The recent Warframe update 44.1.3 introduces significant changes, particularly affecting the Sobek shotgun and its Acid Shells ability. This update is not just about the Riven Disposition adjustments; it brings with it a notable nerf that alters gameplay strategies for many players. Acid Shells no longer serves as a reliable area-clearing option, so let’s explore what this means for you.
Having relied on the classic Saryn-Sobek synergy, I’ve seen first-hand how this nerf changes the game. The nerf is substantial; Acid Shells won’t play the same way it used to. This update may leave you rethinking your approach.
Before diving deeper, ensure you’re up to speed with your build and be ready to adapt. If you used Acid Shells previously, you might want to check alternative weapons or strategies to complement your playstyle.
For many players, particularly those like myself who have consistently used the Saryn-Sobek combination, the nerf is significant and undeniable.
What changed with Sobek and Acid Shells in Warframe hotfix 44.1.3?
The key alteration is that Acid Shells will no longer trigger additional explosions from enemies that die as a result of its initial blast. You can still secure kills that activate Acid Shells’ functionality, but the chain reactions that previously occurred are now absent.
This adjustments severely limits its effectiveness as a crowd-clearer. Furthermore, the ability’s range has also been considerably reduced from 15 meters to just 10 meters.
While buffs to elemental ammunition continue to enhance the explosion damage, the overall DPS remains reasonable; however, you’ll notice a change in your performance.
If you’re still utilizing a high-investment Electric Resupply build on Cyte-09, the raw damage potential is still decent enough for taking out targets like Acolytes.
Be prepared for less effective crowd control. With the current limitations, you’ll only be securing kills within the first ten meters of the explosion, taking down single enemy groups in turn. Notably, additional Electricity procs will no longer trigger extra explosions.
Why was Acid Shells nerfed?
Previously, Acid Shells had a looping mechanism, allowing explosions to cascade into further explosions. In high-density environments, the resulting damage could become overwhelmingly large, effectively clearing entire rooms in the Steel Path.
Additionally, players could exacerbate the damage by using lingering effects, such as Gas or Electricity, which amplified the situation. The implementation of the Riven Splicing mechanic allowed for enhancements in Status Damage and Duration, leading to extensive damage continuations from even one kill.
This background explains why, despite many years of utilizing the Sobek-Saryn combo, the time for a nerf has arrived with this patch.
Other similar mods, including less common ones like Amalgam Furax Body Count, have also received the same treatment.
Moreover, this patch has standardized all Riven stats to align with a 1.2 Disposition from the previous patch. This paves the way for older AoE-focused weapons, such as the Kuva Zarr, to potentially overshadow the Sobek.
Explore more about Warframe with these valuable insights:
- All Warframes tier list
- Warframe Incarnon weapons tier list
- Warframe Kuva weapons tier list
- Warframe Coda weapons tier list
- All Warframes tier list
- Warframe Incarnon weapons tier list
- Warframe Kuva weapons tier list
- Warframe Coda weapons tier list