Firestaff is available from the moment you boot Megabonk. It teaches projectile fundamentals—keep distance, aim ahead, and let explosions catch stragglers. By the 15-minute mark you should be searching for stronger weapons, but the staff is perfect for learning and early progression.
- Explosion radius forgives small aiming errors, ideal for new players.
- Scales well with projectile count, letting you fling mini artillery barrages.
- Pairs with burn items to layer damage-over-time on top of splash hits.
Unlock Default Fox starts with Firestaff equipped.
Core scaling Projectile → Damage → Size
Longevity Falls off late Plan to replace around minute 15.
Best pilots Fox, Fire specialists, beginners
Firestaff Rank Milestones
| Rank | Projectiles | Explosion Radius | Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-5 | 1 orb | Small | Base burn chance |
| 6-10 | 2 orbs | Medium | +8% damage per rank |
| 11-15 | 3 orbs | Large | Adds lingering burn field |
| 16+ | 4 orbs | Very large | Projectiles split after impact |
- Projectile count is the highest priority—every extra orb multiplies splash damage.
- Size upgrades ensure each explosion covers more of the incoming wave.
Core mechanic breakdown
Explosion overlap
Throw fireballs so their blast zones overlap, compounding splash damage.
Burn stacking
Combine with burn relics to apply damage-over-time on every explosion.
Transition planning
Know when to replace the staff—its purpose is to carry the opening minutes.
Mod priority and alternatives
Must-have mods
- Projectile Tome rank 9 to rain multiple fireballs.
- Damage Tome rank 8 to keep explosions lethal through midgame.
- Size Tome rank 7 so splash radius catches whole packs.
Flexible picks
- Attack Speed Tome if you prefer a rapid barrage.
- Luck Tome on Fox to chase Dragonfire or Spicy Meatball drops.
Situational tech
- Health or Armor Tomes for new players who need extra safety.
- Cooldown Tome only if you run dual projectile weapons.
Recommended build patterns
Explosive Barrage
Classic early-game build focused on projectile spam.
Core mods
- Projectile Tome 9
- Damage Tome 8
- Size Tome 7
Priority relics
- Dragonfire
- Spicy Meatball
- Attack Battery
- Anvil
Gameplay notes
- Prioritise projectile upgrades at every level-up prompt.
- Use explosion overlap to clear dense waves in front of you.
- Replace the staff once stronger weapons appear at shrines.
Burn DoT Specialist
Focuses on stacking burn damage for elongated fights.
Core mods
- Damage Tome 9
- Size Tome 8
- Projectile Tome 7
Priority relics
- Spicy Meatball
- Dragonfire
- Cinder Charm
- Flame Sigil
Gameplay notes
- Aim to ignite as many enemies as possible, even if kills are slower.
- Keep at least two burn relics so DoT stays relevant into midgame.
- Pair with Flamewalker for trail stacking.
Transition Runner
Use Firestaff as a stepping stone before swapping to S-tier weapons.
Core mods
- Health Tome 6
- Luck Tome 6
- Projectile Tome 7
Priority relics
- Magnet Charm
- Experienced Scroll
- Dragonfire (if found)
- Emergency Shield
Gameplay notes
- Stay alive, farm XP, and hunt shrines for Lightning Staff or Sniper Rifle.
- Grab Luck upgrades to improve odds of seeing better drops.
- Swap weapons immediately when an S-tier option becomes available.
Synergy quick reference
Partner Synergy Usage tips Fox Luck passive finds burn relics quickly. Default pairing—lean into early crit or burn droprates. Flamewalker Trail damage plus fireballs equals constant burn uptime. Good for theme runs or elemental achievements. Aura Aura handles crowd control while Firestaff reaches distant targets. Use when you want a more defensive setup without giving up range. Lightning Staff Chain lightning clears what survives initial explosions. Transition target—Lightning Staff eventually replaces Firestaff entirely.
Weapon matchup comparisons
Lightning Staff
- Edge: Firestaff is available immediately and easier for beginners.
- Watch for: Lightning Staff vastly outclasses it past 15 minutes.
- Best when: You are learning the game or need a quick start weapon.
Bow
- Edge: Firestaff’s splash forgives poor aim.
- Watch for: Bow offers higher ceiling with precision once mastered.
- Best when: You prefer area damage over single-target accuracy.
Flamewalker
- Edge: Firestaff can stay stationary and still throw projectiles.
- Watch for: Flamewalker scales better with movement-based play once unlocked.
- Best when: You have not unlocked Flamewalker or want ranged fire damage.
Playstyle rhythm and details
Aim ahead
- Predict enemy movement so explosions land at their feet.
- Keep distance—splash damage protects you when you aim long.
Layer burns
- Stack burn relics so residual damage finishes survivors.
- Refresh burn stacks before they expire by firing into the same pack.
Swap intelligently
- Do not hesitate to replace the staff when S-tier options appear.
- Use it as a safe opener, not your endgame plan.
Operational checklist
- Start with Fox and equip Firestaff for early progression.
- Push Projectile Tome to rank 9 for triple fireballs.
- Secure Dragonfire or Spicy Meatball before minute 12.
- Scout shrines from minute 10 onward for S-tier replacements.
- Retire the staff once your new weapon is online.
FAQ quick answers
Why does Firestaff fall off so hard?
Its damage scaling is limited. It is designed as an early-game tool—transition once late-game enemies arrive.
Which upgrades should I prioritise if I want to keep it longer?
Projectile count, then damage, then size. Without multiple fireballs the weapon cannot keep up.
Is Firestaff viable on characters other than Fox?
Yes, but Fox’s luck accelerates the burn items you need. Others can use it while hunting their signature weapons.