Warframe, Digital Extremes’ cooperative free-to-play third-person shooter, has always pushed the boundaries of what it means to play in a sci-fi universe teeming with cybernetic ninjas. Within this vast expanse teeming with diverse Warframes, weapons, and missions, one entity stands strikingly out: Hydroid Prime. A formidable force of nature, Hydroid Prime commands the terrifying power of the sea, making any battlefield his aquatic domain. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive profound into the abyss to investigate Hydroid Prime’s capabilities, from his stats and procurement methods to the mods that best amplify his tidal might. So, whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the Origin System or a neophyte Tenno, prepare to make some waves.
Stats
Hydroid Prime, much like the surging tides he embodies, boasts stats that allow him to both withstand and dish out considerable punishment. His base armor sits at a decent 250, giving him moderate resilience against incoming damage. With an impressive shield capacity of 375 at max rank, Hydroid Prime can weather a fair amount of punishment before his health even begins to dwindle, which peaks at 300. Additionally, his energy capacity is substantial at 262 at max rank, ensuring that you have a sizeable reservoir to cast your devastating abilities.
However, it’s his sprint speed that sets him apart from some of the heavier Warframes. At 1.05, Hydroid Prime strikes a balance between agility and durability, making him equally adept at evading attacks as he is at taking them head-on. While he might not be the fastest Warframe in the arsenal, his mobility is more than sufficient to control the flow of battle—pun intended.
Possession
Securing Hydroid Prime for your collection involves investigating into the relic system—a method of obtaining Prime Warframes and weapons by unlocking Void Relics. Specifically, you’ll need to hunt for the relics that contain Hydroid Prime’s parts: the Chassis, Neuroptics, Systems, and his Blueprint. These relics are dispersed throughout various missions, making their possession a game of chance and persistence.
The specific relics you’ll need are prone to rotation, entering and leaving the drop pool as the game’s Prime Vault opens and closes. Therefore, keeping an eye on Warframe’s official announcements or the player-driven marketplaces online can be invaluable for tracking down the pieces needed for Hydroid Prime’s assembly.
Once you’ve gathered the necessary relics, crack them open in Void Fissure missions. These are special missions marked by their instability, caused by the invasive energy of the Void. Competing these missions with the relics in your inventory gives you a shot at procuring one of the prized components for Hydroid Prime.
With all four components in hand, all that remains is to pay a visit to your Foundry. Here, you’ll assemble Hydroid Prime, a process that demands both time and resources. Crafting times can be expedited with Platinum, Warframe’s in-game currency, but patience is a less costly virtue.
Power Mods
Every Warframe shines brightest when equipped with the right mods, and Hydroid Prime is no exception. The goal is to augment his powers, making them as cataclysmic as the tempests he commands. Here’s a rundown of essential mods to turn Hydroid Prime into a veritable tsunami:
- Streamline boosts Hydroid Prime’s efficiency, allowing you to cast more abilities with less energy consumption.
- Intensify and Blind Rage amplify power strength, which increases the damage and effectiveness of Hydroid’s abilities. Beware, though, as Blind Rage comes at the cost of efficiency.
- Flow (or its Primed variation, if available) enlarges Hydroid’s energy pool, ensuring that you have ample energy to unleash your arsenal.
- Stretch and Augur Reach extend the range of Hydroid’s abilities, making sure no foe escapes your watery grasp.
Additionally, Hydroid Prime greatly benefits from modding for duration with Continuity (and its Primed version) to keep his watery domain in play for as long as possible.
Polarity
Polarity slots are like the blueprint for your modding scheme. Hydroid Prime comes with a particular set of polarized slots that can influence the way you build him. Specifically, he starts with two Vazarin (D) polarity slots, suited for defensive mods, and one Madurai (V) slot, typically reserved for mods that elevate damage or power. He also comes with two utility mod slots with Naramon (-) polarity.
If these pre-assigned polarities don’t fit your ultimate build, you can always use a Forma to add, change, or remove a polarity, allowing for greater customization. It’s crucial, however, to have a solid build in mind before relying on Forma, as these resources are best used with intention.
Review
Hydroid Prime strides through the Origin System like a leviathan amidst the waves, his every move rippling through the ranks of enemies with devastating effect. His ability to control the battlefield with crowd control and area denial is unmatched in scenarios where holding the line is paramount. Whether summoning the destructive force of the ocean with Tentacle Swarm or transforming into an unstoppable wave with Undertow, Hydroid Prime makes a formidable addition to any Tenno’s arsenal.
That said, mastering Hydroid Prime involves a steep learning curve. His abilities require strategic foresight and situational awareness to utilize most effectively. Moreover, his dependency on mod synergy means that unlocking his full potential is a journey—one that demands both patience and investment.
In the ebb and flow of Warframe’s ever-evolving meta, Hydroid Prime stands as a testament to the game’s depth and the diversity of play styles it accommodates. Whether you’re plundering the depths of the Void or defending the Solar Rail, Hydroid Prime ensures that you do so with the commanding power of the ocean at your back.
This guide is your first step into the aquatic abyss, Tenno. May the tides be ever in your favor.