Caliban isn’t new to Warframe, but since his introduction, he was widely considered one of the (if not the) worst characters in the game. That’s all changed now, thanks to a massive rework that’s turned Caliban into an extremely powerful, top-tier Warframe in his own right.
The Koumei & the Five Fates update has brought with it tons of changes, not just to Caliban, but companions have been reworked on top of introducing a new Warframe, Koumei. If you want one of the strongest builds to come out of this update, though, keep reading.
The top Caliban build in Warframe post-rework
Caliban’s kit can be confusing, but we’re targeting a simple playstyle packed with power. All you’ll have to do is call in your summons, and then you’re ready to start armor-stripping. Everything will quickly start dying around you, and you can dash into enemies whenever you need shields.
We’re focusing primarily on strength here alongside range and a little extra duration at the cost of efficiency, which won’t be much of a problem with Arcane Energize, Streamline, and Caliban’s Razor Gyre ability that can generate energy as you dash into enemies.
Arcanes: Energize and Molt Augmented
Aura: Growing Power
Exilus: Cunning Drift
Mods:
- Primed Flow
- Primed Continuity
- Primed Redirection
- Umbral Intensify
- Blind Rage
- Transient Fortitude
- Streamline
- Stretch
You can swap out Primed Continuity for Continuity, but you’ll struggle with energy economy without Primed Flow and end up rather squishy without Primed Redirection. Umbral Intensify can be swapped out with Intensify to save on mod capacity if you’re low on Forma.
Nourish is quickly becoming a popular subsume on Caliban, but his kit already synergizes well, so this build won’t rely on Helminth. Although, feel free to experiment. Either his first or second abilities are going to be the prime candidates for replacement if you do want to use a subsume.
Best Archon Shards for Caliban
Archon Shards aren’t strictly necessary here, but they do make a big difference. As always, Tauforged Shards are preferable. Stacking even more strength just makes Caliban’s summons more powerful, while casting speed massively improves the usability of his armor strip ability:
3 Crimson Archon Shards: + Ability Strength
2 Amber Archon Shards: + Casting Speed
How to play Caliban in Warframe
Caliban has three different summons, including his Summulysts that have their own summons, but this build primarily uses the ranged Ortholyst summon for both damage and inflicting Tau status effects. Tau is a new status effect that makes enemies more vulnerable to further status effects.
There’s no strict weapon requirement here, but you just need something capable of inflicting a bunch of status effects. Considering the Tau effect will make statuses easier to inflict, you can even build your weapons with less status chance and more statuses, since Tau will help you proc them.
To start, summon your Ortholysts, and resummon them as they expire. Then, use your Razor Gyre ability to dash into a group of enemies and max out your shields. Use your Sentient Wrath ground slam whenever you’re in a pinch and need a breather. Last, use your Fusion Strike to armor-strip enemies before you quickly annihilate them, especially if they have the Tau status.
Most of the time, you’ll be alternating between resummoning your minions and armor-stripping with the occasional dash to top up shields and ground slam to stun nearby enemies. Caliban’s a tanky frame, especially with his passive, and thanks to Primed Redirection, you’ll have tons of shields.
