramon
  • Mastery12
  • IntroducedUpdate 5.0 (2012-12-18)

Weapon dossier

Verified 2026-07-23

Playstyle

A basic blade known as a Skana. Built as a crit melee / combo scaler option for squad clear and mission pressure.

Signature

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

When to Pick

  • You want a Melee that fits a crit melee / combo scaler play pattern.
  • Your loadout needs what Skana Prime 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 31.5 · Slash 147 · Puncture 31.5

    Crit 26% / 2.6× · Status 26% · Fire Rate 1

  • Slam Attack

    Impact 420

    AoE · Crit 26% / 2.6× · Status 10% · Fire Rate 1 · Falloff 0–7m (−50%)

  • Heavy Slam Attack

    Blast 630

    AoE · Crit 26% / 2.6× · Status 10% · Fire Rate 1 · Falloff 0–8m (−30%)

Attack Notes

  • Normal Attack: Impact 31.5, Slash 147.0, Puncture 31.5.
  • Slam Attack (AoE): Impact 420.0.
  • Heavy Slam Attack (AoE): Blast 630.0.

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.

    Prime polarities help, but 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 1.2.

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

  • SkanaVariant

    The standard version of this weapon — easier to farm, softer stats.

    Use when you don’t want to chase Prime relics yet.

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

  • Prisma Skana

    Related variant in the same weapon line as Skana Prime — Prisma Skana has lower damage (19%) and lower status (38%). Compare polarities before Forma.

  • Skana

    Related variant in the same weapon line as Skana Prime — Skana has lower damage (43%) and lower crit (81%). Compare polarities before Forma.

  • Ack & Brunt

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