Unlocking the Secrets of the Rat King Perk: A Comprehensive Guide
The Rat King, an exotic sidearm in Destiny 2, possesses a unique perk that emphasizes teamwork and escalating power. The core functionality of the Rat King perk revolves around proximity to other players wielding the same weapon. Specifically, the weapon’s damage, rate of fire, and reload speed increase for each nearby ally who also has Rat King equipped. Additionally, after defeating an enemy and reloading, the wielder gains temporary invisibility, making it a surprisingly potent weapon for both offensive and defensive play, especially for Hunters. Now, let’s dive deeper into the nuances of this fascinating exotic with some frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rat King Perk
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most common questions surrounding the Rat King and its functionality:
1. How do I acquire the Rat King in Destiny 2?
The Rat King isn’t obtained through random drops. You must complete a specific questline that involves solving riddles while in a fireteam with at least one other player. This quest begins by finding the “Rat King’s Crew” item, which drops from completing activities on Titan after finishing the main campaign. Once you have the item, you’ll need to decipher and complete a series of riddles.
2. What are the Rat King riddles and how do I solve them?
The riddles are presented as cryptic clues related to Destiny 2 activities. Here’s a general idea of what they entail (the exact wording may vary slightly):
- Riddle 1: “The device is in your hand. Time proves your claim.” This usually requires completing a Nightfall strike with at least 5 minutes remaining on the timer.
- Riddle 2: “The path is plain, but many stray. Take heart, and hold onto hope.” This often involves completing multiple Crucible matches.
- Riddle 3: “Where giants fall and dreams are made, seek thou the light to lead the way.” This typically necessitates completing multiple Public Events on any planet.
- Riddle 4: “A brotherhood of five will prove your worth. Show them true power.” This involves completing Nightfall strike with fireteam of at least one or more.
Solving each riddle advances the quest, eventually rewarding you with the Rat King itself.
3. How does the Rat King’s invisibility work?
After defeating an enemy with the Rat King and then reloading, your Guardian becomes temporarily invisible. This effect is particularly useful for Hunters who can synergize it with their class abilities to enhance survivability and reposition strategically. The duration of the invisibility is relatively short, encouraging aggressive and tactical gameplay.
4. What are the benefits of having multiple Rat Kings in a fireteam?
The Rat King perk stacks for each member of your fireteam who has the weapon equipped. This stacking effect dramatically increases the damage, rate of fire, and reload speed. With a full fireteam of six wielding Rat Kings, the weapon becomes an absolute monster, capable of melting bosses and clearing hordes of enemies with incredible efficiency. This makes it an excellent choice for content like raids or challenging Nightfalls.
5. Does the Rat King’s damage buff apply to all players using the weapon, or only to the player near another Rat King user?
The damage buff applies to all players in proximity to each other who are using the Rat King. The closer you are to your Rat King-wielding allies, the more pronounced the benefits become. So, teamwork and staying together are key to maximizing the weapon’s potential.
6. Is the Rat King Catalyst worth getting?
Absolutely! The Rat King Catalyst is highly recommended. It adds the “Smooth Grip” trait, significantly improving the weapon’s handling, stability, and target acquisition. These enhancements make the Rat King much more user-friendly and effective in various combat scenarios, particularly in PvP where quick reactions and accurate aiming are crucial.
7. How do I obtain the Rat King Catalyst?
The Rat King Catalyst drops as a random reward from completing Nightfall strikes and standard Strikes. There’s no guaranteed method to acquire it; it simply requires persistence and repeatedly running these activities.
8. How many kills are required to complete the Rat King Catalyst?
To fully unlock the benefits of the Rat King Catalyst, you need to defeat 500 enemies using the Rat King. This can be done in any activity, so choose the ones you find most efficient and enjoyable for farming kills.
9. Does the Rat King work well in PvP?
The Rat King can be surprisingly effective in PvP, especially in coordinated team scenarios. The invisibility after a kill can provide a tactical advantage for flanking and surprising opponents. The increased fire rate and damage when near teammates also make it deadly in close-quarters engagements. However, it requires a certain degree of skill and coordination to use effectively.
10. What are the best strategies for using the Rat King in PvE?
In PvE, the Rat King excels in situations where you can maintain close proximity to your fireteam. Use its invisibility to reposition, revive teammates, or escape dangerous situations. Focus on chaining kills to maintain the invisibility buff and maximize your damage output.
11. What are the best weapon mods for the Rat King?
Consider using mods that enhance the Rat King’s strengths. Backup Mag can be useful, as will Counterbalance Stock to control the recoil.
12. Is the Rat King effective against bosses?
While the Rat King isn’t a primary boss damage weapon on its own, the stacked damage buff from multiple Rat Kings can make it surprisingly effective, especially when combined with other damage-boosting buffs and debuffs. It requires coordination and consistent damage output from the entire team to be truly viable.
13. Are there any specific armor mods that synergize well with the Rat King?
Armor mods that enhance reload speed, handling, and mobility are generally beneficial for the Rat King. Specific class-based mods, such as those that provide benefits on weapon reload for Hunters, can further enhance the weapon’s effectiveness.
14. Can the Rat King be used effectively solo?
While the Rat King shines in a team setting, it can still be used effectively solo, especially by Hunters. The invisibility perk provides a valuable defensive tool, allowing you to escape difficult situations and reposition strategically. However, you won’t benefit from the stacked damage buffs without teammates using the weapon.
15. How does the Rat King compare to other exotic sidearms in Destiny 2?
The Rat King stands out from other exotic sidearms due to its unique team-based perk and invisibility. Weapons like Traveler’s Chosen or Drang may offer different strengths, but the Rat King’s potential for escalating power through teamwork makes it a unique and compelling option.
The world of gaming continues to evolve, and understanding the intricacies of weapons like the Rat King is just one aspect of becoming a well-rounded player. To further explore the educational aspects of gaming and its impact on learning and development, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
In conclusion, the Rat King is a rewarding weapon for those who embrace teamwork and tactical gameplay. Its unique perk, combined with the benefits of the Catalyst, makes it a worthwhile addition to any Guardian’s arsenal. So, gather your fireteam, solve the riddles, and unleash the power of the Rat King!