Can You Wield Double the Destiny 2 Exotic Power? An In-Depth Guide
The burning question that plagues many a Guardian’s mind: can you equip two exotic weapons simultaneously in Destiny 2? The short answer is a resounding NO. Destiny 2 operates under a firm rule: you are limited to equipping one Exotic weapon AND one Exotic armor piece at any given time. This restriction is fundamental to the game’s balance and strategic depth.
Understanding the Exotic Equipment Limit
The core reason behind this limitation lies in the sheer power and unique perks that Exotic weapons and armor bring to the table. Imagine the chaos if players could stack multiple game-changing abilities. It would drastically reduce the variety in gameplay, leading to homogenous loadouts and predictable encounters. The restriction forces players to make meaningful choices, carefully considering which Exotic best complements their playstyle, subclass build, and chosen activity.
Why the One-Exotic Rule Matters
Think about it: Exotic weapons often boast unique perks that completely alter gameplay. Take, for example, the Gjallarhorn, a rocket launcher renowned for its Wolfpack Rounds, or the Divinity, a trace rifle that creates a large critical hit spot on enemies. Allowing players to wield both simultaneously would unbalance the game significantly. Similar logic applies to Exotic armor, which can enhance specific abilities, grant powerful buffs, or provide unique defensive capabilities. Equipping multiple Exotic armor pieces could lead to overpowered builds, diminishing the challenge and strategic depth of Destiny 2.
The current system encourages diversity. Instead of everyone running the same combination of two or three overpowered Exotics, players are compelled to experiment with different legendary gear in conjunction with their chosen Exotic, leading to a broader range of viable builds.
Strategic Loadout Considerations
The one-Exotic rule doesn’t limit creativity; it enhances it. It forces players to consider:
- Synergy: How well does your Exotic weapon or armor synergize with your subclass and the rest of your loadout?
- Activity: Is your chosen Exotic optimal for the specific activity you’re undertaking, whether it’s a Grandmaster Nightfall, a Crucible match, or a raid encounter?
- Team Composition: Does your Exotic choice complement your teammates’ loadouts and strategies?
The Illusion of Choice vs. Actual Variety
Some argue that the one-Exotic rule stifles choice. The truth is, allowing multiple Exotics would lead to a reduction in viable options. The community would quickly identify the most powerful combinations, and those combinations would become the de facto standard, pushing all other choices into obsolescence.
By limiting players to one Exotic weapon and one Exotic armor piece, Destiny 2 fosters a more diverse and engaging meta, where creativity and strategic thinking are rewarded. It encourages players to explore the vast arsenal of legendary weapons and armor available, finding unique combinations that suit their individual playstyles. You can think of it as the Games Learning Society‘s point of view: promoting creative problem-solving and strategic decision-making within a clearly defined rule set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Destiny 2 Exotics
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Exotics in Destiny 2, delving deeper into the intricacies of these powerful items:
1. Can I buy multiple Exotic Engrams from Xur in a single week?
Yes, you can buy two Exotic Engrams each week from Xur. The first requires an Exotic Cipher, while the second costs 97 Legendary Shards.
2. Can I have two of the same Exotic in Destiny 2?
No, you cannot equip two of the same Exotic weapon or armor piece at the same time. You can, however, have multiple copies of the same Exotic in your inventory or vault.
3. How many Exotics are there in Destiny 2?
The total number of Exotics in Destiny 2 is constantly evolving with each new expansion and season. As of now, there are well over 100 Exotic weapons and armor pieces combined, spread across the various classes.
4. Can I equip all Exotic armor pieces at once?
No, you can only equip one Exotic armor piece at a time.
5. What is considered the strongest Exotic weapon in Destiny 2?
The “strongest” Exotic weapon is subjective and depends on the activity and player’s playstyle. Some popular contenders include Gjallarhorn, Divinity, Witherhoard, and Arbalest, among others. The meta shifts frequently, so staying informed is key.
6. Is Gjallarhorn still worth using in Destiny 2?
Yes, Gjallarhorn remains a powerful and highly effective rocket launcher, particularly for its supportive capabilities. Its Wolfpack Rounds enhance the damage output of other rocket launchers on your team.
7. How many weapons can I carry in my Destiny 2 inventory?
Destiny 2 allows you to carry up to nine of each weapon type in your inventory, in addition to the three weapons you have equipped.
8. How do I get more Exotic weapons and armor in Destiny 2?
Exotics can be obtained through various means:
- Exotic Engrams: These can drop randomly from activities and enemies.
- Xur: The weekly Exotic vendor sells Exotic Engrams and specific Exotic items.
- Quests: Some Exotics are tied to specific quests.
- Raids and Dungeons: Certain raids and dungeons have unique Exotic rewards.
- Legendary Lost Sectors: Certain exotic armor pieces can be earned by completing these solo activities.
- Season Pass: Exotic engrams are often a reward in the premium season pass.
9. Can I farm for specific Exotic weapons in Destiny 2?
While you can’t directly “farm” for a specific Exotic weapon outside of quests or activities with guaranteed drops, you can optimize your chances by focusing on activities that have a higher Exotic drop rate, such as Grandmaster Nightfalls.
10. Can I equip more than one Exotic in Destiny 1?
No, the one-Exotic weapon and one-Exotic armor piece restriction also applied to the original Destiny.
11. How many times can I infuse a weapon in Destiny 2?
Legendary and Exotic weapons and armor can be infused to higher power levels until they reach their seasonal power cap. The item can be infused up to the cap that comes three seasons after its release.
12. What should I do with duplicate Exotics in Destiny 2?
Dismantle duplicate Exotics with lower power levels for Legendary Shards. You can also use them as infusion fuel to increase the power level of other weapons or armor.
13. How do I get Exotic Catalysts in Destiny 2?
Exotic Catalysts are obtained from a variety of activities, including Strikes, Nightfalls, Crucible matches, and raids. The drop rate is often random.
14. Can I get both Lightfall Exotic armor pieces for each class?
Yes, you can earn one new Exotic armor piece per class by completing the Legendary difficulty campaign of the Lightfall expansion. The rest of the new Exotics can be found from world drops and lost sectors.
15. Is it worth buying the Exotic Engram from Xur?
Yes, buying the Exotic Engram from Xur is generally considered worthwhile, especially for newer players looking to expand their Exotic collection. It offers a guaranteed Exotic item that you don’t already own (within its available pool). It is also a great way for veterans to complete their collections and fill up their Exotic armor.
Final Thoughts
While the limitation of equipping only one Exotic weapon and one Exotic armor piece might seem restrictive at first, it ultimately contributes to the strategic depth and diversity of Destiny 2’s gameplay. This limitation forces players to make meaningful choices and encourages them to explore the vast range of legendary gear available, leading to more varied and engaging loadouts. The focus on thoughtful build crafting ensures that players are always challenged to optimize their gear and playstyles.