Venom skills: the early tools

Venom skills: the early tools 9. Venom Smash | Available after the introductory skill unlock, one point; commonly listed as level 1. L1 + Square + X produces an area attack around Miles that damages and stuns nearby enemies. Use it when people are actually close enough to catch in the blast. A big animation in an empty patch of pavement isn't doing much for you. 10. Venom Jump | Level 3, one point. L1 + X lifts nearby opponents, with disarming and stun effects. The practical advantage is the space it creates. You can follow enemies into the air and work on them without every ground-level melee opponent having the same easy access to you. Still watch for gunfire. 11. Synaptic Breakdown | Level 4, one point. Extends Venom stun to twice its normal duration. This is a strong early choice if enemies recover before you can capitalize on your opening. It pairs naturally with In For A Shock, because a longer stun gives you more opportunity to land the boosted basic hits. 12. Floodgate | Level 5, one point. Widens the splash area of Venom Punch. Aim the primary hit into a cluster rather than at the enemy standing completely alone. You still need to position the attack; the upgrade doesn't make the whole room one giant hitbox.