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

Innovative Ordnance (IO) Mercenary 7.8+

Innovative Ordnance (IO) Mercenary 7.8+

By [Sirk]Usaska

This guide for Innovative Ordnance (IO) is aimed at PvE gameplay. It features a hybrid rotation—half fixed and half priority-based—capable of pulling 30k+ DPS. While it shares implants with the Arsenal spec, the stat priorities and playstyle differ significantly to accommodate its heavy DoT (Damage over Time) pressure.

Skill Tree Setup (Single Target / Boss Focus)

For single target and boss encounters, use this tree to maximize your elemental and internal damage scaling.

  • Key Synergy: Focus on talents that enhance your Supercharged Gas uptime and DoT tick damage.

Stat Priority & Gear Setup

Unlike Arsenal, IO requires higher Alacrity to maintain the tight windows of its DoT rotation.

Accuracy

  • 2694 Accuracy (110%)
    Ensures your Serrated Shot and Incendiary Missile always apply their burns.

Alacrity

Target 2200 – 2300 Alacrity for optimal heat dissipation and GCD speed.

  • 1.4s GCD: 2054 (7.14%)

With Alacrity Guild Perk:

  • 1.4s GCD: 560
  • 1.3s GCD: 3209

Legendary Implants & Tactical

  • Legendary Implants: [Concentrated Fire] and [Overcharged Cells]
  • Tactical: [Energized Charges] (Single Target)
    • Note: These are the same implants used for Arsenal, but the increased Alacrity makes the rotation feel much faster.

Pre-Fight & Opener

For the opener to work effectively, you must manage your stacks before the pull:

  1. Recharge and Reload: Build to 10 stacks of Supercharge.
  2. Supercharged Gas: Pop it immediately.
  3. Recharge and Reload: Build back to 10 stacks again before the boss is pulled.

Core Hybrid Rotation

This rotation functions as a hybrid. Follow the fixed loop, but use the following Priority Swaps:

  • If Mag Bolt is glowing (proc’d): Swap a Rapid Shot for it.
  • If Electro Net is off cooldown: Swap a Rapid Shot for it.

The Loop:

  1. Serrated Shot: Apply your primary bleed.
  2. Incendiary Missile: Apply your primary burn.
  3. Unload: Channel for damage and procs.
  4. Power Shot: Use to fish for Mag Bolt procs.
  5. Mag Bolt: High damage spender (Priority #1).
  6. Missile Blast: Use only when proc’d or for AOE.
  7. Rapid Shot: Use for heat management (Swap out for procs).

Playstyle Notes

  • Heat Management: IO is very sensitive to heat. Using Rapid Shot as a filler is essential to prevent bottoming out your energy.
  • DoT Refreshing: Always ensure Serrated Shot and Incendiary Missile are ticking before using your heavy hitters.
  • Supercharged Gas: Use on cooldown to boost your periodic damage and vent heat.
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