Build it. Despair is a silent, Puncture-focused secondary that gains significant power with its Incarnon Genesis. Its main weakness is projectile travel time and arc, making long-range precision difficult.
Silent. Deals primarily Puncture damage. Can use Concealed Explosives. It takes an Incarnon Genesis adapter from the Steel Path Circuit, which is where most of its 2026 power comes from.
Despair are throwing knives with micronic edges, famously used by the Stalker. These silent secondary weapons deal primarily Puncture damage, making them effective against armored targets.
Initially introduced in Update 8.0, Despair has seen several updates, including a Mastery Rank increase to 4 and significant buffs to its critical and status chances in Update 22.12. Its visual materials and tinting options were also improved in Update 36.
With the advent of the Incarnon Genesis system, Despair can be evolved to gain new strengths and a transformation, greatly enhancing its combat potential beyond its base stats.
How to get the Despair
- Obtain Despair blueprint from Stalker or Shadow Stalker drops.
- Purchase the ‘What Stalker?’ bundle for 800 Platinum in the Market (includes Despair blueprint).
- Complete The Duviri Paradox and Angels of the Zariman quests.
- Unlock The Steel Path.
- Earn Despair Incarnon Genesis from The Circuit’s Steel Path.
- Apply the Incarnon Genesis to Despair via Cavalero in the Chrysalith.
The drop rate for Despair from Stalker and Shadow Stalker was increased to 11.73% in Update 36.
Stats
| Class | Secondary |
|---|---|
| Mastery Rank | 4 |
| Trigger | AUTO |
| Noise | Silent |
| Fire Rate | 3.33 |
| Accuracy | 100 |
| Magazine | 10 |
| Reload | 0.75 s |
| Critical Chance | 16% |
| Critical Multiplier | 1.6x |
| Status Chance | 16% |
| Riven Disposition | (1.3) |
| Damage | 58 total |
|---|---|
| Impact | 2.9 |
| Puncture | 46.4 |
| Slash | 8.7 |
Despair has a riven disposition of 1.3, which is a good value for boosting its stats. This disposition allows for substantial gains from a well-rolled Riven mod.
Builds
Given its 16% critical chance and 16% status chance, Despair benefits from a hybrid build, especially when paired with its Incarnon Genesis. Focus on boosting both critical stats and status chance, while also addressing its projectile travel time. A Puncture-heavy damage profile makes it suitable for armored enemies.
Pistol
Pistol
Pistol
Pistol
Pistol
Pistol
Pistol
Pistol| Mod | Why it’s here |
|---|---|
| Hornet Strike | +220% Damage |
| Barrel Diffusion | +120% Multishot |
| Lethal Torrent | +60% Fire Rate; +60% Multishot |
| Galvanized Diffusion | +110% Multishot; On Kill: +30% Multishot for 20s. Stacks up to 4x. |
| Primed Pistol Gambit | +187% Critical Chance |
| Primed Target Cracker | +110% Critical Damage |
| Pistol Pestilence | +60% Toxin; +60% Status Chance |
| Frostbite | +60% Cold; +60% Status Chance |
Secondary Merciless is the pick: stacking damage on kills with faster reloads. Secondary Encumber for a status build (a chance at a second random proc), Secondary Deadhead if you land headshots.
Reviewed September 2026.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Silent weapon, useful for stealth gameplay.
- Primarily Puncture damage, effective against armor.
- Incarnon Genesis significantly boosts its power.
- Good Riven disposition for stat enhancement.
- Can utilize Concealed Explosives for area damage.
Cons
- Projectiles have travel time and an arc, making long-range aiming difficult.
- Base critical and status chances are moderate without Incarnon.
- Acquisition relies on Stalker drops, which can be inconsistent.
- Mastery Rank 4 requirement.
Despair, while initially a niche weapon due to its projectile mechanics, transforms into a formidable secondary with its Incarnon Genesis. Its silent nature and Puncture damage profile offer unique tactical advantages, especially when paired with a build that leverages its hybrid crit/status potential. Mastering its projectile trajectory is key to unlocking its full potential.