Class and Combat Style Guides Updated April 4, 2026 by jornb

Arsenal Mercenary 7.8+

Arsenal Mercenary 7.8+

By [Sirk]Usaska

This guide provides a fixed rotation and tree specification for the Arsenal Mercenary in PvE. Arsenal is a reliable burst spec that excels in Operations and Flashpoints. While it can occasionally struggle with heat management, this specific setup is designed to keep your resource costs low while maintaining 30k+ DPS.

Skill Tree Setup (Single Target / Boss Focus)

For single target and boss encounters, use a build that prioritizes high-impact burst.

  • Level 23 Choice: You can go middle, but taking the Right Side talent is recommended if you struggle with heat. Arsenal can have resource issues, and the right-side choice helps keep your rotation fluid without overheating.

Stat Priority & Gear Setup

Arsenal benefits from lower Alacrity thresholds, allowing you to invest heavily in Critical for massive burst potential.

Accuracy

  • 2694 Accuracy (110%)
    Ensures your primary missiles and bolts reliably hit bosses.

Alacrity

Target these specific breakpoints based on your preference:

  • 1.4s GCD: 1123 (4.14%) — Recommended to allow for more Critical stats.
  • 1.3s GCD: 4021 (12.38%)

Legendary Implants & Tactical

  • Legendary Implants: Concentrated Fire & Overcharged Cells
  • Tactical: Primed Ignition (Single Target)
    • Note: This tactical adds a burn effect to your Tracer Missile, significantly boosting sustained damage.

Stims, Adrenals & Relics

  • Relics: [Relic of Focused Retribution] and [Relic of Serendipitous Assault].
  • Adrenal: Use a Critical Adrenal during high-damage windows.

Core Fixed Rotation

Before the fight begins, use Recharge and Reload to gain 10 stacks of Supercharge. This will cause your High Velocity Supercharged Gas to light up, ready for the pull.

  1. Tracer Missile: Apply the Primed Ignition burn.
  2. High Velocity Supercharged Gas: Activate for the armor penetration and alacrity boost.
  3. Priming Shot: Makes your next Tracer Missile instant.
  4. Heatseeker Missiles: Your hardest-hitting single-target ability.
  5. Rail Shot: Use with 5 stacks of Tracer Lock.
  6. Blazing Bolts: Channeled damage; use on proc.
  7. Tracer Missile: Use as filler and to maintain stacks.

Playstyle Notes

  • Pre-Pull: Never pull without 10 stacks of Supercharge.
  • Heat Management: If you find yourself over 40% heat, utilize Vent Heat or slow down the rotation slightly with a basic attack filler.
  • Critical Priority: Because this spec uses lower Alacrity, your “yellow” damage numbers (crits) are where your DPS comes from—gear accordingly!
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