Can You Buy Exotic Ciphers in Destiny 2? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is no, you cannot directly buy Exotic Ciphers with real-world money in Destiny 2. Exotic Ciphers are primarily earned through in-game activities. However, there are ways to reliably obtain them that we’ll delve into, maximizing your chances of snagging those coveted Exotic weapons and armor from the Monument to Lost Light and Xur’s inventory.
Unveiling the Mystery of Exotic Ciphers
Exotic Ciphers are a valuable currency in Destiny 2, acting as a key to unlock Exotics that might otherwise be inaccessible. These weapons and armor pieces, often tied to past seasons or raids, can significantly enhance your Guardian’s build and effectiveness. Understanding how to acquire and utilize them effectively is crucial for any dedicated player.
How to Obtain Exotic Ciphers: The Definitive Methods
Currently, there are three primary ways to get your hands on Exotic Ciphers:
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Season Pass: Keep an eye on your Season Pass progression! Often, an Exotic Cipher is awarded at a specific level, typically around level 55. This is a straightforward method if you actively play and level up throughout the season.
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Xur’s “Xenology” Quest: Each week, the enigmatic vendor Xur offers a quest called “Xenology”. This quest usually involves completing a certain number of strikes, Gambit matches, or Crucible matches. Upon completion, returning to Xur will reward you with an Exotic Cipher. This is generally considered the most reliable way to earn one per week.
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Triumphs: Some Triumphs offer Exotic Ciphers as rewards upon completion. These Triumphs typically involve collecting a certain number of Exotic items.
The Monument to Lost Light: Your Exotic Archive
The Monument to Lost Light in the Tower is where you’ll spend most of your Exotic Ciphers. This kiosk houses a vast collection of Exotic weapons and armor from past expansions and seasons, allowing you to acquire pieces you might have missed. Remember that acquiring these often requires other currencies, like Glimmer, Legendary Shards, and sometimes even Spoils of Conquest for raid Exotics.
Why Isn’t Xur Giving Me an Exotic Cipher? Troubleshooting the “Xenology” Quest
If you’re having trouble claiming your Exotic Cipher from Xur, here’s a quick checklist:
- Inventory Check: Ensure you do not already have an Exotic Cipher in your inventory. You can only hold one at a time, unless a special event temporarily increases the limit.
- Quest Completion: Double-check that you have indeed completed the “Xenology” quest requirements. The quest description will clearly outline the tasks you need to complete.
- Speak to Xur: After completing the objectives, you must return to Xur and interact with him to claim the reward.
- Quest Abandonment: Accidentally abandoned the quest? Reacquire it from Xur.
Maximizing Your Exotic Cipher Gains
While you can’t buy them directly, efficient gameplay can maximize your Cipher acquisition:
- Prioritize Xur’s Quest: Make “Xenology” a weekly priority. The quest is relatively easy to complete and provides a guaranteed Cipher.
- Engage with the Season Pass: Actively play throughout the season to reach the level where the Cipher is awarded.
- Plan Your Purchases: Before claiming a Cipher, decide which Exotic you want to acquire. This prevents holding onto the Cipher unnecessarily.
Exotic Ciphers and Forsaken
Prior to the Destiny Content Vault’s removal of the Forsaken campaign, players were granted Forsaken Ciphers as part of the expansion’s farewell. These ciphers could be used to obtain Exotic weapons from the Forsaken expansion at the Monument to Lost Light. While the Forsaken campaign is no longer accessible, the weapons remain available, requiring the standard Exotic Cipher currency now.
Future Possibilities
Bungie frequently adjusts the methods for obtaining in-game currencies. It’s possible that future seasons or events may introduce new ways to earn Exotic Ciphers, but for now, the Season Pass and Xur’s “Xenology” quest are your primary sources. Keep an eye on Destiny 2 news and patch notes for any potential updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Exotic Ciphers in Destiny 2, designed to provide further clarity and helpful tips:
1. How often can I get an Exotic Cipher from Xur?
You can complete Xur’s “Xenology” quest once per week, granting you one Exotic Cipher.
2. Can I hold more than one Exotic Cipher?
Normally, you can only hold one Exotic Cipher at a time. However, during special events or season pass bonuses, this limit may temporarily increase.
3. What is the best Exotic weapon to buy with an Exotic Cipher?
The “best” weapon depends on your playstyle and needs. Popular choices include Anarchy, Thorn, Ace of Spades, Eriana’s Vow, and Witherhoard. Consider what roles you need to fill in your builds and choose accordingly. It’s beneficial to research various builds to fully determine what Exotic weapons are the best for your specific style of game play. The Games Learning Society website provides excellent analysis of gameplay mechanics.
4. Are there any Triumphs that reward Exotic Ciphers?
Yes, some Triumphs, particularly those related to collecting Exotics, may offer Exotic Ciphers as rewards. Check your Triumph records for opportunities.
5. What if I accidentally delete my Exotic Cipher?
Unfortunately, if you accidentally delete your Exotic Cipher, it is gone. You will need to earn another one through the established methods.
6. Can I trade Exotic Ciphers with other players?
No, Exotic Ciphers are not tradeable.
7. Do I need to own specific expansions to use Exotic Ciphers?
While you can acquire Exotic Ciphers without owning all expansions, purchasing certain Exotics from the Monument to Lost Light may require you to own the expansion from which the Exotic originated. For raid Exotics you will require Spoils of Conquest.
8. Is there a faster way to complete Xur’s “Xenology” quest?
Focus on activities you enjoy and can complete quickly. Strikes are often the most efficient option for many players.
9. If I already own all Exotics, what can I do with Exotic Ciphers?
If you own all the Exotics at the Monument to Lost Light then the Exotics Ciphers can be turned in for an Ascendant Shard.
10. Will Exotic Ciphers ever expire?
No, Exotic Ciphers do not expire. You can hold onto them indefinitely until you find an Exotic you want to purchase.
11. Can I get Exotic Ciphers from Nightfalls?
The article states that you can get Nightfall Ciphers for completing Grandmaster Nightfalls, so Exotic Ciphers are not earned from completing Nightfalls.
12. Are Exotic Ciphers used for anything besides buying Exotics?
Beyond purchasing Exotic weapons and armor at the Monument to Lost Light and occasionally using them to re-roll armor stats at the vendors, Exotic Ciphers have limited uses.
13. If I claim an Exotic Cipher on one character, can I use it on another?
Yes, Exotic Ciphers are account-wide. You can earn them on one character and spend them on another.
14. What are Spoils of Conquest and how do I get them?
Spoils of Conquest are a rare currency obtained from completing raid encounters. They are primarily used to purchase raid Exotics from the Monument to Lost Light.
15. Will Bungie add new ways to obtain Exotic Ciphers in the future?
It’s highly likely that Bungie will introduce new methods for obtaining Exotic Ciphers in the future. Keep an eye on Destiny 2 news and updates.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t directly buy Exotic Ciphers, mastering the available acquisition methods will allow you to amass a collection of powerful Exotic weapons and armor. Prioritize Xur’s “Xenology” quest, engage with the Season Pass, and plan your purchases wisely. By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to enhance your Guardian and dominate the challenges that Destiny 2 throws your way. Further insights into gaming strategies and educational aspects of gaming can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.