5. Charge & Surge, Launch

No turning back from this.

This is something that just screams, I want to do as much damage as possible. Since Surge is only accessible during the AWE expansion, this build is only intended for post-story content, but it will wreak havoc anyway. It offers the most AoE of any build. This is best used in enclosed spaces and is mainly just for emptying out rooms as quickly as you can.

Use this build when:

• You want to clear out enclosed areas fast, particular if you’re on a timed mission.
• You want to just cause any amount of carnage. This provides AoE as well so you can use the broken environment for Launch attacks.
• You want to stay at a safe distance. 

Skills:

The key to this build is Launch because the turmoil causes the surroundings to fracture, allowing you to pick up objects with Launch.

Items:

Charge and Surge, as well as mods that help get more damage out like Thin Space for Launch.

4. Spin & Grip

Jesse attacks some enemy Hiss.

The greatest midrange build in the game is arguably Spin and Grip, which allows you to easily dispatch some larger mobs in the medium-sized areas while taking out Spin to take on smaller mobs with Grip. Pairing this combo with Launch and Shield will give you some other options for aggressive and defensive maneuvers.

Use this build when:

• You want to use Launch for long range combat, Grip and Spin are both mid range so launch will have you covered with long range.
• You want to get effectiveness out of Shield. Ideally, you’ll want to play this build by ear so getting in close might be an option if Shield is off cooldown.
• You want to have great versatility with multiple options.

Skills:

Launch and Shield are great here due to you being in a vulnerable spot. Shield helps with taking those extra shots when needed while Launch

Items: 

Spin and Grip.

3. Shatter & Charge, Shield and Evade

Boomshakalaka!

The game's tankiest build, undoubtedly. You'll be able to endure some prolonged battles with quite powerful firepower thanks to this as well. When some of the tougher foes start to appear in the smaller areas with their grenade launchers, this building is a great help. The wonderful thing about this build is that, thanks to its Shatter component and powerful mods, it is very effective against those foes.

Use this build when:

• You need to survive extended fights like with some Hiss Trooper enemies.
• This build provides you with shield and evade which helps with preserving health when you really need it.
• You need to take care of enemies in closer quarters.

Skills:

Your main tools here are Shield and Evade. If you employ them properly, these give you extra alternatives for maintaining your health, serving as a sort of fictitious secondary health resource.

Items: 

The best abilities for this are Shatter and Charge because they aid with short ranged mobs. Shatter's reduced spread modifiers concentrate power to dispatch foes more quickly.

2. Grip & Pierce, Energy, Launch and Seize

Odd lunch break here.

If you want to take out adversaries from a distance, combining Grip with Pierce and some of the skills like Launch and Seize makes for a great long range build. Control also contains a lot of flying and swiftly moving adversaries. Seize gives you more opportunity to strike back when these adversaries are weak, which is helpful because dealing with them may be very irritating. Simply combine your Pierce with some upgrades that help shorten its charge time to catch them in motion.

Use this build when:

• You need more range. Grip and Pierce are some of the most accurate weapons in the game and provide you with ample medium to long range damage.
• You need to take out some of the floating hiss. Seize is really good against these types of enemies.
• You want to stay back and clear a room to make it easier to explore. 

Skills:

Launch, which enables you to pick up items and fling them at adversaries, and Seize, which enables you to take control of enemies, are the main skills utilized for this. When you're between weapon loads and switching, use Launch to keep enemies at a safe distance. Seize gives you the opportunity to reduce the size of the mob earlier by allowing you to take control of it when it falls below a certain health threshold. 

Items:

Grip & Pierce. Use mods like ammo refund or charge time reduction to help with reloading and down time.

1. Grip & Charge, Health & Energy

Come get some!

This build provides powerful damage output, accuracy, and AoE control, which together account for 80% of the problems you'll face in the game. For the most part, this is the build that will help you from lower-level enemies like the Hiss agents to bosses like the Former. You can improve your survivability and increase the frequency with which you can use energy for your psychic talents by adding the health and energy mods to your personal.

Use this build when: 

• Use this build around 80% of the time. It will carry you through most of the game as it has a well rounded style.
• Strongest damage output with a good mix of accuracy and ground control.
• When you need to dispatch enemies quickly or break them up to pick them off singularly.

Skills:

This is adaptable, so you can use whatever skill ability you want. For increased defense and survivability, employ your abilities like shield and evade. Launch, ground slam, and levitation are employed for more combative play.

Items:

Grip and Charge service weapon forms are needed for this. For personal mods, take health and energy for raw stat increases. 

You may also be interested in:

• Control Best Weapons (And How to Get Them)
• Control Best Settings for a Great Experience
• Control Best Abilities from Early to Late Game