When it comes to dealing ranged damage with the Praxic Blade, certain catalysts can significantly improve how effective each throw or deflection feels in combat.
Upper Hand focuses on rewarding elevation and positioning, giving the Praxic Blade more impact when you take advantage of vertical space during engagements.
If your playstyle leans toward controlling fights from above, this catalyst adds meaningful value without changing how the weapon fundamentally operates.
Upper Hand Catalyst Walkthrough
To begin unlocking the Upper Hand Catalyst, launch the Fire and Ice Exotic mission on Legendary difficulty and approach the facility entrance without entering it immediately.
Outside the entrance, locate and defeat the two Imbalanced Wardens guarding opposite sides of the facility, as these enemies are required to activate later catalyst mechanics.
After defeating them, progress through the mission normally until reaching and completing the section where the environment shifts into its inverted Ascendant state.
Once inverted, backtrack toward the mission start and return to the original Warden locations, where Taken Blights appear and must be destroyed using the Praxic Blade.
Continue forward to the final encounter and deposit Light orbs into both Light nodes beneath the arena before defeating the boss as you normally would.
After the boss is defeated, a special chest spawns at the end of the mission, which awards the Upper Hand Catalyst upon interaction.
Upper Hand Effects
With the Upper Hand Catalyst equipped, the Praxic Blade gains a conditional damage bonus whenever you attack or deflect projectiles from higher ground than enemies.
This effect emphasizes positional advantage rather than raw power, increasing the effectiveness of reflected shots and blade interactions when elevation is properly maintained.
By taking vertical space through jumps, ledges, or platforms, the Praxic Blade’s enhanced interactions activate naturally, rewarding players who control positioning during combat.
Upper Hand Tips
Choosing between Gyro Core and Refraction Core can be an important decision with Upper Hand, depending on whether you prioritize deflecting enemy attacks or using ranged throws often.
Refraction Core, however, can be more effective for applying elemental effects with the Praxic Blade, especially if you favor leveraging Stasis interactions over pure ranged damage.
When attacking enemies and maximizing the Upper Hand Catalyst, always seek higher ground, as vertical advantage ensures the conditional bonus activates reliably during both PvE and PvP encounters.
Verdict
Upper Hand is a catalyst that rewards smart positioning, making the Praxic Blade feel more effective when used from elevated angles during combat encounters.
Rather than increasing raw power, it encourages deliberate movement and spacing, which fits naturally into the Praxic Blade’s defensive and ranged playstyle.
For Guardians who enjoy controlling engagements from above, Upper Hand adds depth and consistency without forcing major changes to how the weapon is used.
