How Many Kills Do You Need to Get a Catalyst in Destiny 2?

The answer, as any seasoned Guardian knows, isn’t a simple one. The number of kills required to complete a Destiny 2 Catalyst objective varies wildly depending on the specific Exotic weapon. While a general number of 500 combatant kills using the weapon is a recurring theme, some Catalysts demand precision kills, unique perk activations, or even significantly higher kill counts. Let’s dive deep into the specifics and get you prepped for the grind!

Understanding Exotic Weapon Catalysts

Exotic Weapon Catalysts are special items in Destiny 2 that enhance Exotic weapons, often providing stat boosts, new perks, or modified functionality. Acquiring and upgrading a Catalyst is a crucial step in truly mastering your favorite Exotic, transforming a powerful weapon into an absolute powerhouse. But first, you need to find the catalyst itself, which can sometimes be its own challenge.

Kill Requirements: A Catalyst-by-Catalyst Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of kill requirements for some of the most sought-after Exotic Catalysts in Destiny 2, based on the provided information:

• Symmetry: 700 kills. Final blows must be dealt with Symmetry.
• Leviathan’s Breath: 1,500 kills. Prepare for a grind with this heavy bow.
• Tractor Cannon: 300 kills. Relatively straightforward and quick.
• Crimson: 300 precision kills. Accuracy is key here, Guardians.
• Trinity Ghoul: 400 kills. Lightning Rod chaining makes this easier.
• Sunshot: 500 kills and 1,000 Sun Blast kills. A double dose of destruction!
• Quicksilver Storm: 700 kills after unlocking the Catalyst itself.
• Graviton Lance: 500 kills and 1,000 Cosmology Perk kills. Embrace the void explosions.
• Polaris Lance: 500 kills and 50 Perfect Fifth solar explosive shot kills. Precision and patience are your friends.
• Witherhoard: 400 kills. Special ammo scarcity adds to the challenge.
• Cloudstrike: 400 kills. Not too bad, considering the weapon’s power.
• Two-Tailed Fox: 350 kills. Relatively manageable.
• Black Talon: 350 kills. Not bad and PVE is suggested.
• Jotunn: 500 kills. Embrace the toaster’s power.

Tips for Catalyst Grinding

• Choose the Right Activity: Activities with high enemy density, like the Shuro Chi encounter in the Last Wish raid, or Grasp of Avarice opening, are ideal for rapid kill farming.
• Stack Buffs: Utilize damage buffs from abilities, mods, and teammates to speed up your kill times.
• Ammo Management: For weapons with limited ammo, consider using ammo finder and scavenger mods to maximize your uptime. For Special and Heavy weapons, Rally Banners are your friend.
• Target Weak Enemies: Don’t be afraid to focus on weaker enemies to rack up kills quickly. Thrall, Dregs, and other low-tier combatants are your best friends.
• Prioritize Catalyst Completion: If possible, focus on completing the Catalyst objective as quickly as possible to unlock the full potential of your weapon.
• Don’t Burn Out: Catalyst grinding can be tedious, so take breaks and switch to different activities to avoid burnout. The Games Learning Society talks about the importance of balancing game time and other activities. Check them out at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Destiny 2 Catalysts

1. How do I acquire a catalyst?

Catalysts drop randomly from various activities. Some catalysts are tied to specific activities like strikes or crucible, while others are world drops. You can obtain Catalysts through Strikes, Crucible Matches, Gambit, and other end-game PVE activities.

2. Does it matter where I get the kills for a catalyst?

Generally, no. Most kills can be obtained in any activity in Destiny 2. However, some Catalysts may have specific requirements, such as Crucible kills (Witherhoard), so always read the Catalyst’s description carefully.

3. Can I use a different weapon to weaken enemies and then finish them with the catalyst weapon?

Yes, as long as the final blow is dealt with the Catalyst weapon, it will count towards your progress (with some exceptions like Graviton Lance Cosmology kills).

4. Are there any catalysts that require kills in specific activities?

Yes, some PvP catalysts require kills within the Crucible (Witherhoard is an example!). These are generally clearly stated in the Catalyst’s description.

5. What happens when I complete a catalyst objective?

Upon completing the objective, you can apply the Masterwork upgrade to the weapon, granting it additional stats, perks, or functionality.

6. Can I track my catalyst progress?

Yes, you can track your progress in the weapon details screen under “Exotic Catalyst”.

7. Does the difficulty of the activity affect catalyst drop rates?

There’s some debate about this, but generally, higher difficulty activities may have a slightly increased chance of dropping Catalysts, but it’s not guaranteed.

8. Is there a way to speed up the catalyst grind?

Yes! Focus on activities with high enemy density and utilize damage buffs and ammo-generating mods. Also, teaming up with friends can significantly speed up the process.

9. Can I complete catalyst objectives passively?

While possible for some catalysts, it’s generally much faster to actively grind for them. Relying on passive progress can take an extremely long time.

10. Do all exotic weapons have catalysts?

No, not all Exotic weapons have Catalysts. Bungie releases Catalysts periodically, often coinciding with new seasons or expansions.

11. Can I dismantle a catalyst after applying it?

No, once you apply a Masterwork to a weapon, it is permanent.

12. Are there any catalysts that change the weapon’s damage type?

No, Catalysts do not change the weapon’s damage type.

13. Do kills from the weapon before acquiring the catalyst count towards the objective?

No, only kills obtained after acquiring the Catalyst will count toward the completion objective.

14. Are catalysts worth the grind?

Absolutely! Catalysts significantly enhance Exotic weapons, making them even more powerful and versatile. The benefits are often well worth the time and effort.

15. Can I pay someone to complete my catalyst for me?

While third-party services exist that offer Catalyst completion, we don’t endorse any of them. It is often cheaper and more enjoyable to grind them out with friends or other players.

The Final Word

Completing Catalyst objectives in Destiny 2 requires dedication and a bit of a grind, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By understanding the specific requirements of each Catalyst and utilizing efficient farming strategies, you can unlock the full potential of your favorite Exotic weapons and dominate the battlefield. Happy hunting, Guardians!