Can You Get Cayde’s Gun? An Ace of Spades Deep Dive
The short answer is: Yes, you absolutely can get Cayde’s gun, the Ace of Spades, in Destiny 2. But its acquisition has changed over time, reflecting the game’s evolving structure. Let’s delve into how you can add this iconic hand cannon to your arsenal and explore everything else you need to know about it.
Obtaining the Ace of Spades: Past and Present
The Forsaken Era: Earning Cayde’s Legacy
Originally, the Ace of Spades was intrinsically tied to the Forsaken expansion. After the tragic death of Cayde-6, players embarked on a quest called “Cayde’s Will” to claim his signature weapon. This involved several steps:
- Completing the initial Forsaken campaign mission.
- Acquiring the “Cayde’s Will” quest from Banshee-44 in the Tower.
- Completing various challenges with hand cannons, including defeating enemies in specific ways and achieving kills in Gambit.
- Recovering Cayde’s personal stashes hidden throughout various destinations.
- Finally, returning to Banshee-44 to reforge the Ace of Spades.
This process was a fitting tribute to Cayde-6, forcing players to master hand cannons and explore the world in search of his hidden treasures.
The Current Method: The Monument to Lost Lights
With the vaulting of the Forsaken campaign, the original quest line is no longer available. However, fear not! The Ace of Spades remains obtainable through the Monument to Lost Lights kiosk in the Tower. This kiosk houses a collection of weapons and armor from previous expansions that are no longer available through their original sources.
To acquire the Ace of Spades from the Monument to Lost Lights, you will need the following resources:
- 1 Exotic Cipher: Earned through seasonal activities and the season pass.
- 125,000 Glimmer: The in-game currency.
- 200 Legendary Shards: Obtained by dismantling legendary gear.
- 6 Enhancement Prisms: Used to upgrade masterwork armor and can be obtained via Nightfalls.
While this method lacks the narrative weight of the original quest, it allows new and returning players to access this powerful and beloved weapon.
Why the Ace of Spades is Worth the Effort
The Ace of Spades isn’t just a sentimental favorite; it’s also a formidable weapon in its own right. Its exotic perks make it a force to be reckoned with in both PvE and PvP:
- Memento Mori: Reloading after a kill loads the magazine with six Memento Mori rounds, which deal bonus damage and grant radar while aiming down sights. This perk synergizes beautifully, allowing for a rapid succession of high-damage shots.
- Firefly: Precision kills with Memento Mori rounds cause the target to explode, dealing solar damage to nearby enemies. This makes the Ace of Spades incredibly effective against groups of adds.
These perks, combined with the hand cannon’s excellent base stats, make the Ace of Spades a versatile and powerful weapon that is well worth the investment. It’s a testament to Cayde-6’s legacy that his gun remains a top choice for Guardians.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cayde’s Gun
H3 FAQ 1: What type of weapon is the Ace of Spades?
The Ace of Spades is an exotic hand cannon in Destiny 2.
H3 FAQ 2: Is the Ace of Spades good in PvE?
Absolutely. The Memento Mori and Firefly perks make it excellent for clearing out waves of enemies and dealing significant damage to tougher targets.
H3 FAQ 3: How about PvP? Is it viable?
Definitely. The bonus damage from Memento Mori allows you to secure kills more easily, and the radar perk grants a tactical advantage in engagements.
H3 FAQ 4: Do I need to own the Forsaken expansion to get the Ace of Spades now?
No. While it was originally tied to Forsaken, you can now acquire it directly from the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower regardless of owning the expansion.
H3 FAQ 5: What happens if I already completed the Cayde’s Will quest?
If you already obtained the Ace of Spades through the original quest, you don’t need to do anything else. You’ll keep your existing copy.
H3 FAQ 6: Does the Ace of Spades have an ornament?
Yes, the Ace of Spades has several ornaments that change its appearance. These can be acquired through the Eververse store, seasonal events, or sometimes through gameplay.
H3 FAQ 7: Who built the Ace of Spades?
The Ace of Spades was built specifically for Cayde-6 by Banshee-44, the Tower’s gunsmith.
H3 FAQ 8: Why is the Ace of Spades so special?
Beyond its in-game power, the Ace of Spades is special because it’s intrinsically linked to the character of Cayde-6, a beloved and iconic figure in the Destiny universe. It serves as a constant reminder of his sacrifice and legacy.
H3 FAQ 9: Will Cayde-6 ever return to Destiny?
While Cayde-6 was killed in Forsaken, he is scheduled to return in the Final Shape expansion. How or why is still unconfirmed and unknown.
H3 FAQ 10: Was Cayde-6 voiced by Nathan Fillion?
Yes, for the majority of Cayde-6’s appearances. Nolan North took over the role in Forsaken due to scheduling conflicts, but Nathan Fillion is returning to voice Cayde-6 in The Final Shape.
H3 FAQ 11: What is the significance of the name “Ace”?
“Ace” was the name of Cayde’s son from his past life before becoming an Exo. It’s a deeply personal connection to his lost humanity.
H3 FAQ 12: Is Cayde-6 a robot?
Cayde-6 is an Exo, which is essentially a human mind transferred into a robotic body. Exos can be revived by Ghosts just like other Guardians.
H3 FAQ 13: Can Exos be rebooted multiple times?
Yes, Exos can be rebooted multiple times, and their number (like Cayde-6) indicates how many times they have been rebooted. Each reboot can result in some memory loss or personality changes.
H3 FAQ 14: What is the best way to farm Enhancement Prisms for the Monument to Lost Lights?
The most efficient way to farm Enhancement Prisms is by completing high-level Nightfall strikes. The higher the difficulty, the greater the chance of receiving Enhancement Prisms as a reward.
H3 FAQ 15: Where can I learn more about game design and the impact of narratives in games?
For more information on game design, learning through games, and the impact of narratives like the story of Cayde-6, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They explore the intersection of games and education, providing valuable insights into the power of interactive storytelling.
Conclusion
The Ace of Spades is more than just a gun in Destiny 2; it’s a symbol of Cayde-6’s bravery, humor, and sacrifice. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, acquiring this weapon is a worthwhile endeavor, both for its powerful perks and for the chance to carry a piece of Destiny history with you. So, head to the Monument to Lost Lights, gather your resources, and claim the Ace of Spades as your own. Cayde-6 would be proud!