Lucian's Call is a high-impact artifact set in Borderlands 3 that reshapes how players approach gun builds and skill synergies. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to use it effectively across different playstyles.
From stat distributions to best-in-slot comparisons, the following sections highlight why Lucian's Call remains a top choice for damage-focused and support-focused Vault Hunters alike.
| Artifact Name | Set Bonus | Main Stat Focus | Ideal Classes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucian's Call | 2-piece: +10% Critical Hit Damage | Critical Hit Damage, Reload Speed | Gunbreaker, Slayer, Support |
| Lucian's Call | 5-piece: Gun damage +15% while shielded | Shield Capacity, Gun Damage | Tank, Hybrid, Elemental Builds |
Understanding Lucian's Call Mechanics
Lucian's Call operates on a straightforward design that rewards both survivability and aggression. The two-piece bonus amplifies your critical hit damage, which scales strongly with investment in critical hit rate and damage nodes.
At five pieces, the artifact adds a flat gun damage increase while you are shielded. This synergy encourages you to stay in cover, making it a perfect fit for tanky builds that want consistent damage output without sacrificing safety.
Stat Distribution and Optimal Loadouts
Maximizing Lucian's Call requires careful attention to stat distribution. Reload speed and critical hit damage are the two most powerful primary stats, directly improving uptime and peak performance.
Pairing it with artifacts that boost health, shields, or weapon damage can create a well-rounded build. Below is a detailed specification table to help you compare viable loadouts at a glance.
| Loadout Name | Artifacts | Class Focus | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shield Gunner | Lucian's Call + Bastion's Embrace | Gunner, Support | High survivability, steady damage |
| Critical Slayer | Lucian's Call + O'Greasy's | Slayer, Assassin | Burst damage, mobility |
| Hybrid Tank | Lucian's Call + Heart of Surtr | Gunbreaker, Devastator | Balanced defense and gun scaling |
Performance in Endgame Content
In endgame scenarios like raids and Circle of Slaughter, Lucian's Call maintains relevance thanks to its shield-buffed gun damage. Teams that can maintain defensive positions while dishing out consistent firepower will appreciate its reliability.
Against bosses with long phases, the artifact's two-piece bonus ensures that critical hits remain impactful, especially when combined with class mods that scale crit damage. This makes it a staple in both PvE and competitive PvP formats.
Synergies and Team Composition
Lucian's Call shines brightest when surrounded by supportive teammates. Shields, healing, and buffs from allies can keep you covered, triggering the five-piece bonus more frequently and extending your active windows.
Consider pairing it with artifacts or class mods that enhance shield regeneration or team-wide damage. This approach turns Lucian's Call into a centerpiece for coordinated group compositions rather than a solo standout.
Key Takeaways and Recommended Steps
- Prioritize reload speed and critical hit damage on your class mod and shield generators.
- Use cover frequently to maximize the five-piece gun damage bonus.
- Combine Lucian's Call with shield-buff artifacts for the strongest team synergy.
- Test both crit-focused and hybrid tank builds to see which fits your playstyle best.
- Leverage the artifact in both PvE trials and PvP arenas for consistent performance.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does Lucian's Call require a shield-based class to be effective?
No, while shielded classes benefit most from the five-piece bonus, any class can use the two-piece critical hit damage boost effectively. Gun-focused builds without shields still gain value from the reload and crit stats.
How does Lucian's Call compare to Moonlight Ward in gun builds?
Moonlight Ward excels at healing and sustain, whereas Lucian's Call focuses on raw damage output and shield synergy. Choose Lucian's Call when your priority is maximizing gun damage, and pick Moonlight Ward when survival and healing matter more.
Can Lucian's Call work well with elemental damage variants?
Yes, the artifact does not restrict element type. Pairing it with elemental class mods and weapon prefixes allows you to retain the crit and gun damage bonuses while adding elemental effects to your toolkit.
Is Lucian's Call worth farming late game?
Absolutely, especially for players who favor consistent gun damage and shielded positioning. Its scaling with critical hit damage and reload speed makes it viable from mid-game through endgame activities.