Nova Pulse icon
Astra · Basic ability

Nova Pulse

Nova Pulse is Astra's Q basic ability. ACTIVATE a Star to detonate it, concussing all players hit.

Agent
Astra
Role
Controller
Key
Q
Type
Basic ability

How has Nova Pulse changed in every patch?

All patch notes →

Nova Pulse has been changed in 5 patches, from patch 3.00 to patch 11.08: 1 buff, 6 nerfs and 0 bug fixes. Newest changes first.

  1. Patch 11.08
    • Nerf Concuss duration decreased from 3.5s → 2.5s
    • Nerf Cooldown increased from 45s → 60s
  2. Patch 10.08
    • Nerf Stun duration: 4s → 3.5s
  3. Patch 7.04
    • Buff Startup time decreased from 1.25 → 1.0
  4. Patch 4.04
    • Nerf Cooldown Increased 25 → 45
    • Nerf Nova Pulse no longer affects anyone fully underneath the Nova Pulse.
  5. Patch 3.00
    • Nerf Cooldown time increased 12 → 25

Patch change data adapted from Astra's update history on the VALORANT Wiki, licensed CC BY-SA 3.0.

Astra's other abilities

Astra guide →
C

Gravity Well

Basic ability

ACTIVATE a Star to create a zone that pulls all players to the center, exploding and applying vulnerable to all players.
E

Nebula

Signature ability

ACTIVATE a Star to transform it into a smoke.
X

Cosmic Divide

Ultimate ability

ENTER Astral Form. ALT FIRE to EQUIP Cosmic Divide. FIRE to set, pivot and FIRE again to create an indestructible wall that blocks audio.
P

Astral Form

Passive

ACTIVATE ULTIMATE to ENTER Astral Form. FIRE to cast Stars. INTERACT to recall a Star. Recalling a Star forms a brief smoke.

Other Controller Q abilities

All abilities →
Q

Incendiary

Brimstone · Basic ability

EQUIP Incendiary. FIRE to launch. On landing, create a zone that deals damage to all players.
Q

Meddle

Clove · Basic ability

EQUIP Meddle. FIRE to throw. Explodes on landing, decaying all players.
Q

High Tide

Harbor · Basic ability

EQUIP High Tide. FIRE to send forward a vision-blocking wall that slows all players who come in contact. HOLD FIRE to steer towards your crosshair. ALT FIRE to stop early.
Q

Harmonize

Miks · Basic ability

EQUIP Harmonize. FIRE on a targeted ally to grant combat stim and haste to them and yourself. On kills while active, refresh the buff if both Harmonized players are still alive. ALT FIRE to self-cast with no refresh.
Q

Paranoia

Omen · Basic ability

EQUIP Paranoia. FIRE to send it forward. Applies nearsight and deafens all players.
Q

Poison Cloud

Viper · Basic ability

EQUIP Poison Cloud. FIRE to throw. ALT FIRE to lob. REACTIVATE to consume fuel to create a toxic smoke that decays enemies. Can be picked up during BUY PHASE.