Nova Blaster: Mid-Air Detonation, Charging & Shrapnel

What do the game files confirm?

The inventory gives two detonation triggers: contact and a fire input during flight. Mid-air detonation is therefore an explicit behavior, rather than a guess based on the projectile’s appearance.

Charging changes both range and power. The menu’s shrapnel-count direction is separate; it does not say that increasing shrapnel count is the same as increasing blast radius.

Which upgrade directions are listed?

• Increase the explosion shrapnel count

Menu directions name what changes, not numeric ranks, prices or a tested optimal order.

How can you apply these clues?

1. In a safe test space, observe a normal contact explosion and then the effect of pressing fire during flight. Confirm your actual binding before attempting precise placement.

2. Compare charged and uncharged shots without changing position or upgrade state. Record the visible behavior rather than assigning a blast-radius number from the animation.

3. When investigating an Armored Barrier, read its exact High Explosive Energy wording and compare the Protocannon description. Nova’s Explosive label alone is not a completed interaction test.

How does it compare with related mechanics?

Protocannon explicitly names a High Explosive projectile, armor-piercing damage and shield destruction. Spread instead charges a barrage. These distinctions matter more than treating every large visual effect as the same damage mechanism.

Acquisition and verification limits

The records do not establish self-damage behavior, exact radius, charge duration, shrapnel damage or a verified pickup room. Do not import those details from another explosive weapon.

The expandable records below preserve the original game wording and source keys. A bundled record is not proof that the item or encounter is available in the Demo.

Related guides

• Protocannon
• Spread Blaster
• Controls and aiming
• Combat practice
• Six-blaster comparison

Game-file evidence