As Warframe expands its arsenal, the choice of secondary weapons can change the tide of a raid. Whether you’re grinding for relics or tackling the Void, picking the right secondary can mean the difference between victory and frustration. In this guide we’ll walk through the current best secondary weapons, explain why they’re effective, and help you decide which fits your playstyle.
Why the Secondary Choice Matters in Warframe
Secondary weapons in Warframe act as a reliable backup. They fill gaps left by your primary when ammo is low or enemies are immune to certain damage types. A solid secondary also scales with mods, giving you flexibility in fast‑paced missions.
Choosing the right secondary isn’t just about raw damage. Consider rate of fire, accuracy, range, and mod synergy. A weapon that performs well in a quick “Harvest” run may struggle in a “Fatality” fight.
By the end of this article you’ll know the top picks, how to boost them with mods, and when to switch between stages of a mission.
Top 5 Warframe Best Secondary Weapons for Every Playstyle
Pistol Powerhouses: The Cestus and the Tigris
The Cestus excels in close‑quarters combat thanks to its high damage per shot and energy cost. It’s perfect for players who like to stay at the frontline.
The Tigris offers a higher rate of fire and weapon maintenance damage, making it ideal for grinding and long missions.
Sawing Through Armor: The Braton
The Braton is a shotgun that delivers massive damage at close range. It’s especially useful against high‑level armored enemies.
When paired with the Energy Siphon mod, it can sustain prolonged fights.
Long‑Range Precision: The Harrow and the Tigris
The Harrow offers an excellent balance between range and damage, making it a favorite for stealth players.
Combine it with the Harrow’s Glitch mod for increased critical chance.
Specialty Weapons: The Tigris, the Harkless, and the Osprey
Each of these secondary weapons has unique attributes: the Tigris is great for rapid-fire, the Harkless for command‑boosting, and the Osprey for quick multi‑shot attacks.
Pick the one that aligns with your mission goals.
Modding the Best Secondary Weapons for Maximum Effectiveness
Core Mod Sets for Each Weapon
Every secondary weapon thrives with a specific mod set. Below are the must‑haves for each top pick.
- Cestus: Energy Siphon, Weapon Efficiency, Precision, Focus
- Braton: Weapon Efficiency, Piercing, Damage Amplification, Energy Conversion
- Harrow: Weapon Efficiency, Critical Chance, Energy Conversion, Critical Hit Damage
Advanced Mod Combinations
For seasoned players, layering Weapon Efficiency and Energy Conversion can increase ammo life dramatically.
Adding Weapon Maintenance Damage boosts your secondary’s damage output without extra cost.
Balancing Energy and Ammo
Warframe’s energy system is vital. Use Energy Siphon to harvest energy from enemies, allowing you to keep firing without switching.
Pair this with Ammo Efficiency mods to stretch each round further.
Comparison Table: Warframe Best Secondary Weapons Feature Overview
| Weapon | Base Damage | Rate of Fire | Range | Best Mod Slot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cestus | 1400 | 1.2 | Short | Energy Siphon |
| Braton | 1900 | 0.8 | Close | Weapon Efficiency |
| Harrow | 1100 | 1.6 | Long | Critical Chance |
Expert Pro Tips for Dominating with Your Secondary
- Switch Wisely: Use your secondary when your primary’s ammo is low.
- Upgrade Early: Invest in weapon mods before unlocking the full mission.
- Use Energy Mods: A well‑modded secondary can keep firing in extended fights.
- Pair with Warframe Skills: Some skills synergize with secondary damage (e.g., Mirage’s Spectral Blades with pistols).
- Keep an Eye on Reload: Fast reload mods can be a game‑changer in PvP.
Frequently Asked Questions about warframe best secondary weapons
What is the best secondary weapon for PvP?
The Tigris is widely regarded as the top PvP secondary due to its high rate of fire and reliability under modding.
Can I use a primary weapon as a secondary?
Yes, you can assign a primary to your secondary slot, but it may alter weapon balance and mod slots.
How do I increase the range of my secondary?
Installing Weapon Range mods or upgrading the weapon’s base range will help.
What mods give me the most ammo for my secondary?
Mods like Weapon Efficiency and Ammo Efficiency increase ammo longevity.
Is it worth investing in a secondary for solo missions?
Yes, a strong secondary adds redundancy and can boost your overall damage output.
How does energy conversion affect my secondary’s performance?
Energy Conversion mods convert weapon energy into ammo, extending your firing time.
Which secondary is best for Void missions?
The Cestus excels in Void missions due to its high damage and energy efficiency.
Do secondary weapons have cooldowns?
No, secondary weapons do not have separate cooldowns; they share the same energy pool.
Can I use a secondary weapon in Multiplayer?
Yes, the secondary slot is available in both single‑player and multiplayer modes.
What is the difference between a secondary and a primary?
A secondary has a smaller magazine and lower damage but offers higher fire rate and can be used as backup.
Conclusion
Choosing the best secondary weapon in Warframe is crucial for mastering any mission. By understanding each weapon’s strengths, pairing them with the right mods, and following expert tips, you can maximize your damage output and survivability.
Ready to dominate the game? Head to the mod shop, upgrade your picks, and hit the next raid with confidence.
