Even in 2026, the Va'ruun faction continues to intrigue explorers with their secretive serpent worship and unique technology. The Shattered Space expansion threw open the doors to Va'ruun'kai, and with it came an arsenal that feels both alien and devastatingly effective. Adventurers who stepped onto that handcrafted planet quickly realized the new weaponry wasn't just for show — it turned combat into a ritual of destruction. Let's take a fresh look at every weapon the DLC introduced, how to get them, and why the Vortex Grenade has become a staple in every seasoned player's loadout.
The Six Weapons of House Va'ruun
Shattered Space didn't flood the game with dozens of new guns, but what it added was curated and thematic. Players can uncover six distinct weapons while completing quests or simply combing through the map of Va'ruun'kai. Some are totally original models, while others are twisted versions of familiar laser rifles. All of them can spawn with modifications or legendary perks, so keeping an eye out for high-rarity drops is always a good idea.
Here is an overview of every new weapon in the expansion:
| Weapon Name | Type | Unique Model? | Quick Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penumbra | Energy pistol | Yes | Fast-firing, eerie design; great for close-quarters panic moments |
| Schimaz | Melee blade | Yes | Curved ritual knife, swift slashes, deadly with the Dueling skill |
| Starstorm | Heavy particle rifle | Yes | Unleashes a concentrated beam; feels like channeling cosmic fury |
| Quickstrike | Bullpup SMG | Yes | Compact and agile, shreds enemies at medium range with style |
| Longfang | Laser rifle variant | No | Tuned for ranged precision, resembles standard Settled Systems rifles but packs a heavier punch |
| Starlash | Laser rifle variant | No | Balances rate of fire and damage; a versatile workhorse for any encounter |
A Closer Look at Each Weapon
Penumbra 🔫 – When exploring tight corridors or derelict facilities, this pistol becomes an extension of the user's reflexes. Its rate of fire makes it forgiving, while the shadowy visual effects remind everyone that House Va'ruun does not mess around. Many explorers keep one modified with a suppressor for stealth missions.
Schimaz ⚔️ – There's something viscerally satisfying about wielding a blade that looks like it was crafted for a serpentine deity. The Schimaz rewards aggressive play; combined with the Dueling perk, it turns lethal melee combos into a dance of death. A must-try for anyone tired of ballistic weapons.
Starstorm 🌌 – This heavy weapon charges up a pulsating particle stream that melts through armor. It's not the most mobile option, but when the battlefield forces enemies into a chokepoint, the Starstorm becomes an absolute tide-turner. Modding it for faster charge time is highly recommended.
Quickstrike 💨 – A sleek bullpup submachine gun that feels like a hybrid between an SMG and a pistol. It handles beautifully in zero-gravity environments and shines during boarding actions. The unique model draws attention at any spaceport, and its performance backs up the looks.
Longfang 🔭 – On paper, this is a laser rifle, but in practice, it's a sniper's best friend. It has a distinct stat spread favoring precision and range. Players who enjoy picking off targets from a distance usually stick with a Longfang until a better legendary variant shows up.
Starlash ✨ – If consistency is the goal, the Starlash delivers. It doesn't excel in any single area, but it never disappoints. Its adaptability through weapon mods — optics, muzzles, magazines — lets each explorer tune it to their playstyle. Many consider it the most reliable tool in Va'ruun'kai.
All six weapons support full modification at a workbench, much like any other firearm in the Settled Systems. That means an adventurer can tailor them with scopes, barrels, internal mods, and even cosmetic skins, turning a basic Penumbra into a stealthy nightmare or a Starstorm into a long-range behemoth.
🧪 Crafting Vortex Grenades: A Game-Changer
One of the most underrated additions in the DLC is the ability to craft grenades, and the crown jewel is the Vortex Grenade. Instead of just delivering explosive damage, this device implodes first, dragging nearby enemies into a tight cluster. The result? A perfectly grouped target for area-of-effect weapons or powers. Imagine launching a Vortex Grenade into a crowd of Zealots, then following up with a fully charged Starstorm — the cleanup is instantaneous.
To start manufacturing these beauties, players need to progress through the main storyline of Shattered Space. Once the recipe unlocks, any Industrial Workbench will allow grenade crafting. Stocking up on resources like Adhesive, Chlorine, and Tau Grade Rheostat is essential for keeping a healthy supply. Pairing Vortex Grenades with the "Sense Star Stuff" power, which highlights enemies through walls, lets an explorer line up the perfect throw from complete safety.
💻 A Quick Tip for PC Players
For those who enjoy theorycrafting or simply want to test a weapon before committing to the grind, the developer console comes to the rescue just as it did at launch. The "player.additem [item ID]" command still works flawlessly in 2026. If the ID is unknown, typing "help [item name]" into the console pulls up a list of relevant codes. It's a handy way to experiment with mod combinations or to enjoy a fresh playthrough with the Va'ruun arsenal from the very beginning.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Even two years after its release, Shattered Space continues to reward explorers who dive deep into its content. The weapons aren't just stat sticks; they carry the eerie aesthetic and lore of a faction that has captivated players since day one. Collecting all six guns and the Schimaz blade feels like assembling a museum of Va'ruun craftsmanship, while mastering Vortex Grenade strategies opens up new tactical possibilities. For any traveler still wandering the Settled Systems in 2026, dusting off the DLC and hunting down these tools might just rekindle that first sense of wonder.