After playing Synthetik 2 for 400+ hours since late 2021, I figure I'm qualified to at least share a few useful tips about using the often powerful items in the game. :)

With any S2 item, it's important to at least take a moment to figure out if an item will be better used Manually, when you specifically need it, or Automatic, which means it will be triggered by an "event" of some kind - it may just be "entering combat," or "taking damage" or just entering a new area, etc.

Almost always, the item description will explain how it will "trigger" if set to automatic. Items that are based on % chance to trigger, such as the Maverick missile launching item, are pretty much always best set to Automatic and just enjoy the item's occasional triggering.

S2's frustrating lack of any "inventory" for items you don't have slotted means that IF your four item activation slots are FULL, then you have to Drop one item (that you want to keep) to be able to pick up the item you don't want, recycle it, and THEN pick back up the item you dropped.

This required process is really annoying, and in co-op it can lead to confusion - other players don't KNOW you've dropped an item you wish to KEEP, unless you say something in chat, and may try to pick up your dropped item due to the misunderstanding.

If like me, you prefer to set most items to MANUAL activation, it's frustrating that any time you drop an item on the ground and then pick it back up, S2 always CHANGES the activation setting BACK to AUTOMATIC. So you can easily wander back into combat and forgot the item was changed to Automatic.

WORKAROUND: If you DO have ONE item always set to AUTOMATIC, then DROP that item when doing the "swap to recycle" process - this way, when you pick back up that item, then the AUTOMATIC setting will already be what you want. :)

Once nice thing about the UI is if you set two items to Manual, and two items to Automatic, then Manual items will always be in the lowest number slots (kb keys 1 and 2); and the Automatic-set items will always be in the highest number slots (kb keys 3 and 4). While you may still want to tweak those, it's a nice automated feature.

• Please, please do NOT set Destructor Grid to "Automatic" activation. This means it will trigger every time you enter a Floor, and it will often trigger on top of players adjacent to you, damaging them, and just generally being an annoyance. I had one co-op game where a bud got offed - our last standing player - by his own Destructor Grid. I really don't recommend the item for co-op in general.
  
  
• Be careful with mass AOE damage items that don't target enemies precisely. Items like Heavy Mortar Barrage and C3330 Heavenly Embrace rain destruction all over the map and can cause extensive friendly fire. If you use items like those in co-op play, you might at least mention in chat that you are using those.

NOTES: Fairly powerful ranged weapon, although you need to aim all 6 shots at a single target to get really substantive damage on a single enemy.

You can also direct the 6 shots at multiple targets, it just won't do all that much damage to that many targets.

HISTORICAL NOTE: This item was formerly named "Shoulder Mounted Cannon," and I've deleted the old entry that was under that name.

Manual or Automatic Activation? As with most summonable "pets," i recommend setting this to Manual Activation.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect Feb. 2024 U14-Electric build of the game.

This is a bit different than the separate Taser Drones item, as this fires a single homing Taser at a nearby enemy.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect Feb. 2024 U14 Electric build of the game.

I'm too much a wimp to use an item that curses myself. :)

NOTES: This buff and cooldown-resetter skill is surprisingly useful, and features a very fun guitar riff that plays while the ability is in use. :)

ITEM SYNERGIES: In my experience, Brawndo's faster item-cooldowns effect is FABULOUS in synergy with any items that summon something persistent.

So items like Guardian, Pat/W2 'Wheels,' Ghost Spawner, High Command, Taser Drones etc. will benefit greatly from using Brawndo alongside them.

https://youtu.be/TYOD4fTVjeY?si=WWdDmkM5r3U81PQc
NOTES: Rarely encountered, showstopper-powerful "vertical orbital laser beams" attack item periodically blasts the general vicinity with laser beams from the sky.

These beams don't specifically target anyone so to some extent it's random whether it will help you or hurt you, but it's heckuva lot of fun to watch in action.

In auto-activation mode, it appears to trigger whenever the 40-second cooldown is over, whether enemies are nearby or not, so keep an eye on the cooldown icon so you don't waste it.

Manual or Automatic Activation? As with most summonable "pets," i recommend setting this to Manual Activation.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect current U14 Electrify build of the game.

This powerful circular-slicing drone will quickly attack the nearest enemy and slice and dice it.

It's powerful enough to eliminate some of the strongest enemies in the game or at least cut a single target down to size.

I find it great also as a Panic Button for some of the pesky, fast-moving enemies that get in your face quickly, like the Dogs and Shotgun Rushers. I'd recommend setting Manual Activation so you can use this in an emergency.

POSSIBLE BUG: In u15 update, I noticed that the Slicer will kill your friendly Ghost Spawner troops, treating them as enemies. Keep that in mind if you're using Ghost Spawner alongside summoned friendly forces.

https://youtu.be/FcoFW7op7Bs
NOTES: CL-110 Shield Core (formerly Reactive Shield Burst) will be more useful if you like to wade into the thick of things and battle at close range. That way the burst fusion explosion radius can damage multiple enemies.

If you prefer to fight at long distances, this item will likely prove less useful except on the occasions when you get ambushed at short range.

This item has a nice synergy with Super Fusion Booster, adding a Flash effect on enemies. I'm not certain precisely what "flash" does.

This was formerly called "Reactive Shield Burst," which I think actually better described what it does.

GAMEPLAY TIPS: CL-110 Shield Core is tremendous at clearing a group of pesky summoned drones in boss battles. Just make sure you get into the middle of them and that the item is "charged up" (number in icon's corner) for the biggest blast. :)

NOTE: Nice curse damage and leveling buffs, but beware the two SERIOUS debuffs on this item. :)

JULY 2025 UPDATE: I'm told this is now "Blood Bane," so I'll try to update the screenshot next time I run into it.

NOTES: Accompanied by your character's amusing Kick Animation, this powerful single-shot projectile attack is pretty useful on tough single targets or any single enemy. Sometimes you can hit 2-3 enemies with one shot if they're clumped together tightly.

This is effective against all types of enemies, in my experience, whether heavy on shielding or armor. Great panic-attack against fast-closing enemies, like Pulsar Defender, Entry Shotgunner, K-9s.

With practice, it seemed especially useful against light MG emplacements, and softening up heavy turrets, and taking a good chunk out of elite enemies or really heavily shielded enemies.

Just don't expect it to help much with large groups of enemies. imho, Arctic Base and Armageddon Chambers put a premium on summoning items that can take the heat off you, so to speak, or more powerful attacks that devastate groups of enemies. But that said, this seems effective/useful through an entire run.

NOTES: This item periodically brings white moving attack beams down from the sky to attack and slow enemies. It's a little big sluggish in terms of its targeting, and only does modest damage, but the slowing/freezing debuffs can help a lot.

I usually set this one to automatic, and just live with it sometimes attacking enemies when you're not quite prepared for combat. :)

NOTES: Cryo Cannon is considered "lost & found," so its existence on a run depends on existence of a "mystery chest," which sports a purple label with a big "?" symbol on it, per screenshot snippet below.



This summonable turret is another item that's formerly part of an abandoned Riotguard variant. Slows and damages targets.

COMMUNITY NOTES: According to player Gem of Temporarity, Cryo Cannon's considered "lost & found" so its existence on a run depends on the existence of a "mystery chest."

https://youtu.be/BMy_LPgVo_s
NOTES: Destructor Grid would work great with an AOE slow-down ability that keeps the enemies inside the damage radius as long as possible.

I like to drop it on the near side of a narrow corridor or hallway, which helps ensures enemies take damage as they traverse the grid.

ENEMIES NOTE: In checking my gameplay videos, cloaked Assassin enemies are NOT damaged nor detected by Destructor Grid. They walk right through it unharmed. Something to rememeber. :)

WARNING: It's easy to walk into the grid by accident, although it seems in the U14 Electric build to no longer deploy right on top of you.

Also, in co-op please set Destructor Grid to MANUAL so that you're not just randomly auto-dropping Destructor Grid all over the place and damaging fellow players. :) I don't recommend auto-activation for this item.

NOTES: Glad to see the return of this ranged, tossed flying disc attack as an item.

It was formerly one of the skills options for a since-abandoned Riotguard variant that had a few ranged attack skills to choose from.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect more concise text in U15 Grand Operations update.

To heal your summoned dog, just get near it -- the cute squeeze toy noise means you're healing the dog. :)

A ticker # on the item icon's corner indicates the number of enemy kills you need before you can re-activate Dog Whistle.

Although i find the dog reasonably useful, it's not very durable, and you can find items with more powerful "pet summons."

NOTES: Electric Net is considered "lost & found," so its existence on a run depends on existence of a "mystery chest," which sports a purple label with a big "?" symbol on it, per screenshot snippet below. Note the additional other-items buff that weapon-firing summons (Guardian, Ghost Spawner, etc.) also gain Electric Net, which could prove useful.



I'd probably set this one to Manual so you can determine when an enemy is tough enough that immobilizing it briefly is helpful.

COMMUNITY NOTES: According to player Gem of Temporarity, Electric Net's considered "lost & found" so its existence on a run depends on the existence of a "mystery chest."

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect the more detailed item information panel in the U15 Grand Operations update.

Invaluable if you have lower capacity weapons that keep running out of ammo. If you don't have that problem, then this item won't be of much use, aside from maybe the passive fire rate buff.

DO note the part about all your equipped weapons getting emptied if you remove this item. Just don't do that while you're in combat. :)

NOTES: This item requires you to stand in its radius to get the Explosive Shots buff on your weapon's shots.

I'm not a big fan because most of the time in Synthetik 2 you need to Move, Move, Move. It's not often in combat that you can afford the luxury of standing still and firing for an extended period of time. :)

Given that limitation, this isn't one of my favorite items. It typically will be available early in a run.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect the U15 Grand Operations build of the game.

Now, 6% chance to fire off 4 heavy damage laser shots is not going to fire off very often, but when it does, it's quite a lot of damage. The 25% chance to not consume shots can be helpful with certain types of weapons.

However, it's hard to justify using this item when so many other items give you great damage on every use.

If you like to use laser/ion weapons and items, then the 50% bonuses to those are certainly something to consider.

NOTES: Flare Gun's accuracy buff radius is clearly delineated by a huge, bright circular radius on the ground, per screenshot below where the radius was briefly doubled:

Manual or Automatic Activation? I would set this to Manual so that you can precisely place mines in narrow corridors and entry ways, where they are most effective.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect more concise item description in U15 Grand Operations update.

Ghost Spawner can spawn Multiple friendly Ghost soldiers if you upgrade the ability, I think. Saw as many as 4 on a boss battle. :)

These Ghost troops are NOT armored and don't last very long in a firefight. If you need someone to "tank" for you, the Guardian item is a better bet, if available.

https://youtu.be/0G2R2NJsV7k?si=tRDtEAvSgjLSkuOb
NOTES: New (I think) in the U15 Grand Operations update, Grappling Hook sort of lets you make like Spider-Man / Bionic-Commando, grapping onto a distant target, then reeling your character to the target point, damaging targets along the way.

It's fun to use, and can often help you escape danger quickly, but can also get you into trouble quickly in chaotic firefights.

CLASS SUGGESTIONS: If you're playing a melee-focused class - such as Riotguard or Commando - Grappling Hook's a great way to CLOSE DISTANCE FASTER to get into the fray. Or in co-op if you see a fellow player struggling, you can Grapple Hook over them to help out.

If you're playing as a Ranged Class and/or class lacking a true "movement/evasion" mobility ability - see Machine Hunter and Heavy Gunner - Grappling Hook can be a lifesaver in terms of an Escape Valve, as well as a quick way to simply get some distance between you and fast-encroaching enemies.

You can also use it as a zippy way to zip BEHIND an enemy or enemies to flank them from behind. It's also a great way to zip over to cover if you're caught out in the wide open. :)

ENVIRONMENT TIP: Grappling Hook will NOT let you "jump" across chasms, between two separated platforms etc.

https://youtu.be/jMN5lfoi_Pc
NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect the Feb. 2024 U14 Electrify build of teh game.

This durable, shield-wielding, pistol-using friendly unit freely roams, looking for the next enemy, and does *not* follow you. Has a propensity for getting stuck sometimes on objects, walls or corners in the environment.

(February 2024 note) Guardian now generates a circular +50 Armor aura around him, which encourages you to stay in its vicinity for the armor bonus.

This unit is extremely helpful on most boss battles in terms of taking some heat off you, especially now that most bosses generate additional enemy troops that you must deal with.

You can have more than one Guardian deployed at a time, with each lasting until its green health points meter runs out. Also, you can, as with any item, upgrade this item's power so that it spawns 2, 4 or more Guardians at a time.

NOTES: Healing VIal item, which provides two uses, provides substantial healing immediately.

So it can be a lifesaver, though I'm generally included to use it quickly and then go find a more powerful offensive-attack item for its slot.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect Feb. 2024 U14-Electric build of the game.

imho, this item makes sense mostly for melee-focused classes, such as Riotguard and maybe Commando. With most other classes, you probably won't be wading into enemies or getting at point blank range, where a damaging aura would be most useful.

https://youtu.be/DUnRH0zOirw?si=BvELKdTvOCS08fvQ
NOTES: I rarely ever encounter this long-cooldown (default of 50 seconds), high massive damage area item that signifies where its shells will drop with large glowing, targeting crosshairs on the ground.

The cooldown period is so often, that in my experience, sometimes I just forgot that I even had the item at all because I was using it so rarely.

Although it's awesome in solo play, the targeting of ALL nearby enemies becomes problematic in co-op given that your fellow players can't read your mind. Even if you yell before you use it, they're not going to know how to avoid the barrage.

I think it would benefit from an accompanying voice line, maybe "Mortar incoming! Look out!" Something akin to the "BULLS*IT!" voice line that accompanies use of Riotguard's powerful Hot Shots item.

NOTES: This item summons a large, powerful, 'Heliolite" Laser Spider robot spider that rapidly fires laser blasts, to fight by your side.

The spider robot has a large health meter, and 50 armor, but certain types of weapons will melt that pretty quickly. It won't "tank" as well as the Guardian's unit does, and if you're lucky, you might have both items on a run. :)

This item has a lengthy cooldown time (60 seconds), and to some extent Guardian item makes for a better "tank" in terms of drawing attention because it moves faster alongside you.

HIgh Command seems EXTREMELY rare, and I have only encountered it at shops in the snow base levels.

https://youtu.be/cwXHB3UFGUc?si=tMGkfJZOIv6cyNzo
NOTES: This powerful item is ONLY granted by Riotguard's "Hot Shot" Class Evolution upgrade.I recommend setting Hot Shot item to "Manual" activation.

The item's description does NOT explain that when activate Hot Shot, your character becomes "fixed in place" (immobile) while firing the four powerful, flaming shots.

I love using this item especially for those pesky Radar Dishes calling in the dreaded Orbital Beam attacks on you and co-op buds. If you fire all four Hot Shots at the dish, that will destroy it.

Hot Shots is also great for wearing down beefy enemy turrets quickly, although it may not be enough to destroy a reinforced turret with one salvo. And it's honestly useful in any situation where you can get away with being immobile a couple seconds while firing it.

SYNERGY WITH OTHER ITEMS: If the RNG lets you luck into the lifesaving "Stasis Sphere," these two items have great synergy because you can fire Hot Shots in the open while Stasis Sphere keeps you upright.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect Feb. 2024 U-14 Electrify update.

Most useful for slow-reloading weapons and/or weapons with tiny magazines.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect U15 Grand Operations update of the game. Only change I noticed is that the description dropped the "Disabled when below 5% health" passive.

The constant health-drain made this item a non-starter for me, and I'm not sure doing some damage and lifesteal when you eject weapons is worth the trouble of your own draining health. Your mileage/preference may vary. :)

NOTES: Although this item is great for keeping summoned "pets" upright -- such as Guardian, K-9, Tazer Drones etc., note that in its un-upgraded form it does not heal YOUR character. However, you can use an upgrade console to upgrade the healing drone, and an option is sometimes to enable it to heal YOUR character as well.

Machine Hunter Class Note: Although this healing drone works to heal your little tank drone, it's important to note that this healing drone can NOT "revive" your Machine Hunter's tank drone.

So if your drone's at zero HP, the healing drone can technically restore its HP meter, but you'll still need to position your character on top of the Machine Hunter's tank drone to "revive" it.

L422 Weapon Jammer
NOTES: Although I tend to not hold onto this item for long, Riotguard players that like to wade in close for melee combat may like L422 Weapon Jammer affecting enemy weapons at close range.

NOTES: This massive-radius bomb attack is a carryover from one of the former chrono trooper classes.

Large digits count down a 4-second timer, so the key is to "lead" your targets into the bomb blast if they're moving, or this can be super effective against turrets and other stationary targets.

COMMUNITY NOTES: According to player Gem of Temporarity, Doomba Big - has a chance to drop Li-9 High Density Neutrino bomb. You won't find it in stores on a run.

NOTES: An oldie but goodie item brought over from the first Synthetik game.

With S2 having replaced S1's "basic dash" with a variety of different mobility abilities, different for each class, sometimes Lightning Boots damage is a bit trickier to inflict. That especially goes for mobility skills that move your characters backwards instead of forwards.

NOTES: This one-note item's appeal, in theory, is to give you a way to rapidly boost experience gain for a short period of time while battling teleporting Red Guard Head Hunters.

Not really my cup of tea. I've only ever encountered this once in almost 240 hours of playing S2.

If you insist on using this, I recommend looking up the song "Madness" by Muse, from their "The 2nd Law" album in 2012. That might get you in the Madness spirit. :-)

NOTES: Awesome force field bubble around your character that enables you to move around essentially invincible for about 4 seconds.

I recommend setting activation to MANUAL, so you can decide when you need this security blanket. Like maybe enable it before you briefly dash out into the open for some attacks. It's also great for going after those pesky Orbital Beam radar towers - you can dash to it and wail on in it for a couple seconds without worrying about the orbital beams blasting you.

I guess your mileage will vary as to whether you think 4 second's enough time to accomplish much, but when I finally tried it, was a repeated lifesaver. You just need to MAKE SURE you are out of harm's way when the item's effect wears off. :)

I replaced the information panel to reflect the current July 2025 build. The panel now has a bit more detail on its benefits in percentages.

NOTES: A true lifesaver in both solo and co-op play.

In solo play, you may prefer to set this as an "auto-activated" item, while in co-op you might prefer to set it to "manual activation," so you can aim at a fellow player and essentially "give" them a useful armor plating when they need it, which will be added to their HP meter.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect Feb. 2024 U14 Electrify build of the game.

NOTES: Useful rocket attack that I tend to prefer to set to automated triggering.

Becomes much more powerful/useful when you upgrade items to multicast or become X% more powerful via upgrade terminals.

https://youtu.be/A987H2fhfDM?si=os0YOL1tGSzon3Ww

NOTES: Just discovered this NEW item during a Chrono Interceptor run on March 30, 2024.

This fabulous item summons a half dozen powerful laser "ball" attack drones, something like a super turbocharged version of Eliminator class' lesser ball laser drones. It's great, a true keeper item, and one you'll want to invest "item upgrade" points in.

These drones follow you fairly closely, so if you want them to attack targets ahead of you, you may at time need to put yourself in harm's way for a couple of seconds, so that the drones move up and get a line-of-sight on enemies in front of you.

WARNING: In solo play, for some reason on the oil rig levels in particular, sometimes activating the drones absolutely RUINS my frame rate while the drones are in action. This was as of July 2025.

NOTES: Provides a lengthy boost to health regeneration and substantial reduction in damage taken.

Although labeled as a Class Utility Ability, Morphine does require use of an Item slot.

NOTES: I'm not a big fan of this item because the mortar strikes take so long to fall, they aren't much effective against fast-moving enemies, and are often likely to cause friendly fire.

The 7-shell Precision Strike mortar item is perhaps more useful.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect the Feb. 2024 U14 Electrify update.

Although this item's Lightning attacks are powerful, the orb itself doesn't seem to move very quickly, and I haven't been that impressed by this item.

In my experience, it's very rare to encounter this item. I've only seen it once in many hours of playing since S2 was updated with the U14 Electrify update.

NOTES: Whens set to manual activation, you can call in a single ion cannon blast from orbit, with a white circle/crosshair indicating where the blast will occur.

This is best used for either stationary targets like any sort of turret or slower-moving targets. If the beam misses a direct hit, it can still damage the target some and sometimes finish off damaged enemies.

So this is very useful, but won't hit multiple targets, if that's more what you're looking for.

BUG WARNING:
December 2023 - Forum posts indicate Order 322 is majorly bugged and causes a softlock. So you will NOT want to use this item for the time being, until it's fixed.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect the Feb. 2024 U-14 Electric build of the game.

This extremely rare item - I only encountered it once so far - allows you to mind control a nearby enemy, which will start attacking other enemies for a short period of time. Its HP meter will turn green while this item's effect is active, to alert you the "mind controlled" enemy is on your side for a while. :-)

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect the U15 Grand Operations update. Item was formerly called DMR Sentry Turret.

Atlhough useful, this turret doesn't deal well with point blank range enemies, especially the robodogs that will gallop up to the turret and chew on it. :)

However, like any summoning item, Overwatch Sentry turret is priceless in boss battles, including the final boss battle.

If you upgrade the turret item to deploy 2, 4 or more turrets, do note it's possible to sort of "trap" your character in between the turrets because of how closely "dual" turrets deploy to each other.

ACTIVATION NOTES: Definitely go with Manual activation so you can precisely control placement. I like to NOT place Overwatch Sentry out in the great open because it will wither under enemy attacks.

Consider placing it just inside an entry way on the left or right side with the wall providing some protection, especially if you think you're about to get overrun.

NOTES: The Wheel summoned unit appears to use a semi-automatic rifle. If you can't luck into a Guardian item, this is perhaps the 2nd best tanking type summons - though it's less heavily armored and won't last as long as a Guardian - and is useful throughout a run.

CLASS NOTE: Machine Hunters should note that the nice +30% Speed Bonus for summoned units also applies to Snappy the normally Sluggish Track Hunter unit - and Snappy then starts FLYING around floors as if on roller skates or caster wheels. This makes Snappy far more responsive in and out of combat. :-)

This summoned unit drops an L-shaped cover-shield when destroyed.

Although it's a neat gimmick, I had provided feedback that sometimes if these L-shaped shields drop in a narrow corridor, it ends up blocking or even "trapping in" the player, so use some caution when these are following your character in tight spaces.

AMUSING NOTE: I've found 'Wheels' loves to shoot at the Eliminator's sphere repeatedly, whether its yours or a co-op players, for better or worse. :)

NOTES: Commando class unlocks this by picking up a certain number of the green dogtags during play.

This item's NOT available to other classes, unless a Commando just drops the item on the ground for pickup by another player.

Although slowing enemies down and doing minor continuous damage sounds nice, it doesn't in my experience amount to much - I usually can find/buy much more powerful items by the time this is available. I don't tend to keep this item for long unless I just don't have anything else to use.

PLACEMENT TIP: As with any "trap" type item, look for narrow entries, platforms, corridors etc. where the enemies have to move through the Plasma Emitter to reach your Commando.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect Feb. 2024 U14 Electrify build of the game.

Timing it so the Power Array Blast at 100 stacks actually hits an enemy can be challenging during heavy combat. A lot of my blasts go into a wall or thin air. :)

You'll see a pulsing animation when the blast is about to unleash.

COMMUNITY NOTES: According to player Gem of Temporarity, Power Ration's existence on a run depends on existence of a "mystery chest."

So you won't find this in item stores on a run.

https://youtu.be/2EITq4TcGaI
NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect Feb. 2024 U14-Electric build of the game.

Extremely effective/useful against turrets and other fixed targets, and slower moving enemies. With faster enemies, you may need to manually drop the aiming beacon ahead of where the target is moving and "lead" them.

When activated, his item ability places a glowing yellow targeting beacon on the ground. This informs you roughly where the barrage of 3 mortar shells will fall, and also helps warn you to avoid the area to avoid taking friendly fire.

Then three white targeting crosshairs in succession will indicate where mortar shells will fall, attempting to hone in on the last enemy that you attacked. While this sounds great, like Mortar Barrage, this is a bit sluggish and may hit behind faster-moving enemies.

FEB 2024 NOTE: This item now seems to be available at vendor stores more often than in earlier builds.

I believe this item now calls in 7 mortar shells that drop on a target area over a period of a few seconds; instead of just 3 mortar shells dropping in at once.

NOTES: This item Returns damages to enemies that hit you.

Something to consider is that if your character has a high evasion rating, you may not be getting hit much, and so this item may not trigger that often.

JULY 2025 UPDATE: I'm told the current name is "R2 Pulsar Repeater," and I'll try to update the screenshot next time I run into the item with its current title.

Good damage over time, although the fireballs may arc over what you're trying to hit if you don't aim well.

NOTES: Return of an old favorite from the first Synthetik game, although I seem to remember it having a propensity for friendly fire issues. :)

USING DEFLECTION: This CAN be awesome against a turret but ONLY if objects/walls are near it - if they are, your Ripjack Hyper Blade attack may get into a "repetitive ricochet" between the turret and the object/wall, and do great damage. This is pretty hard to pull off, and sometimes the environment is too wide open to allow this opportunity.

JULY 2025 UPDATE: I got to try this for a while during a Commando run last night. Although it doesn't seem as powerful as I remember it, it also seems to not bounce the way it used to and thus is far less likely to cause any friendly fire incidents.

NOTES: A shovel sounds drab, but this auto-melee attack is a true lifesaver for any class, especially against the most aggressive close-range attackers, such as the robo dogs and the "shotgun rushers." Also great when you've simply run dry on ammo for every weapon. :)

Sapper Shovel melee attack triggers even if you just dash past an enemy, so consider doing that instead of going toe-to-toe with an enemy. This item's melee attack makes a very satisfying, metallic "Ding!" sound when making contact. :-)

CLASS SYNCHRONICITY: Sapper Shovel works especially well - set to automatic activation - in conjunction with classes that have powerful melee abilities, including RIotguard and Commando.

NOTES: Encountered this only once, in a "Purple ?"-marked special crate.

I find it a little too subtle for my tastes. i.e., it's a little too difficult to visually distinguished "cuffed" enemies in the midst of chaotic combat (they're marked with a small, circular blue aura). Hard to justify keeping this vs. more powerful/useful items.

https://youtu.be/m5lMWTqvZck
NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect Feb. 2024 U14 Update build of the game (does a little less damage than before).

This powerful auto-shotgun is great if you like to wade in and get up close and personal. It's also effective against pesky fast enemies like robodogs and shotgun rushers, even more so if upgraded.

If you prefer to remain at long distances from your enemies, it won't be as useful.

NOTES: Places your character inside a force field bubble like a Bubble Defender in the City of Heroes MMORPG. :)

The bubble shield doesn't make you invincible, and doesn't last that long.

I find the issue with this type of item or ability in co-op is players are always moving and rarely will stay in one place for a few seconds in combat, much less 8 seconds.

HOT TIP: Shock Current's lightning attack emits from your character's body, based on enemy proximity - so try to NOT be behind a wall or object when the icon shows it's ready to trigger - otherwise, the lightning just blasts into the wall or object and won't hit the enemy near you.

NOTES: Nice synergy bonus with Shock Lightning Shield, adding a 25% chance to stun to the shield ability.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect Feb. 2024 U14-Electric build of the game.

https://youtu.be/smu197SaW_c?si=IoYW0bIj4GwYksfx
NOTES: This item's lifesaver healing ability can save your bacon but only recharges after clearing an area. (SEE VIDEO ABOVE)

This item is ESPECIALLY useful solo because you can't revive yourself. Although it won't make you invincible, especially if getting hit by late-run powerful enemies when your HP meter is already low.

I confess I don't recall if "area" means an entire level/map or a general vicinity. UPDATE: Just tried this, and it seemed to recharge for use multiple times on a map/floor.

I typically don't encounter this item until late in a run, usually at an items shop in one of the snow base levels.

ACTIVATION NOTES: Recommend setting it to AUTOMATIC, it does a great job of triggering precisely when you need it, meaning when you're low on HP but not on zero. :)

NOTES: This is really only useful if you like to run through or face enemies at point blank range, as you need to "touch" an enemy to place the sticky bomb on it.

Probably most useful for Riotguard class, maybe Commando.

Of late, when I try this in Manual activation, the sticky bomb doesn't "stick" and doesn't appear to actually DO anything?

NOTES: Although I don't generally find this item compelling, tending to recycle it for credits at the first opportunity, you may find it useful if playing the Machine Hunter class, because it has no fast-mobility ability. Or if you're using a sluggish reloading weapon and want it to be faster for a few precious seconds.

Otherwise, S2 is full of much more powerful or protective items than this one.

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect Feb. 2024 U-14 Electric build of the game.
Stun Mines item is considered "lost & found," so its existence on a run depends on existence of a "mystery chest," which sports a purple label with a big "?" symbol on it, per screenshot snippet below.



Not to be confused with Fusion Mines item, Stun Mines drops a group of mines in what appears to be a random, small-radius pattern, I think about 3 at a time.

The current version adds a nice +25% damage bonus to enemies impacted by the stun mines.

COMMUNITY NOTES: According to player Gem of Temporarity, Stun Mines is considered "lost & found," so its existence depends on the existence of a "mystery chest." I think that's a chest that has a question mark symbol on it?

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect the June 2025 U15 Grand Operations update. They changed the item's damage stats a bit.

This rarely seen item's ability is extremely chaotic, living up to its name. :-)

Basically, your character tosses between 4 and 7 bouncy grenades that typically bounce 3 times and then explode in unison. Sometimes this can devastate your enemies; sometimes it will just bounce over and pass them and not accomplish much at all. :D

NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect Feb. 2024 U14 Electric build of the game.

Summons a pair of Taser Drones, and item upgrading can get you more.

These have surprisingly decent range and punch. As with any summonable "pets," these are invaluable in evening the odds and in taking some heat off you in boss battles.

Note the fairly long 22-second cooldown period and at least in boss battles, don't waste these. Have them ready for emergency use, if possible. :)

COMMUNITY NOTES: According to player Gem of Temporarity, Tear Gas Grenade is considered "lost & found," so its existence on a run depends on existence of a "mystery chest," which sports a purple label with a big "?" symbol on it, per screenshot snippet below.

https://youtu.be/wS2xhB-6lLg
NOTES: Screenshot updated to reflect Feb. 2024 U14 Electric build of the game.

NOTES: I've tried this a couple of times, but I'm not crazy about the "random" firing of the lightning attacks, and I think other lightning-based items in the game are more effective.

JULY 2025 NOTE: Apparently this item's name changed several updates ago.

I'm not sure I understand what "last shot" means in the description. If you set it to Manual activation, you can just use it when you need a higher-damage shot against a tough enemy, especially an armored one.

I've finally updated the screenshot to reflect the item's current name.

https://youtu.be/dF0PD-2Tx50
NOTES: Extremely powerful attack item with somewhat limited range.

Since the electrical current "drops down" from the sky, you can keep safe behind wall/environment cover while using it on enemies.

VIDEO NOTE: My video for this item is woefully out of date, and it doesn't reflect how cool it looks and how powerful it is as of the U15 update in June 2025. I'll try to get an updated video of this item in action next time I get the item on a run.

MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC?: I prefer to set this item to Manual-activation so I can activate it against tougher enemies, but it's certainly effective in Automatic-activation mode too.

NOTES: This passive item adds powerful radiation-damage buffs to your weapon at a severe debuff cost (-40%) in firing rate. The buffs are especially helpful if your favorite weapons are low on armor penetration.

So you'll probably find this a good match for semi-automatic and burst-fire weapons, maybe not so much on rapid-fire SMGs and machine guns.

I generally use this in manual activation mode so I can get some extra attack oomph specifically as needed.

NOTES: This powerful ranged-weapon item can destroy the toughest turrets and heavily-armored units in one salvo. It's actually super effective against pretty much any enemies.

The volley has an initial tight spread when fired, then spreads out much wider, the further it travels.

https://youtu.be/qLonGqnqetM?si=sb9DkRGyMqZG0l7I
NOTES: Sap mobility and deal shock lightning damage.

JULY 2025 UPDATE: Woah! This does incredible melee-range lightning damage so if you're playing Riotguard, or if you like to dash into groups with one of the other classes, you should check this out. Has a cool lightning/bug zapper animation on your character for the few seconds that it's active.

You can basically dash through several enemies at melee range doing heavy lightning damage and then dash away.

NOTES: Per its description, this powerful mobility item enables your character to teleport, using the class mobility skill. It also does substantial AOE damage on enemies at the point you're targeting.

However, equipping it comes at the cost of a large decrease in maximum HP, slightly offset by a buff to energy shielding. If I understand correctly, this item ability lasts about 8 seconds, so your maximum HP is reduced during that period, not perrmanently.

Screenshot updated in July 2025 to reflect the current build. The description no longer mentions "Stagger" as an impact on enemies.