This [Nikana] build does not require a riven to be viable. You only need to have completed The [Sacrifice] quest. You'll need a grand total of 4 forma once you get all of the mods fully ranked. This build has some status chance but is primarily going to rely on DPS for its damage output.

Use the Naramon "Power Spike" ability to make keeping the combo counter up more comfortable.

I also use Arcane [Fury] on my warframe to further boost the damage.