The Complex Root is a legendary Maliwan sniper rifle that behaves more like a slow-moving, short-range barrage. Its unique perk, Sierpinski, spawns diverging projectiles that twist through targets and can connect multiple times on large hitboxes. It can roll in every core element and is available in the base game.

Drop location and unlock requirements

You’re farming the Mimicron boss at the end of the Tipping Point Order Bunker in Idolator’s Noose, the Fadefields. The bunker sits near the coast, east of Sol’s Fortress Indomita and Wyclef’s Reprieve safehouse, making return runs straightforward. The site becomes available as you progress through the Fadefields; if you’re following the main progression, it opens after completing the One Fell Swoop mission.

Open the Tipping Point bunker door (bio canister puzzle)

Like other Order bunkers, the entrance is sealed until you fetch a bio canister nearby. If the door won’t open, do this:

  • Face the bunker door from the base of the stairs, then go left toward the northwest corner.
  • Enter the large vent with the broken fan.
  • Climb the interior platforms to reach a small room containing the bio canister.
  • Drop through the hole in that room’s floor to exit quickly.
  • Throw the canister at the bunker door to unlock it.

Fight through the Order troops inside to reach Mimicron’s arena.

Farm Mimicron efficiently

  • Defeat Mimicron for a chance at Complex Root.
  • Use the Encore Machine (labeled Moxxi’s Big Encore Machine near the arena) to respawn the boss for repeat attempts.
  • Run the loop until you get the element and parts you want; Complex Root can drop as Kinetic, Fire, Shock, Radiation, Cryo, or Corrosive.
Note: While the weapon is a Maliwan sniper, rolls are not locked to Maliwan-only behaviors. Some versions won’t include the typical Maliwan elemental swapping, and certain parts can come from other manufacturers.

Complex Root overview (effect, elements, availability)

Property Details
Type Sniper Rifle
Manufacturer Maliwan
Rarity Legendary
Unique perk Sierpinski — spawns additional, diverging projectiles along the shot’s path
Elements Kinetic, Fire, Shock, Radiation, Cryo, Corrosive
DLC No (base game)
Primary source Mimicron (Tipping Point Order Bunker, Idolator’s Noose, Fadefields)

Why Complex Root is strong

The projectile web moves slowly but covers space and doubles back, letting multiple bolts connect as it passes through larger enemies. In practice, that means a single trigger pull can register several hits and stack criticals on big targets, making it perform more like a close-to mid-range shotgun burst than a typical long-range sniper shot.

Other ways it can drop

Outside of Mimicron, the Complex Root can appear from standard legendary sources at a lower rate, including red chests, golden key chests, and other bosses. If you’re target farming for a specific element or part, Mimicron remains the most reliable loop.

If you want a roll that fits a particular build or element coverage, stick to short Mimicron runs and the Encore Machine. The arena’s proximity to nearby fast-travel and safehouse landmarks keeps the grind quick and predictable.