Best Hirudo Builds In Warframe

Warframe’s Hirudo is one of the most unique Infested melee weapons in the game, offering lifesteal on critical hits that makes it great for survival-focused builds. With the introduction of the Coda variant, the Hirudo has become even more viable in high-level content. If you build it around critical chance and speed, this weapon can keep you alive in the toughest missions. In this guide, we’ll break down how to get the Hirudo, how its healing passive works, and show you an endgame build that makes the most of its crit-heavy kit.

How To Get The Hirudo In Warframe

Getting your hands on the Hirudo in Warframe is pretty straightforward, though it may take some time if you’re new. You can buy the Hirudo blueprint directly from the in-game market for 25,000 Credits. To craft it, you’ll need a fully built Kogake, which also comes from the market. Just remember—the Kogake will be consumed in the process, so make sure to level it first to grab those Mastery Rank points. For those who’ve completed “The Hex” and unlocked Hollvania, the stronger Coda Hirudo version becomes available through Technocyte Coda encounters. After earning enough currency by taking down Infested Liches, you can buy Coda Hirudo from Eleanor’s rotating inventory in the Hollvania hub (Rotation B). If it’s not available, just check back later. Crafting the standard Hirudo will require 3 Nitain Extract, 1,100 Plastids, 4,600 Nano Spores, and a Kogake, costing 15,000 Credits and taking 24 hours to build.

Hirudo Stats And Features Explained

The Hirudo is an Infested fist weapon built for fast, high-crit brawling. It stands out thanks to its built-in lifesteal mechanic—every critical hit restores 5% of the damage dealt as health and gives you a temporary 5% max HP boost for 15 seconds, stacking up to 25%. This makes Hirudo excellent for survivability in close-range combat. The base version already has strong crit stats, with 30% crit chance and a 3x multiplier, but the Coda Hirudo takes it up a notch with increased base damage, 34% crit chance, and a 3.1x multiplier. With a solid attack speed and 90% follow-through, both versions perform well with crit-focused builds like Blood Rush and Sacrificial Steel. The status chance is low, but the consistent lifesteal makes this weapon a reliable and deadly pick for players who want to punch through enemies while staying alive.

Best Hirudo Builds

Let’s dive into a strong endgame build for the Hirudo that’s all about maximizing its crits and keeping you alive through its lifesteal passive. This setup leans heavily into boosting your critical chance and damage, turning every punch into a reliable source of healing and burst DPS. Ideally, you’ll want to wait until you’ve unlocked the Coda Hirudo before investing Forma, since it offers better base damage and higher crit stats—especially if you roll a solid progenitor bonus. Once you’ve got that in hand, this build will carry you comfortably through high-level content, including Steel Path.

Best Hirudo Endgame Build

This endgame Coda Hirudo build is all about landing nonstop critical hits to fuel your lifesteal and mow down enemies with speed. With just 3 Forma (2V, –), you’ll hit red crits consistently using Sacrificial Steel and Blood Rush, which together push your crit chance through the roof as your combo multiplier builds. Organ Shatter further boosts those crits by amping up your critical damage, turning each hit into a mini nuke. To make the Hirudo hit even harder, Primed Pressure Point ramps up your base damage, and Berserker’s Fury gives you a massive attack speed bonus that synergizes perfectly with this weapon’s fast-paced brawler playstyle. For elemental coverage, Primed Fever Strike and Vicious Frost create Viral damage, softening up enemies and helping you rip through tougher targets with ease. It’s a fast, hard-hitting build that keeps you alive through aggressive lifesteal and consistent healing, perfect for Steel Path and high-level brawls.

Conclusion

The Hirudo, especially in its Coda variant, stands out as one of Warframe most fun and reliable lifesteal melee weapons. With the right crit-focused build, you can tear through enemies while constantly healing yourself—no need to slow down or worry about survivability. Whether you’re clearing Steel Path or just want a fast-hitting weapon with tons of sustain, the Hirudo is absolutely worth slotting into your arsenal.