As the first "Alter" Operator in Arknights, Lava the Purgatory is not just an enhanced version of her original self; she's a formidable 5-star Splash Caster who offers significant team utility and versatile gameplay. Whether you're leveraging her for widespread AoE damage or using her to amplify the effectiveness of other Casters, she proves to be a reliable asset in various team compositions.
What sets Lava the Purgatory apart from other damage dealers in this strategic game is her ability to support her teammates while dishing out powerful area Arts attacks. With two robust skills and a talent that accelerates SP generation for the entire Caster squad, she remains a valuable choice beyond specialized scenarios. Let's delve deeper into her capabilities and optimal build strategies.
Operator Overview
Lava the Purgatory is a 5-star Splash Caster specialized in dealing AoE Arts damage across a broad area. As with all Splash Casters, her attacks hit multiple tiles simultaneously, making her particularly effective against foes with low to medium RES. Her distinguishing features are her talent, which promotes synergy within the team, and her second skill, which introduces a novel playstyle.
Introduced as a welfare Operator during the Who is Real event, she can be permanently unlocked via Record Restoration. Unlike the original Lava, this version boasts superior stats, the ability to reach Elite 2, and more intricate gameplay mechanics. While she shares Trust with her initial form, her upgrades, potentials, and skills are entirely distinct.
Talents: Spell Formation and SP Support
In Arknights' combat scenarios, Lava the Purgatory's primary utility stems from her talent, Spell Formation. This talent not only grants her immediate SP upon deployment but also shares SP with other Casters on the field or when they join the battle. At Elite 2, she acquires 30 SP upon deployment and provides a +4 SP boost to all Casters each time she's deployed.
She synergizes effectively with frontline defenders and medics. Her skill, Ring of Hellfire, helps protect defenders by inflicting burn damage on nearby enemies, making her an excellent choice for teams focused on lane control or stall strategies.
Here are some synergy options to consider:
- Eyjafjalla or Ceobe: For enhanced SP and combined AoE damage
- Saria or Nearl: Healers capable of withstanding damage while Lava burns surrounding enemies
- Other Splash Casters: Goldenglow and Skyfire can benefit from quicker skill cycles
Lava the Purgatory is an exceptionally refined Alter Operator, merging AoE damage, utility, and team support into a cohesive package. She's accessible for early game content due to her dependable splash damage, yet offers profound tactical advantages through her SP-boosting talent and area control skill. Whether you're running a caster-heavy lineup or simply need an AoE burn field to protect your defenders, she contributes significantly to your strategy.
To fully harness her ranged capabilities and gain a clearer view of the battlefield, consider playing Arknights on PC with BlueStacks. This setup provides a wider screen, faster controls, and smoother performance, enabling you to position skills like Ring of Hellfire with precision.