Lava's Purgatory Alter Caster: Build and Use Guide

As the first "Alter" Operator in Arknights, Lava the Purgatory isn't merely a stronger version of her original self—she's a formidable 5-star Splash Caster offering both team utility and impressive adaptability. Whether you deploy her for raw AoE damage or to enhance the effectiveness of other Casters, she reliably fits into most team compositions.

Unlike many damage-focused Operators in this tactical game, Lava the Purgatory provides support while delivering potent area-of-effect Arts attacks. Equipped with two robust skills and a standout talent that boosts SP generation for all allied Casters, she excels even outside specialized scenarios. Let’s delve into her capabilities and how to optimize her build.

Operator Overview

Lava the Purgatory is a 5-star Splash Caster dealing AoE Arts damage across a broad range. Like other Splash Casters, her attacks hit multiple tiles and perform well against enemies with low to moderate RES. What distinguishes her is her synergy-focused talent and a second skill that completely transforms her role in combat.

She was introduced as a reward Operator in the "Who is Real" event and can be permanently acquired via Record Restoration. Compared to her original version, she boasts higher stats, access to Elite 2 promotions, and more complex mechanics. While she shares Trust with her base form, her upgrades, potential, and skills are entirely separate.

Talents: Spell Formation and SP Support

In Arknights combat, Lava the Purgatory’s primary value comes from her talent, Spell Formation. It provides immediate SP upon deployment and shares SP with other Casters when they enter the field or are already deployed. The effect scales with her promotion level—at Elite 2, she gains 30 SP immediately and grants +4 SP to all Casters each time she is deployed.

She also synergizes effectively with frontline Defenders and Medics. Her Ring of Hellfire skill protects allies by continuously damaging nearby enemies, making her an excellent choice for lane-holding and stall strategies.

Strong synergy options include:

Eyjafjalla or Ceobe: For enhanced SP and combined AoE damage
Saria or Nearl: Healers who can sustain frontline pressure while Lava burns enemies
Other Splash Casters: Goldenglow and Skyfire benefit significantly from faster skill cycles

Lava the Purgatory is a refined Alter Operator who combines AoE damage, utility, and team support in one versatile package. She is accessible for early-game content thanks to consistent splash damage, yet offers deeper tactical value through her SP-generating talent and zone control skill. Whether used in caster-centric teams or to create defensive burn zones, she delivers considerable value.

To fully leverage her ranged capabilities and visual effects, consider playing Arknights on PC with BlueStacks. The platform offers a broader battlefield view, responsive controls, and smoother performance—ideal for precision skill placement like Ring of Hellfire.