Slay Killavolt Swiftly: A Vault Hunter’s Guide to Lightning-Fast Victory
The fastest way to kill Killavolt in Borderlands 3 involves exploiting his weaknesses with the right gear, build, and strategy. Utilizing a radiation-based weapon with high splash damage, focusing on critical hits to his back, and taking advantage of the arena’s cover while avoiding the electrified floor panels are key to dispatching this shocking boss quickly.
Understanding the Threat: Killavolt’s Arsenal
Killavolt, found in Lectra City on Promethea, is a formidable boss with a reputation for shocking unprepared Vault Hunters. Before diving into tactics, it’s crucial to understand his unique characteristics:
- Shock Immunity: Despite his blue health bar initially suggesting a vulnerability to shock, Killavolt is completely immune to shock damage. This is a key piece of information that will immediately eliminate a whole category of weaponry from your considerations.
- Electrified Floor: Killavolt electrifies sections of the arena floor, dealing significant damage to anyone caught standing on them. Constant movement and awareness of the safe zones are vital.
- Shield and Armor: Killavolt possesses a shield and armor, requiring a strategy that can effectively deal with both.
- Electric Projectiles: He fires a barrage of electric projectiles that can quickly deplete your health.
- Critical Hit Location: His critical hit spot is on his back.
The Optimal Loadout for Lightning-Fast Takedowns
Choosing the right weapons and gear can drastically reduce the time it takes to defeat Killavolt. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal loadout:
Weaponry
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Primary Weapon: Radiation Splash Damage Dealer: The best weapons against Killavolt are those that inflict radiation damage and have high splash damage. Weapons like the Torgue grenade launchers (especially those with the MIRV or cluster variants) are excellent choices. The Backburner rocket launcher is also a potent option.
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Secondary Weapon: High Damage Pistol: Having a strong pistol as a backup for quickly taking down Killavolt’s shield is crucial. The Maggie is always a solid choice, or any pistol with high damage and a good fire rate.
Gear
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Shield: The Transformer: This shield provides 100% shock resistance, converting incoming shock damage into shield energy. It’s invaluable for mitigating Killavolt’s attacks.
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Grenade Mod: Recurring Hex (Radiation): The Recurring Hex grenade mod is devastating when used with the radiation element. The radiation damage will hurt Killavolt and continuously split into new grenades.
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Artifact: Elemental Projector: Paired with radiation weapons, the Elemental Projector artifact significantly boosts damage against enemies afflicted by radiation status effects.
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Class Mod: Your class mod should enhance your damage output, splash damage radius, or grenade capacity. Look for mods that synergize with your chosen weapons and playstyle.
Strategies for a Quick Kill
With the right loadout in hand, it’s time to formulate a winning strategy. Here’s a step-by-step approach to defeating Killavolt swiftly:
- Floor Awareness: Always be mindful of the electrified floor panels. Stay mobile and prioritize moving to safe areas.
- Exploit Critical Hits: Focus on hitting Killavolt in the back for critical damage. Use cover to maneuver behind him, or jump and fire when an opening presents itself.
- Maximize Splash Damage: Utilize weapons and gear that maximize splash damage. This will allow you to damage Killavolt even if your aim isn’t perfect.
- Shield Management: Use the Transformer shield to absorb Killavolt’s shock attacks and keep your health intact.
- Grenade Spam: Throw grenades frequently to deal additional damage and inflict status effects.
Character Builds
- Moze the Gunner: Moze’s Iron Bear can deal massive damage to Killavolt, and her demolition woman skill tree boosts grenade and splash damage.
- Zane the Operative: Zane’s speed and mobility allow him to easily maneuver around Killavolt and strike his back for critical hits.
- Amara the Siren: Amara can use her action skill to lock Killavolt in place, making it easier to land critical hits.
- FL4K the Beastmaster: FL4K’s Fade Away ability allows him to briefly turn invisible, enabling him to get behind Killavolt undetected.
Mastering the Art of Killavolt Farming
Once you’ve mastered the art of defeating Killavolt quickly, you can start farming him for loot. To farm efficiently, simply kill Killavolt, then allow yourself to die. You’ll respawn outside the arena, ready to take him on again.
The Importance of Gaming and Learning
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What level should I be to fight Killavolt?
The suggested level for the Kill Killavolt side mission is 13, but Killavolt is level 16. Being at or above level 16 is recommended for a smoother fight, but with the right gear and strategy, you can take him on at a slightly lower level.
2. Is Killavolt immune to all elemental damage?
No, Killavolt is only immune to shock damage.
3. What element is most effective against Killavolt?
Radiation damage is the most effective against Killavolt due to its ability to melt both his shield and armor, and health.
4. Can I use a melee build against Killavolt?
While it’s technically possible, a melee build is not recommended due to Killavolt’s electrified floor and ranged attacks. You would be constantly taking damage and struggle to get close enough to deal significant damage.
5. How do I avoid the electrified floor panels?
Watch the floor carefully and move to the areas that are not illuminated with electricity. The safe zones change frequently, so stay alert and ready to move.
6. Is the Transformer shield essential for this fight?
The Transformer shield is not strictly essential, but it significantly simplifies the fight by making you immune to Killavolt’s shock attacks. Other shields can work, but you’ll need to be more careful about dodging.
7. What are some good alternative weapons if I don’t have a Torgue grenade launcher?
If you don’t have a Torgue grenade launcher, any weapon with high splash damage and radiation will work well. Some other good options include rocket launchers, shotguns with high pellet counts, and pistols with the “goon spray” effect.
8. Can I farm Killavolt for specific loot?
Yes, Killavolt has a chance to drop the Monarch assault rifle. If you’re looking for this weapon, farming Killavolt is a good option.
9. What does M6+ and Sera of Supremacy True Trial mean when regarding loot drops?
“M6+” refers to Mayhem level 6 or higher, which increases the drop rate of specific items from certain bosses. Sera of Supremacy is a Trial Boss that can drop the Monarch weapon and has a 50% drop rate.
10. Is it easier to kill Killavolt with friends?
Fighting Killavolt with friends can make the fight easier, as you can revive each other and coordinate your attacks. However, with the right gear and strategy, it’s perfectly possible to solo him.
11. What’s the best way to get behind Killavolt?
Use the arena’s cover to your advantage. Wait for him to fire a volley of attacks, then quickly move behind him while he’s reloading.
12. Are there any skills or abilities that can help me survive the fight?
Any skill or ability that increases your movement speed, damage resistance, or healing can be helpful.
13. What is the max level in Borderlands 3?
The current max level in Borderlands 3 is level 72.
14. Can you kill Ava in Borderlands 3?
No, you cannot kill Ava in Borderlands 3.
15. Why is Killavolt considered one of the fastest bosses to farm?
Killavolt is relatively easy to reach, has a predictable attack pattern, and can be defeated quickly with the right gear and strategy. This makes him a popular choice for farming specific loot items.
By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be able to defeat Killavolt quickly and efficiently, earning valuable loot and bragging rights along the way. Happy hunting, Vault Hunter!