Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Exterminator launcher in The First Descendant
Screenshot by Dot Esports

Best Exterminator build in The First Descendant

Exterminate!

The First Descendant season three introduced a couple of new Ultimate weapons to the sandbox, and if you’re planning to head out into Axion Plains, you need to bring the Exterminator with you.

Recommended Videos

Exterminator can lock onto multiple targets when aiming down sights, but its main use is to deal with Razor Claws, Steel Pincers, Cluster Sacs, Cluster Tunnels, and assault ships found on Axion Plains. The higher the weapon’s damage, the quicker you can deal with these special targets and complete missions.

Here’s the best Exterminator build in The First Descendant, including Modules, stats, and cores.

Best Modules for Exterminator in The First Descendant

Exterminator Modules in The First Descendant
The only thing missing is Heat Circulation. Screenshot by Dot Esports

Exterminator’s multipliers are quite low across the board. It’s not worth building into Critical Hit, Weak Point Damage, or Multi-Hit at all. Instead, it’s all about raw power and elemental damage, similar to Malevolent and EXCAVA.

Because Exterminator already has intrinsic Fire ATK, use Modules that increase Fire ATK, Explosive ATK, Burn-related effects, and quality-of-life stats, like Rounds per Magazine.

Here are the best Modules for Exterminator:

ModuleEffect
Action and ReactionIncreases Explosive ATK and Recoil
Rifling ReinforcementIncreases Explosive ATK
Charge AmplificationIncreases Explosive ATK but reduces Firearm Critical Hit Damage
Fire EnhancementIncreases Fire ATK based on Firearm ATK (Explosive ATK)
Superheated GunbarrelIncreases Fire ATK but reduces Fire Rate
Expand Weapon ChargeIncreases Rounds per Magazine
Fire Rate UPIncreases Fire Rate
Reload ExpertIncreases Reload Time Modifier and Explosive ATK
Fire ConductorWhen attacking enemies inflicted with Burn, increases Explosive ATK
Heat CirculationWhen inflicting Burn, increases Fire ATK for five seconds (with a cooldown)

Action and Reaction and Rifling Reinforcement are your go-to on any weapon to increase base Firearm ATK/Explosive ATK. Charge Amplification is another solid option because Exterminator doesn’t scale that well with Critical Hit.

The rest of the Modules lean into Fire ATK and Burn synergy, with both Fire Enhancement and Superheated Gunbarrel increasing Fire ATK. Fire Conductor and Heat Circulation are fantastic to take advantage of Burn, which you’ll be applying very consistently thanks to the 33.33 percent base Attribute Status Effect Trigger Rate.

The last three Modules are for Fire Rate, Rounds per Magazine, and Reload Time Modifier. You could replace Reload Expert with Recycling Genius for even more reload speed, and replace Fire Rate UP with something else completely, as Fire Rate isn’t as important on Exterminator.

Best stats for Exterminator in The First Descendant

Exterminator stats in The First Descendant
Good enough. Screenshot by Dot Esports

The stats on Exterminator follow the same logic. Try to get gold Explosive ATK and Fire ATK at the very least. Multi-Hit Chance is also okay if you can’t roll anything else, but Rounds per Magazine and Attribute Status Effect Trigger Rate complement this build the best.

Here are the best stats for Exterminator:

  • Explosive ATK
  • Fire ATK
  • Rounds per Magazine
  • Attribute Status Effect Trigger Rate

Best Cores for Exterminator in The First Descendant

Exterminator Cores in The First Descendant
No surprises here. Screenshot by Dot Esports

Exterminator has one free slot, two Attribute Core slots, and two Tactical Core slots. The first three are quite straightforward, prioritizing Explosive ATK and Fire ATK (you can go for triple Fire ATK if you want), but the rest are more about quality-of-life. Rounds per Magazine and Reload Time Modifiers are solid, but feel free to tweak them, depending on what you need.

Here are the best Cores for Exterminator:

  • Free Augmentation: Explosive ATK
  • Attribute Augmentation: Fire ATK
  • Attribute Augmentation: Fire ATK
  • Tactical Augmentation: Rounds per Magazine
  • Tactical Augmentation: Reload Time Modifier

Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Edward Strazd
Edward Strazd
Freelance News and SEO Writer for Dot Esports, covering everything from live service games like Destiny 2 and Fortnite to new releases. Writing about games since 2021. When he's not writing, he's probably grinding for loot in Destiny 2.