Mastering Warframe's Jade: Optimal Builds and Gameplay Strategies
Jade, Warframe's 57th addition, introduces a unique aerial combat style. This celestial warrior reigns destruction from above, protecting allies while delivering devastating blows. This guide details optimal Jade builds for various playstyles in Warframe.
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Unlocking Jade | Gameplay Overview | Beginner Build | Steel Path Build | Ability Breakdown
Unlocking Jade
Released June 18, 2024, Jade's blueprint is acquired through the Jade Shadows quest (accessible via the Codex). Components are obtained from Acension on Uranus' Brutus. Alternatively, purchase the blueprint and component blueprints from Ordis in the Larunda Relay (Mercury) using Vestigial Motes. Resource requirements are summarized below:
| Chassis | 15000 Credits 600 Alloy Plate 4000 Nano Spores 1500 Plastids 6 Morphics |
| Neuroptics | 15000 Credits 1000 Circuits 750 Bundle 3 Neural Sensors 4 Neurodes |
| Systems | 15000 Credits 600 Ferrite 600 Plastids 1100 Rubedo 10 Control Module |
Gameplay Overview
Jade's gameplay is straightforward. Select a song (second ability), slow enemies and reduce their defenses (third ability), mark targets (first ability), and unleash devastating aerial attacks (fourth ability's alt-fire). Efficient energy management and damage mitigation are crucial. The builds below address these aspects.
Beginner Jade Build
This build avoids Helminth abilities and Archon shards, making it accessible to new players. Note that Jade equips two Aura mods.
| Mod | Effect |
|---|---|
| Aura Mod – Corrosive Projection | Reduces enemy armor by 18% at full rank. |
| Aura Mod – Pistol Amp | Increases exalted weapon damage (considered a pistol). |
| Exilus Slot | Aviator for damage reduction while airborne. |
| Continuity | +30% ability duration, reduced energy drain. |
| Intensify | Increased ability strength. |
| Flow | Larger energy pool. |
| Stretch | Increased ability range. |
| Redirection | Larger shield pool. |
| Equilibrium | Larger energy pool. |
| Augur Message/Streamline | Increased ability duration (stacks with Continuity). Streamline reduces energy usage. |
| Player’s Choice | Adaptable slot for addressing build weaknesses (e.g., Augur Secrets for ability strength, Augur Reach for range). |
For Glory (Jade's exalted weapon), utilize standard pistol mods focusing on damage, critical chance, multishot, and fire rate. Adapt elemental mods to counter specific enemies.
Steel Path Jade Build
This build optimizes Jade for Steel Path challenges. No Helminth subsumption is needed; Arcanes Molt Augmented and Arcane Avenger are recommended.
| Mod | Effect |
|---|---|
| Aura Mod – Aerodynamic | Increased incoming damage reduction. |
| Aura Mod – Growing Power | +25% ability strength for 6 seconds after inflicting a status effect. |
| Exilus Slot – Aviator | Damage reduction while airborne. |
| Primed Continuity | Significantly increased ability duration and reduced energy drain. |
| Umbral Intensify | Increased ability strength. |
| Primed Redirection | Maximized shields. |
| Stretch | Increased ability range. |
| Fast Deflection | Increased shield recharge. |
| Equilibrium | Health/energy orb conversion. |
| Adaptation | Further damage reduction. |
| Transient Fortitude | Health/energy orb conversion. |
A standard pistol build with elemental mods tailored to opponents is suitable for Glory.
All Jade Abilities
| Passive – The Anointed | Two Aura Mod slots. |
| Light’s Judgement | Healing/damaging light well. |
| Symphony of Mercy | Three songs buffing allies (Power of the Seven, Deathbringer, Spirit of Resilience). |
| Ophanim Eyes | Slows enemies, dissolves armor, allows ranged revives. |
| Glory on High | Powerful aerial attacks; alt-fire detonates Judgments. |
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UPDATE: This article was updated on 1/31/25 by Escapist Editorial to add additional value.
