The Plasma Launcher is one of the strongest AoE weapons in Abyssus. It takes some finagling and urgency to get, but it’s worth it. With its explosives-firepower, the Launcher is used best for clearing crowds and exploding bosses with multiple weak points.
This guide explains how to unlock the Plasma Launcher and how to use it to its potential once you unlock it.
How to Unlock the Plasma Launcher
To activate the Plasma Launcher, you’ll need to complete the “Blazing Weapon” challenge first. After that, go to Act 4, Stage 1. When spawning in, do not drop into the level right away—turn around. You’ll notice a secret gap behind you. Move across it by performing a jump, dash, and jump.
There’s a catch: you’ll have to get to this level with less than 35 minutes of cumulative run time. If you do, the secret weapons room opens. In the room, the Plasma Launcher is seated on a pedestal, waiting for you.
How the Plasma Launcher Works
The Plasma Launcher fires charged rounds which detonate upon impact. Each detonation deals area-of-effect damage, so it’s excellent at clearing groups of enemies or Elites with many hit points. The bad news is that ammo is in short supply and takes a long time to recharge, so you need to exercise restraint at how often you fire.
Compared to accuracy-based guns like the Combat Bow or Brine Revolver, the Plasma Launcher is more about overwhelming the target than being precise. It’s your answer to chaotic combat where breadth of damage and velocity are more desirable than accurate firing.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Launcher is a master at speed-run fights against waves of enemies. Multi-armed bosses, waves of weak regulars, and Elite combat with many vulnerable areas are its stronghold. Combined with Charms that enhance explosive damage or firing speeds, it can rid rooms of enemies in seconds.
Conversely, its shortcomings are easy to spot. Its small ammo pool won’t see you through lengthy, drawn-out fights. Single-target enemies that demand precision are a poor match for it as well. In these instances, another weapon like Combat Bow or Tesla Gun would be a more suitable choice.
Best Aspects
Although Aspect availability is random from run to run, some types are a good fit for the Plasma Launcher.
- Burning Aspects give burn damage effects on your explosive damage, which synergizes well with plasma blasts.
- Shadow Aspects help you mark enemies for increased AoE damage, and groups perish earlier due to it.
- Barrier Aspects give defensive benefits, adding protection when you’re pinned at close range.
Best Charms
Charms can also enable and disable your Plasma Launcher build.
- Bombardier, which increases the radius of your explosion
- Rapid Charge, which enables you to fire faster for huge burst windows
Together, these Charms take the weapon’s capabilities even further, making it a crowd-controlling annihilating force.
