Driller Overclocks Guide: Neurotoxin, Mortar, & 6 Shooter Viability

Combat Summary

• Neurotoxin Payload on the Chemical Flamethrower remains a powerful area denial and swarm control tool, albeit with less burst damage than its initial release.
• Mortar Shells for the Sludge Pump offers high burst Area-of-Effect (AoE) potential but demands precise aiming and target prioritization, best for specific mission types or against large, slow threats.
• The 6 Shooter Revolver provides consistent, high single-target damage as a secondary, an excellent complement for primaries that lack direct punch, and is highly effective even on Hazard 5.

Many Miners question the current meta for Driller Overclocks when scaling to higher Hazard levels. The key is understanding each overclock’s niche and how it supports your overall Driller build and team composition. Don’t just chase theoretical ‘tier lists’ – learn how to make your chosen tools perform.

Neurotoxin Payload: Current Status

The ‘nerf’ to Neurotoxin Payload primarily reduced its initial damage burst, but it did not remove its core utility. This Clean Overclock for the Chemical Flamethrower still blankets areas in a debilitating toxin, slowing and steadily damaging targets. It excels at area denial, controlling large swarms, and creating breathing room. While not the king of instant kills it once was, it remains a top-tier choice for consistent, sustained crowd control, particularly potent on objective-focused missions where you need to hold ground. Combine it with the Charged TCF (Thin Containment Field) EPC for highly effective swarm clear.

Mortar Shells: Tactical Assessment

Mortar Shells is a niche, but powerful, choice for the Sludge Pump. This Balanced Overclock converts your primary into a long-range artillery piece, launching high-damage, arcing projectiles. Its strength lies in its ability to soften up incoming swarms from a distance, clear out grouped enemies, or hit hard-to-reach targets. The drawback is its arc, slow projectile speed, and reduced direct damage, making it less ideal for frantic close-quarters combat. For success, Miners must anticipate enemy movements and understand its projectile trajectory. It truly shines when paired with a highly effective secondary for immediate threats.

6 Shooter Revolver: Sidearm Utility

The 6 Shooter Revolver for the Coilgun is a straightforward and highly effective Clean Overclock. It boosts your magazine size and damage, making it a reliable workhorse for single-target elimination. When your primary weapon, like a Sludge Pump or even a Flamethrower, is focused on AoE or swarm clear, the 6 Shooter Revolver provides the critical punch needed for high-priority targets like Praetorians, Wardens, or Oppressors. Its consistent damage and ample ammo make it an excellent choice for any Driller build needing reliable backup damage, proving its worth from Hazard 3 straight through Hazard 5 missions.

Scaling to Hazard 4 & 5

All these overclocks are viable for Hazard 5, but require a deeper understanding of game mechanics and tactical positioning. On higher difficulties, mistakes are punished severely. Neurotoxin Payload maintains its strength by consistently weakening large groups, allowing your team to clean up. Mortar Shells users must prioritize high-value targets and avoid getting overwhelmed by small, fast enemies. The 6 Shooter Revolver continues to be invaluable for its high single-target damage, ensuring elites don’t linger. Success isn’t about using the ‘best’ overclock, but using the right one for the job and mastering its capabilities.

Miner’s Chatter

Community feedback generally confirms that Neurotoxin Payload is still strong, though some miss its original burst. Many advocate for its continued use in swarm control. Mortar Shells receives mixed reviews; praised for its unique playstyle and large damage numbers, but criticized for its impracticality in tight tunnels or against highly mobile enemies. Miners consistently laud the 6 Shooter Revolver for its reliability and direct damage, frequently recommending it as a solid pick for any Driller needing a strong secondary.