How to Get Protean Cell in Borderlands 4

The Protean Cell is a high-skill, high-reward Legendary Energy Shield from the Order manufacturer. This shield features a unique, player-controlled toggle that trades defensive security for a massive offensive boost, enabling powerful Shock-based glass cannon builds.

Borderlands 4: How to Get Protean Cell

This shield is a dedicated drop from a specific boss, making it a reliable farm.

• Source: Fractis
• Location: The Crawlcroft Order Bunker in Grindstone of the Worthy, Carcadia Burn.
• How to Farm: Defeat Fractis, then use the Moxxi's Big Encore Machine located near the boss arena to respawn it for a currency cost. The traditional Save & Quit method is also viable.

Fractis is a highly valuable boss to farm, as it also has a chance to drop other legendaries like the Chuck assault rifle.

Legendary Effect: "Direct Current"

The Protean Cell’s legendary effect, "Direct Current," introduces a powerful risk-vs-reward mechanic. You can Ground Slam (typically the crouch button while in mid-air) to toggle the effect on or off.

• When Enabled:
  • Grants a massive +40% Bonus Shock Damage to all Shock damage you deal from weapons, skills, and grenades.
  • Your shield capacity actively drains over time.
  • All incoming damage ignores your shield and goes directly to your health bar.
• When Disabled:
  • The shield will begin to recharge normally.

This creates a dynamic gameplay loop where you must actively manage your shield and health based on the combat situation.

Best Builds and Usage Tips

The Protean Cell is a build-defining item that enables extreme glass cannon playstyles. It is not for the faint of heart and requires a specificmindset and gear to use effectively.

Recommended Character Synergies

• Shock Specialists: Any character with a build heavily invested in Shock damage will getthe most value. This includes characters with skills similar to Amara'sFist of the Elements from Borderlands 3.
• Glass Cannon Builds: Vault Hunters who already use skills that sacrifice health or shieldsfor damage can stack this effect for astronomical damage output.
• Mobility-Focused Hunters: Characters with high mobility, dash abilities, or skills that granttemporary invincibility can better mitigate the risk of having noshields.

Optimal Gear Pairings

• Weapons: The best weapons to pair with this shield are high-damage Shockweapons, such as Hyperion Shock SMGs, Maliwan Shock Snipers, or TedioreShock shotguns.
• Class Mod: A mod that boosts Shock Damage, Weapon Damage, and Action Skill Damageis ideal. Look for one that also provides health regeneration or damageresistance.
• Artifact: An artifact that increases Shock Damage and Max Health is a great choice. A Last Stand relic (grants brief invulnerability when health is low) can be a lifesaver.
• Grenade: Tesla or Storm Front grenades for consistent Shock damage, or Transfusion grenades for crucial on-demand healing.

Pro Combat Tips

• Toggle Aggressively: Do not leave the effect on during downtime. Toggle it ON when engaging a pack of enemies or a boss, and OFF when repositioning or when your health is low.
• Positioning is Everything: With no shield gate to protect you, you are extremely vulnerable tobeing one-shotted. Use cover constantly and never stay in the open forlong.
• Health is Your True Buffer: Your health pool is now your only line of defense when the shield isactive. Invest in skills and gear that increase your maximum health andprovide health regeneration.
• Know When to Disengage: If you take significant health damage, immediately toggle the effectoff, find cover, and let your shields recharge and your health recoverbefore re-engaging.

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