Caliban: So Bad He’s Good?

Introduction

Caliban is a caster frame or weapons platform, though the problem is he doesn’t excel at either role. This is a shame because the concept of a Warframe-Sentient hybrid is genuinely intriguing. Yet even after his rework in October 2024, he remains one of the worst frames in the game. While he’s technically serviceable, when other frames can do more with less effort, you have to ask: Why choose Caliban?

A few minor tweaks could improve his design, but his reputation has already been tarnished. When a frame is released in a bad state and remains that way, players remember. It would take substantial changes to shift the dial and capture player attention. I wouldn’t recommend investing resources into this frame unless you have plenty to spare and are willing to waste them for novelty or experimentation.

Counters

Hard Counters:

Nullification: Enemy effects that negate ability damage or crowd control drastically reduce Caliban’s effectiveness, often leaving him exposed.
Energy Dependency: A chronic lack of energy severely limits his ability to cast consistently.

Soft Counters:

Damage-over-Time: Caliban’s squishy nature makes him highly susceptible to persistent damage effects like bleed or toxin.
Stray Hits: Even incidental damage can become a significant threat due to his low survivability.

Build Path: Caster or Weapons Platform?

In my opinion, Caliban should primarily be a caster frame, as his abilities focus on dealing lacklustre damage. If it wasn’t already clear, I’m not a fan of this frame.

Some in the community argue that he can function as a weapons platform, but I can’t see it. He lacks tools like damage buffs, fire rate increases, or any synergy to enhance weapon output. His mediocre damage output forces players to spam abilities. Pair this with a low base energy pool, and you’re left with a frustratingly inefficient frame.

If it isn’t obvious by now, I don’t recommend bringing Caliban to Steel Path unless you enjoy struggling—or annoying your teammates.

Build: Second Chance (But No Build Yet)

Despite my dissatisfaction with Caliban’s current state, I believe he deserves a fresh look to reassess his potential after the rework. I’ve adjusted my build, rebuilding it from the ground up and using community builds as a yardstick. Why? Well, I didn’t spend much time with the old version.

On a positive note, Caliban does shoot giant lasers at enemies, which is undeniably fun. However, aesthetics alone can’t compensate for his gameplay shortcomings.

Suggestions for Improvement

To make Caliban a competitive choice, the following changes could greatly improve his viability:

Passive:

Increase the damage reduction timer or the percentage of damage mitigated.

Razor Gyre:

While not terrible, this ability can be blocked by small obstacles, which severely limits its utility.

Sentient Wrath:

Increase its base damage reduction or extend its duration and range.

Lethal Progeny:

Conculysts: Melee attacks should increase their damage output over time.
Ortholysts: Ranged attacks should receive a damage buff.
Summulysts: These are decent, but their summoned Sentient’s damage output could be improved.
Shield recharge mechanics should be reworked. Summons should either restore shields fully or self-destruct to replenish shields when they’re depleted. A targeting system for summoned units would also enhance utility.

Fusion Strike:

Reduce its energy cost and remove restrictions on aiming or camera movement.
Add punch-through to prevent small objects from blocking its effectiveness.

Tau Status:

Increase the damage dealt by this unique status type.

Energy Economy:

Either boost Caliban’s base energy pool, add energy regeneration mechanics, or reduce ability costs overall.

Damage Output:

Buff his ability damage across the board or introduce scaling mechanics that improve effectiveness in higher-level missions.

Weapon Synergy:

Introduce abilities or passives that enhance weapon damage, fire rate, or reload speed, solidifying his hybrid role.

Base Stats:

Increase his base armour, health, and shields to improve survivability.

Thematic Issues

As a Warframe-Sentient hybrid, Caliban should feel powerful, but his damage output and survivability fall short of expectations. Maybe I’m approaching this the wrong way, but his design suggests he should be capable of more. Sentients were a faction so strong they necessitated the creation of Warframes to combat them. A hybrid of these two forces should feel formidable, yet Caliban feels underwhelming.

The October rework has improved his feel slightly, but it still misses the mark.

Conclusion

Caliban is a frame with immense potential but is held back by poor execution. While the Warframe-Sentient hybrid concept is fascinating, his gameplay fails to deliver on that promise. He lacks the damage, survivability, and energy efficiency to excel in either of his intended roles, leaving him feeling underpowered and uninspiring.

Unless you’re chasing novelty or enjoy the challenge of making an inefficient frame work, Caliban remains a poor investment for most players. Hopefully, future updates will grant him the substantial rework he desperately needs. Until then, approach him with caution—or perhaps just for the giant lasers.