Exciting Times Ahead for Destiny 2 Players
In an unprecedented move to rally the Guardians for the upcoming release of The Final Shape DLC, Bungie has extended an open invitation to experience the saga’s expansive content. This gesture of goodwill unlocks a treasure trove of DLCs for Destiny 2 enthusiasts, free of charge, until June 3. Players can immerse themselves in the epic narratives of Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and The Witch Queen, as well as revel in the events of Year 6’s Seasons 20-23.
As if the free access wasn’t incentive enough, the spoils of your adventures—be it story missions, raids, or the exotic gear amassed—remain yours to keep beyond the period of gratuitous gameplay. The developer’s generosity is further highlighted by a unique perk of Expansion Open Access: during this period, players are granted temporary ownership of the DLCs, allowing them to acquire certain Exotic weapons from previous years via the Monument to Lost Lights Exotic Archive in The Tower.
Acquisition of these mythical armaments is not without cost, albeit a manageable one. Each Exotic weapon tagged for redemption requires an Exotic Cipher, an Ascendant Shard, and a modest sum of 100,000 Glimmer. Guardians can procure Ascendant Shards from Rahool and glean Glimmer through regular gameplay. Exotic Ciphers, however, are the domain of the mysterious Xûr, obtainable through his weekly “Xenology” quest. Moreover, diligent players can claim one as a reward upon reaching Rank 55 in the current season pass.
With five Exotic Ciphers within reach, it’s the prime time to bolster one’s arsenal with the finest Exotic weapons from the Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and The Witch Queen eras. These weapons are not just tools of destruction but also artifacts of power, each with a history and a tale to tell. It’s advisable to seek out Banshee-44 after each acquisition to embark on quests for their Exotic catalysts, which serve to enhance the weapons’ capabilities.
Top Exotic Picks to Dominate the Battlefield
Among the myriad of available Exotics, Witherhoard stands out as a formidable grenade launcher, its prowess in crowd control and damage-over-time effects making it a stellar choice for both PvE and PvP encounters. Its catalyst, Silent Alarm, further refines its lethality with a significant Handling stat boost and the convenience of Auto-Loading Holster.
Leviathan’s Breath, once underwhelming, has surged in popularity thanks to a significant damage buff and a catalyst that adds Archer’s Tempo, elevating its status as a top-tier boss DPS weapon. Its utility against Unstoppable Champions also makes it invaluable in the most challenging content.
Ager’s Scepter shines as a Stasis Trace Rifle with crowd-freezing capabilities, and its catalyst, Will Given Form, empowers the weapon with an alternate firing mode that can decimate enemies with an overcharged beam.
Grand Overture, akin to the armaments of a Cabal Colossus, delivers an explosive performance with its slug rounds and missile barrages, its catalyst further enhancing its crowd control efficacy with blinding effects and additional Arc explosions.
Lastly, Ticuu’s Divination offers a unique “primer and detonator” mechanic, ideal for clearing out groups of adversaries. The weapon’s catalyst amplifies its explosive potential, making it a contender when Bows are favored in combat.
Preparation is Key for The Final Shape
As anticipation builds for The Final Shape, players are encouraged to delve into the narrative depths of the previous expansions and seasons, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the evolving storyline. Completing the various campaigns and quests will also unlock a plethora of Exotic pursuits, adding even more firepower to Guardians’ collections.
While gearing up for the new challenges that await, players can also indulge in the seasonal activities, strategically aiming for a guaranteed daily Deepsight weapon drop. These coveted “red border” weapons are vital for crafting the seasonal arsenal, offering Guardians the opportunity to tailor their weapons with preferred perks.
The recent Into the Light update has also introduced new content, including a horde mode called Onslaught and a selection of “BRAVE” weapons. The update even provides a helping hand to bring players up to the current max Power Level of 1810, ensuring they are battle-ready for The Final Shape’s arrival.
As Guardians fortify their armories and hone their skills, the stage is set for the epic conclusion to Destiny 2’s Light and Darkness Saga. With strategic preparation and these top Exotic weapons at their disposal, players are poised to face the final battle that looms on the horizon.
