Guide to Building the Best Thunder Cage in The First Descendant (Best Builds, Characters, and Modules)

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Thunder Cage is Ideal for Close-Range Combat: Its power shines when paired with characters like Bunny, who thrive in fast-paced, close-range engagements.
2. Focus on Critical Damage and Rate: Maximize damage output with critical hit mods and carefully selected attachments.
3. Versatile with Multiple Builds: Whether you prefer solo play or team battles, Thunder Cage adapts well to a range of playstyles and complementary weapons.

The First Descendant introduces a range of powerful weapons, and one of the standout choices is the Thunder Cage. Known for its excellent burst damage, Thunder Cage is a fantastic tool for clearing out waves of enemies and taking down tough bosses. With the right build, this Ultimate Submachine Gun can turn the tide of any battle. This guide will cover everything you need to know to unlock, build, and optimize the Thunder Cage for maximum performance.

Unlocking the Thunder Cage in The First Descendant

Unlocking the Ultimate Thunder Cage requires a bit of work, but it’s well worth the effort. The first step is reaching Mastery Level One and gathering the necessary materials to craft this weapon with Magister Anais in Albion. Below are the specific locations where you can find the materials needed to craft the Thunder Cage:

To guide you through gathering the materials, you can follow a walkthrough by NothingButSkillz on YouTube, which covers how to complete the subquest “Basic Weapon Training” that provides step-by-step instructions to gather all pieces.

Building the Ultimate Thunder Cage: Best Mods and Attachments

The Thunder Cage becomes truly devastating when modded correctly. The key to maximizing its potential lies in focusing on Critical Damage and Crit Rate. Here are the best mods you should slot into your Thunder Cage build:

Best Mods for Thunder Cage:

Start by slotting Rifling Reinforcement and upgrading it to max before moving on to Fire Rate Up. This order helps you maintain consistent damage output. Focusing on crit-related mods will ensure you capitalize on Thunder Cage’s unique perk: upon killing an enemy, it triggers an electric burst, damaging nearby enemies. A high crit rate will ensure you activate this perk often, making it ideal for mob clearing.

For boss battles, mods like Weak Point Insight will help increase damage to critical weak points. With the right build, Thunder Cage will deal significant damage to both bosses and mobs, making it one of the most versatile weapons in The First Descendant.

Best Character Build to Pair with Thunder Cage

Thunder Cage’s full potential is unlocked when paired with the right character. Bunny is the best choice for wielding Thunder Cage due to her speed and close-range combat abilities.

Best Bunny Build for Thunder Cage:

Bunny thrives in fast-paced environments where she can dart in and out of combat. Her abilities work well with the short-range nature of the Thunder Cage, allowing you to get close to enemies, deal massive damage, and escape quickly.

Focus on keeping her Speed of Light ability active to maintain Electricity status effects, which will empower both her abilities and the Thunder Cage. This synergy makes Bunny one of the most effective characters to pair with the Thunder Cage in both PvE and PvP combat scenarios.

Best Secondary Weapons and Heavy Impact Weapons for Thunder Cage

When choosing a secondary weapon or heavy impact weapon to pair with Thunder Cage, consider what will complement your up-close playstyle. Here are some recommendations:

Best Secondary Weapons:

1. Hand Cannon – Offers high burst damage at close range, making it perfect for finishing off tougher enemies.
2. Scout Rifle – A reliable mid-range weapon that fills the gap when Thunder Cage’s range falls off.
3. Beam Rifle – Effective in mid-range combat with excellent precision.

Best Heavy Impact Weapons:

1. Sniper Rifle – Ideal for taking out bosses from a distance, particularly in Void Intercept battles where precision is key.
2. Grenade Launcher – Great for clearing groups of enemies from a distance when you can’t get close enough for the Thunder Cage to be effective.

While these choices offer the best synergy with Thunder Cage, your secondary and heavy weapons are flexible based on your playstyle. Choose what feels most comfortable for you and re-evaluate as needed.

How to Upgrade and Enhance the Thunder Cage

Upgrading the Thunder Cage involves several key steps, from levelling it up to enhancing its unique ability. Here’s how you can make the most of this weapon:

1. Max Capacity Upgrade:

The max module capacity for weapons in The First Descendant is 80, and increasing capacity requires Energy Activators. This allows you to equip more powerful mods.

2. Weapon Transmission:

Once you craft the Thunder Cage, it will be at Level 1. You can use Weapon Transmission to upgrade it to your current level using resources like Precision Phase Exchanger, Liquid Metal, and credits.

3. Readjustment:

Use the Weapon Readjustment system to re-roll the Thunder Cage’s stats for better performance. Focus on increasing Firearm ATK, Crit Rate, and Crit Damage.

4. Enhance Unique Ability:

Thunder Cage comes with a powerful Overkill ability that triggers an Electric Shockwave upon killing enemies. You can enhance this ability further by crafting a duplicate of the Thunder Cage and sacrificing it at the workbench.

How to Use the Thunder Cage in Combat

The Thunder Cage is a close-range weapon that excels in burst damage, making it ideal for aggressive playstyles. Here are a few tips to maximize its effectiveness:

• Stay Within 23 Meters: Beyond 23 meters, Thunder Cage’s damage begins to fall off, so stay close to enemies to maintain high DPS.
• Aim for Weak Points: With mods that boost crit rate and damage, focus on weak points to maximize the AoE electric bursts triggered by kills.
• Strafe and Hip Fire: When moving and engaging enemies at close range, hip firing allows for more mobility, helping you avoid damage while still dishing out bursts of critical hits.
• Switch to Your Heavy Weapon for Boss Battles: For tougher boss fights, swap to your sniper or grenade launcher when needed to deal heavy, sustained damage from a distance.

FAQ Section

Q: What makes Thunder Cage a great weapon in The First Descendant?
A: Thunder Cage excels at close-range combat, dealing massive burst damage and triggering electric shockwaves that clear mobs quickly. With the right mods and build, it can handle both PvE and PvP scenarios effectively.

Q: How do I increase Thunder Cage’s damage output?
A: Focus on mods that enhance Crit Rate and Crit Damage. Additionally, upgrading the weapon through Weapon Transmission and Max Capacity increases will further improve its performance.

Q: What’s the best character to use with Thunder Cage?
A: Bunny is the top choice for pairing with Thunder Cage, thanks to her mobility and fast-paced combat abilities. Her kit complements the weapon’s need to stay close to enemies while dealing high damage.

Q: How do I upgrade the unique ability of Thunder Cage?
A: You can enhance Thunder Cage’s unique Overkill ability by crafting a duplicate and sacrificing it at the workbench to improve the chance of triggering the electric shockwave.

The Thunder Cage is a top-tier weapon in The First Descendant when paired with the right character and mods. Whether you’re using it to clear mobs or take on bosses, its unique ability to trigger electric bursts upon killing enemies makes it a valuable tool in your arsenal. Focus on crit-related mods, pair it with fast-paced characters like Bunny, and complement it with mid-range weapons to create a loadout that dominates any battlefield. With this guide, you’re now equipped to unlock the full potential of the Thunder Cage