The Nutcracker is a high-damage, tactical Quinque focused around planting explosive traps that can be detonated or auto-triggered by certain actions. Its V2 version greatly enhances its utility by adding counters, early detonations, and execution mechanics. It’s a creative and powerful tool for players who enjoy setups, mind games, and burst damage.
| Category | Score (/10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Damage | 9 | Explosive burst, especially post-V2 |
| Combo Potential | 7 | Limited strings, but big burst |
| Ease of Use | 6 | Requires timing & setup |
| Mobility | 5.5 | Stationary, trap-focused |
| PvP Viability | 8.5 | Great against punishable players |
| PvE Use | 9 | Amazing for boss raids |
🛠️ How to Obtain Nutcracker V1 & V2
🧾 Nutcracker V1 Crafting Requirements:
- Blueprint (Drop from NPC Bags, Missions, or Trades)
- 3x Kagon Sack
- 16x Steel
- 2x Kaku Fragment
- 6x Gold
💬 Crafted at the CCG Headquarters bench after reaching Rank 1 and owning any previous Quinque.
🧬 Nutcracker V2 Upgrade Requirements:
- 5x Deformed Kaku (Noro Raid)
- 2x One-Eyed Fragment (Eto Raid)
- 10x Kakuja Fragment (Can be crafted via combining)
- 5x Refined Bikaku Fragment
- 5x Refined Baku Fragment
- 25x Rinkaku Fragment
- 25x Kagon Sack
- 10x Steel
- 25x Molded Steel
🔧 Upgraded at the CCG Workbench with V1 already owned.
🧩 Ability Breakdown
🟥 [R] – Critical: Spike Embed
Impale the target with your spike device. The implant glows and detonates on ability usage.
- Fast and consistent
- Applies a trap to enemy that explodes later
- Enables follow-up detonation through C or Z/X
🟩 [Z] – Explosive Slash
Slash forward and implant a second trap. Triggers delayed explosions if a crit was previously landed.
- Grants second spike
- Both Z and Crit can be chained into a double detonation
- Huge AoE
🟦 [X] – Counter Detonation
Enter a defensive stance. If struck, you counter with a blast. Executes low-health enemies instantly.
- Strong counterplay against rushdown
- Activates a large explosion if hit
- Auto-executes on low-health enemies
🟨 [C] – Manual Detonation
Detonate all active embedded spikes. This lets you trigger all explosions early, creating burst combos.
- Forces detonation of planted spikes
- Synergizes with R → Z combos
- Essential for fast-paced burst plays
📈 Strengths & Weaknesses
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely high burst damage | Requires setup and timing |
| Execution mechanic is deadly | Not ideal vs. high-mobility builds |
| Powerful counter (X) | Weak without crit landings |
| Great against group PvE | Easily punishable on whiff |
⚔️ Combat Tips
- ✅ Land Crit (R) → use Z or C to instantly detonate planted spike.
- ✅ Use X (Counter) against aggressive players or bosses.
- ✅ Mix Crit → Z → C combos to delete enemies fast.
- ❌ Avoid whiffing X – it leaves you exposed.
- ✅ Works best with Dexterity builds to increase speed and combo fluidity.
Final Rating: 8.5 / 10
“Nutcracker V2 is a methodical, explosive playstyle ideal for smart, tactical players who want full control over the battlefield.”