Can Nexus Kill Visionaries in Deathloop? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, Nexus can absolutely kill Visionaries in Deathloop. This slab allows you to link enemies together, meaning that damage dealt to one linked enemy is simultaneously dealt to all others. This makes it incredibly effective for taking down groups of Eternalists, and, more importantly, Visionaries if they are linked to other enemies. However, there are nuances and strategies to consider to maximize its effectiveness, which we’ll explore in detail below.
Understanding Nexus Mechanics
The Nexus Slab, obtained from Harriet Morse, is a cornerstone of many Deathloop builds. Its core function is to create a connection between enemies. When activated, any enemy within a certain radius of Colt can be linked to others. Once linked, damaging one enemy damages all linked enemies. The upgraded version of Nexus extends the radius and the number of enemies that can be linked, and it also allows you to link enemies through walls.
Using Nexus Effectively Against Visionaries
While the concept is simple, using Nexus effectively against Visionaries requires strategic thinking. Visionaries are often heavily guarded, meaning you need to find ways to link them to their Eternalist protectors. Here are some key considerations:
- Proximity is Key: Visionaries need to be close enough to other enemies for the Nexus to link them. If a Visionary is isolated, Nexus won’t be effective.
- Upgrades Matter: Investing in Nexus upgrades, such as those that increase the range or the number of linkable enemies, is crucial. The “influence” upgrade, which lets you link enemies through walls, is especially helpful.
- Environmental Awareness: Use the environment to your advantage. Choke points, crowded rooms, and areas with high Eternalist density are ideal for maximizing Nexus’s potential.
- Strategic Positioning: Think carefully about where you activate Nexus. You want to ensure that the Visionary and as many surrounding Eternalists as possible are linked. Consider using Shift to get into a advantageous position before activating it.
- Damage Types: While any damage type will work on linked enemies, consider using weapons with good damage output or status effects that can spread through the links.
Scenarios Where Nexus Shines
Here are a few examples of how Nexus can be used to eliminate Visionaries:
- Harriet Morse (Karl’s Bay, Morning): This is where you first obtain the Nexus Slab. Harriet is typically surrounded by a group of Eternalists during her sermon. Linking Harriet and her followers makes for a quick and easy kill.
- Charlie Montague and Fia Zborowski (Fristad Rock, Afternoon): This pair is found in the Condition Detachment, a complex filled with puzzles and Eternalists. If Charlie and Fia are close together, Nexus can eliminate them both simultaneously. If they are separated, you need to find other enemies to link them to.
- Aleksis Dorsey (Updaam, Evening): Aleksis is at his party, surrounded by many Eternalists. Linking him to some of the partygoers and then taking out one of them with a headshot eliminates Aleksis.
- Egor Serling (The Complex, Evening): During the party scenario where he is tricked to attend, he is amidst a crowd. Use Nexus to link as many enemies as possible, including Egor, and then take one down to eliminate them all.
Nexus vs. Other Slabs
While Nexus is powerful, it’s not always the best choice for every situation. Aether (invisibility) allows for stealthy approaches, while Shift (teleportation) provides mobility and escape. The best slab often depends on your playstyle and the specific circumstances of each encounter. Nexus excels in situations where you can capitalize on enemy density and proximity, such as Harriet’s ceremony or Aleksis’s party.
Overcoming Challenges with Nexus
Sometimes, using Nexus isn’t straightforward. Here are some challenges you might encounter and how to overcome them:
- Visionaries Out of Range: If the Visionary is too far from other enemies, you may need to use Shift to close the gap or lure enemies closer to the Visionary.
- Lack of Enemies: If the area is sparsely populated, Nexus is less effective. Consider using distractions to draw enemies into the area or find alternative methods of elimination.
- Eternalist Awareness: Eternalists can become alerted if they see you using Nexus or if they witness other Eternalists dying. Use stealth and distractions to minimize your visibility and maintain the element of surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Nexus work on Julianna?
Yes, Nexus works on Julianna if she is playing as an Eternalist and not an invader. However, since Julianna is often a highly skilled and unpredictable opponent, relying solely on Nexus might not be the best strategy. Combining Nexus with other slabs and weapons can increase your chances of success.
2. Can you link more than one Visionary with Nexus?
Yes, you can link multiple Visionaries with Nexus, provided they are within the slab’s range and linked to one or more Eternalists. This is particularly useful when targeting Charlie and Fia at the same time in Fristad Rock.
3. What are the best upgrades for the Nexus Slab?
The best Nexus upgrades are generally considered to be:
- Influence: Allows linking enemies through walls.
- Parasite: Linked enemies share damage when one takes damage.
- Strain: Increases the number of enemies you can link.
4. Does Nexus damage the player if they are linked?
No, Nexus does not damage the player if they are linked. You can safely link yourself to enemies to take advantage of the damage transfer without fear of self-harm.
5. How does the difficulty setting affect Nexus?
The difficulty setting generally affects the health and damage output of enemies, but not the fundamental mechanics of Nexus. So, on higher difficulties, you may need to deal more damage to the linked enemies to achieve the desired outcome.
6. What happens if an enemy breaks the Nexus link?
Enemies can break the Nexus link by moving too far away from the other linked enemies, or if they become immune to its effects due to certain Trinkets or circumstances.
7. Can you use Nexus to set up chain reactions with mines?
Yes, you can use Nexus to detonate multiple mines simultaneously by linking enemies near the mines and then detonating one mine. This can create devastating chain reactions.
8. Is Nexus effective against armored enemies?
Yes, Nexus is effective against armored enemies. The damage transfer applies regardless of armor, making it a useful tool for eliminating heavily armored targets.
9. How does Aether interact with Nexus?
Aether (invisibility) can enhance the effectiveness of Nexus by allowing you to approach enemies undetected and link them without raising alarms.
10. What weapons are best to use with Nexus?
Weapons with high damage output, high fire rate, or area-of-effect damage are excellent choices when using Nexus. Consider weapons like the LIMP-10, Tribunal, or a shotgun with the Scattershot perk.
11. How does the Reprise Slab affect Nexus usage?
The Reprise Slab (allows you to rewind time upon death) can give you a safety net when experimenting with Nexus strategies. If a Nexus attempt goes wrong, you can simply rewind and try again.
12. Can Nexus be used to complete the “All Visionaries in One Loop” achievement?
Yes, Nexus is a valuable tool for completing the “All Visionaries in One Loop” achievement. Its ability to eliminate multiple targets simultaneously can save precious time and resources.
13. Are there any Trinkets that specifically enhance Nexus?
Yes, there are several Trinkets that can enhance Nexus, such as those that increase slab recharge rate or reduce slab cost. Experiment with different Trinket combinations to find the optimal setup for your playstyle.
14. How do I get the Nexus Slab?
You obtain the Nexus Slab by defeating Harriet Morse in Karl’s Bay during the morning. She always drops the Slab upon death, and you can infuse it to keep it across loops.
15. Where can I learn more about Deathloop strategies and mechanics?
You can find a wealth of information about Deathloop strategies and mechanics on various gaming websites, forums, and online communities. Exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org can also provide insights into the educational aspects and deeper understanding of game design and strategy.
Conclusion
Nexus is a versatile and powerful slab that can significantly impact your approach to Deathloop. Mastering its mechanics and understanding its strengths and weaknesses will enable you to tackle even the most challenging situations. By combining Nexus with other slabs, weapons, and strategic thinking, you can efficiently eliminate Visionaries and break the loop. Remember that experimentation and adaptability are key to success in Deathloop, so don’t be afraid to try new things and discover your own unique strategies.