Available for silver early in the campaign, Lightning Staff carries new players and speedrunners alike. Stack size and cooldown tomes and the weapon will clear the screen before enemies reach you.
- Infinite chaining ensures no damage falloff across waves.
- Size upgrades cause lightning waves to blanket the arena.
- Smart targeting focuses dense clusters or high-health targets automatically.
Unlock Purchase with silver Farm a few early runs to afford it
Core scaling Size > Cooldown > Damage
Input load Low Let the lightning aim while you dodge
Best pilots Fox, CL4NK, Megachad
Lightning Staff Rank Bonuses
| Rank | Chain Count | Wave Radius | Extra Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-10 | Unlimited | Base 4 tiles | 100% damage per jump |
| 11-20 | +1 chain | +35% radius | Waves slow enemies by 15% |
| 21-30 | +2 chains | +55% radius | Persistent lightning waves remain on the ground |
| 31-40 | +3 chains | +75% radius | Electric field inflicts damage over time |
- Size Tome multiplies both chain reach and wave radius, making it the strongest investment.
- Cooldown Tome lets you cast more often and stack multiple persistent waves.
Core mechanic breakdown
Infinite jumps
As long as enemies exist, the lightning keeps hopping. Even scattered foes get caught eventually.
Wave stacking
Later ranks leave lingering electric zones, turning the ground into a hazard map.
Auto targeting
Smart targeting locks onto dense clusters or armored threats, allowing you to concentrate on positioning.
Mod priority and alternatives
Must-have mods
- Size Tome to blow up radius quickly.
- Cooldown Tome to reduce cast downtime.
- Damage Tome once coverage is satisfying.
Flexible picks
- Quantity Tome for extra bolts when the battlefield is packed.
- Agility Tome to kite faster while lightning does its work.
Situational tech
- Luck Tome if you want better chances at electric relics.
- Shield or sustain relics for high curse pushes.
Recommended build patterns
Storm Lord
Maximum size and cooldown create nonstop lightning storms.
Core mods
- Size Tome 10
- Cooldown Tome 8+
- Damage Tome 6+
Priority relics
- Lightning Amplifier
- Storm Generator
- Thunder Crown
- Electric Conductor
Gameplay notes
- Stay near mid-map so waves expand in every direction.
- Let lightning cull ranged threats; focus on dodging projectiles.
- Pick duplicate lightning rolls to stack lingering fields.
Speed Runner
Movement-driven approach that clears while you race objectives.
Core mods
- Agility Tome
- Cooldown Tome
- Size Tome
Priority relics
- Turbo Socks
- Mobility Enhancer
- Quick Charger
- Chain Extender
Gameplay notes
- Dash between objectives knowing lightning will trail off-screen enemies.
- Use movement bursts to reposition before elites fully spawn.
- Pair with Flamewalker for layered hazard coverage during speed runs.
Balanced Storm
Reliable, safe build for players who want consistent clears.
Core mods
- Size Tome
- Health Tome
- Cooldown Tome
Priority relics
- Coward's Cloak
- Emergency Shield
- Damage Multiplier
- Life Steal Amplifier
Gameplay notes
- Maintain distance and kite in widening circles.
- Use defensive relics to absorb stray hits while waves finish the job.
- Add a burst secondary if elites start to outpace chain damage.
Synergy quick reference
Partner Synergy Usage tips Fox Luck passive boosts chances for electric relics. Ideal for hybrid fire-lightning builds. CL4NK Crit boost works wonders once lightning fields start ticking frequently. Use for aggressive, crit-focused lightning setups. Megachad Aura plus lightning equals passive damage everywhere. Great for players who prefer low actions per minute. Dice Lightning covers early game while Dice ramps crit chance. Swap to more offensive secondaries once Dice peaks.
Weapon matchup comparisons
Aura
- Edge: Lightning Staff dominates the early game and hits distant targets instantly.
- Watch for: Aura maintains damage even when no enemies are on screen.
- Best when: You need a strong starter weapon that never really falls off.
Flamewalker
- Edge: Lightning stays lethal without constant motion.
- Watch for: Flamewalker controls movement zones better on open maps.
- Best when: You want reliable clears while focusing on dodging and objectives.
Dice
- Edge: Lightning is plug-and-play from minute one.
- Watch for: Dice surpasses it if the run goes long enough.
- Best when: You prefer immediate power over theoretical ceilings.
Playstyle rhythm and details
Early purchase
- Buy Lightning Staff as soon as you can afford it; it pays for itself quickly.
- Pair with XP Tome to scale faster than enemy waves.
Wave management
- Stay central so chain lightning has equal distance to travel on every side.
- Let lightning deal with stragglers while you reposition for elites.
Boss handling
- Keep a few adds alive to maintain chain links during boss fights.
- Layer lingering fields under bosses to ramp DOT damage.
Operational checklist
- Purchase Lightning Staff early with silver.
- Boost Size Tome to expand chain radius quickly.
- Grab Cooldown Tome ranks to reduce downtime.
- Collect electric relics for lingering fields and damage boosts.
- Keep minor enemies alive during bosses to maintain chain links.
FAQ quick answers
Why did my lightning stop chaining?
Chains need targets. If the screen is empty, casts pause. Leave a few minor enemies alive for continuous uptime.
Should I prioritize size or damage?
Size is king. More radius means more hits, which effectively beats raw damage until very late.
Does Lightning Staff fall off later?
Not with proper upgrades. Stack size, cooldown, and electric relics and it remains relevant through endgame.