The grenade launcher in Armatus serves as an explosive alternate fire (alt-fire) ability attached to your primary firearm. Rather than functioning on a standard cooldown timer, it requires energy generated by dealing damage with your gun and melee strikes, unleashing heavy area-of-effect (AoE) blast damage when triggered.
In Counterplay Games' third-person roguelite shooter set across the demon-ravaged streets of Paris, managing alt-fire abilities is critical for controlling swarms and cracking tough demon armor. Here is a breakdown of how the grenade launcher operates, which weapon glyphs modify its behavior, and how to maximize its burst damage during expeditions.
How the Grenade Launcher Works in Armatus
Before embarking on an expedition through the Scoured Path, you select a primary firearm from the armory. In preview builds and public demos, the grenade launcher appears as a rolled alt-fire ability on weapons like the standard assault rifle and the precision rifle.
Key operational mechanics include:
- Activation: The alt-fire ability is mapped by default to the Q key on PC keyboard controls.
- Energy Generation: The launcher cannot be spammed on a timer. You must aggressively deal damage with primary bullets or melee slashes to fill the energy gauge beneath your crosshair.
- No Self-Damage: Unlike traditional tactical shooters, point-blank explosions from your own grenade launcher do not damage your warrior's shields or health pool.
- Trajectory and Impact: Base grenades travel with a slight downward arc. They detonate upon direct collision with an enemy or shortly after striking the environment.
Grenade Launcher Glyphs and Upgrades
As you clear sectors and choose upgrade doors, you will encounter Weapon Glyphs that directly alter your firearm and its alternate fire. Several specific glyphs modify the grenade launcher's projectile speed, count, and explosive potency.
| Upgrade / Glyph | Type | Observed In-Game Effect |
|---|---|---|
| High Impact Grenade | Weapon Glyph | Increases grenade projectile velocity; direct hits deal +50% damage. |
| Cluster / Split Grenades | Weapon Glyph | Fires three grenades in a spread, with each projectile dealing -50% damage. |
| Aftershock | Weapon Glyph | Gives grenades a 10% chance (up to 25% at higher tiers) to explode a second time. |
| Explosion Size | Outpost / Minor Glyph | Increases the blast radius of grenade launcher detonations. |
| Followup | Outpost Purchase | Grants +50% alt-fire damage for 10 seconds after defeating an enemy with your firearm. |
The High Impact Grenade upgrade changes the projectile arc into a much flatter, faster shot. This makes landing direct hits on distant targets or flying demons far more reliable. Conversely, the split grenade modification sacrifices concentrated single-target burst in exchange for broader crowd clearing across dense packs of crawlers and spitters.
Synergies and Build Strategies
Because the grenade launcher relies on energy generation, your secondary blessings and celestial abilities determine how frequently you can fire it.
Pairing with Stone Hue
The Stone Hue celestial ability allows you to throw a sickle that temporarily petrifies targets, causing them to shatter upon defeat. Freezing dangerous enemies—such as heavy demons or charging stalkers—locks them in place, guaranteeing direct hits with your grenade launcher without risking a missed shot.
Sustaining Energy Generation
Player testing indicates that relying solely on base energy gain can leave your alt-fire charging slowly if you play too passively. Selecting minor blessings or inscriptions that grant additional firearm energy generation drastically reduces the downtime between grenade volleys.
Leveraging the Overclock Augment
The Overclock armor augment grants +20% damage for each ability currently holding a full charge. If you enter an encounter with your celestial skill and grenade launcher fully charged, your initial firearm shots deal substantial bonus damage before you unleash your explosive volley.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which weapons have the grenade launcher in Armatus?
In available test builds, the grenade launcher has been observed as the secondary alt-fire on the Assault Rifle and the Precision Rifle. Weapon traits and secondary fire attachments rotate across runs when selecting gear in the armory.
Does the grenade launcher hurt you if you shoot at close range?
No. In player tests, detonating the grenade launcher right at your feet or at point-blank range against swarming demons deals full damage to targets without depleting your own shield or health bar.
Why is the grenade launcher button not responding?
The grenade launcher requires a full charge of energy. Check the energy gauge on your HUD to ensure it is filled before pressing Q. Energy is refilled by inflicting damage with standard gunfire and melee attacks.
Can the grenade launcher trigger weak point critical hits?
Grenade blast damage functions primarily as area-of-effect damage.
