Unlocking Gjallarhorn: Is the 30th Anniversary Pack a Must-Have?

The iconic Gjallarhorn rocket launcher, a fan-favorite from the original Destiny, made a triumphant return in Destiny 2. But how does one acquire this legendary weapon? The simple answer to whether you can get Gjallarhorn without the 30th Anniversary Pack is: No, you absolutely cannot. The quest line to obtain Gjallarhorn is locked behind the Bungie 30th Anniversary Pack. Let’s dive into the details and answer all your burning questions about obtaining this powerhouse weapon.

The Gjallarhorn and the 30th Anniversary Connection

The “And Out Fly the Wolves” quest, the gateway to obtaining Gjallarhorn, is exclusively available to players who own the Destiny 2: Bungie 30th Anniversary Pack. While some elements of the 30th Anniversary celebration, such as the Dares of Eternity activity, were initially free, the quest that rewards Gjallarhorn requires purchasing the pack.

This means you’ll need to shell out the necessary funds to unlock the content before embarking on your journey to wield this powerful rocket launcher. There’s no workaround, no free alternative – the 30th Anniversary Pack is your ticket to Gjallarhorn.

Acquiring Gjallarhorn: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve purchased the 30th Anniversary Pack, obtaining Gjallarhorn is a straightforward process. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

1. Complete Dares of Eternity: This activity becomes available as soon as you’ve downloaded the 30th Anniversary update. Complete a run of Dares of Eternity on any difficulty.

2. Visit Xur in the Treasure Hoard: Head to Xur’s location in the Treasure Hoard on Eternity. He’ll have the “And Out Fly the Wolves” quest available on the second page of his inventory, under the “Quests” tab.

3. Talk to Shaw Han in the Cosmodrome: Initiate the questline by speaking with Shaw Han, the Vanguard representative in the Cosmodrome. He will provide you with the next steps.

4. Gather Wolfpack Rounds Data and Lost Sectors: Follow the quest instructions, which involves collecting Wolfpack Rounds data by defeating Fallen enemies in the Cosmodrome’s Widow’s Walk Lost Sector.

5. Complete the Grasp of Avarice Dungeon: This is the final, and most challenging, step. The Grasp of Avarice dungeon is a key component of the 30th Anniversary Pack and completing it is required to finish the quest and claim your Gjallarhorn.

Upgrading Gjallarhorn: The Catalyst

The Gjallarhorn’s catalyst significantly enhances the weapon’s capabilities, and obtaining it is well worth the effort. The catalyst increases the amount of Wolfpack Rounds created when the Gjallarhorn is fired.

To acquire the Gjallarhorn catalyst:

1. Own Gjallarhorn: Obvious, but essential.

2. Complete the Grasp of Avarice Dungeon Repeatedly: After receiving the Gjallarhorn, revisit the Grasp of Avarice dungeon and defeat special shielded enemies located throughout the dungeon. These enemies are called reliquary ogres. There are three of these ogres located throughout the dungeon. Once all three are defeated, complete the dungeon.

3. Defeat Enemies with Gjallarhorn: Once obtained, use the Gjallarhorn to defeat a large number of enemies to fully unlock the catalyst.

Gjallarhorn in the Current Meta

Even with the continuous updates and the introduction of new weapons, Gjallarhorn remains a powerful and relevant choice in Destiny 2. Its ability to significantly boost the damage output of other rocket launchers, coupled with its own impressive damage potential, makes it a valuable asset for a variety of PvE encounters. Its ease of use and consistent performance ensure it continues to be a favorite among Guardians.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Gjallarhorn and the 30th Anniversary Pack:

1. Is the 30th Anniversary Pack Limited Time?

No, the 30th Anniversary Pack is not a limited-time offering. It is a permanent addition to the game’s content and can be purchased at any time. News articles from 2022 may suggest that the pack was only supposed to last throughout the year, but this information is outdated.

2. Is the Gjallarhorn Worth It?

Absolutely. The Gjallarhorn is a top-tier rocket launcher that offers both exceptional damage output and utility, particularly its ability to enhance the damage of other rocket launchers. Obtaining the weapon and its catalyst is a worthwhile investment.

3. Can You Get the Gjallarhorn Catalyst Without Gjallarhorn?

No, you must own the Gjallarhorn before you can acquire its catalyst. The catalyst quest only becomes available after you have obtained the weapon.

4. How Much Does the Gjallarhorn Cost?

Within Destiny 2, the Gjallarhorn is obtained by purchasing the 30th Anniversary Pack, which typically costs around $25 USD. The Nerf Gjallarhorn Blaster costs $185.

5. Is Gjallarhorn Still Good in 2024?

Yes, Gjallarhorn remains a viable and powerful weapon in Destiny 2 in 2024. Its overall utility and damage output continue to make it a strong contender for PvE activities.

6. How Strong Is Gjallarhorn?

Gjallarhorn is incredibly strong due to its Wolfpack Rounds, which track and deal additional damage. It excels in both add-clear and boss damage, making it a versatile weapon.

7. What Is the Highest DPS Rocket Launcher in Destiny 2?

While the meta is constantly shifting, Apex Predator and other high-tier rocket launchers with specific perks often compete for the title of highest DPS, especially with the right build and team composition. However, Gjallarhorn remains a solid choice for its reliability and ease of use.

8. How Do I Claim My Destiny 2 30th Anniversary Pack?

After purchasing the 30th Anniversary Pack, simply log in to Destiny 2. The content will be automatically added to your account, and you can begin the “And Out Fly the Wolves” quest by visiting Xur in the Treasure Hoard.

9. Is the 30th Anniversary DLC Worth It?

For players looking for a significant boost in their PvE arsenal, the 30th Anniversary Pack is definitely worth considering. The Gjallarhorn alone is a compelling reason to purchase it, but the pack also includes the Grasp of Avarice dungeon, new armor sets, and other cosmetic items.

10. Can You Get Gjallarhorn from Xur?

Xur provides the quest to acquire the Gjallarhorn after you’ve purchased the 30th Anniversary Pack. He does not directly sell the weapon itself.

11. What Does the Gjallarhorn Exotic Perk Do?

Gjallarhorn’s exotic perk, Wolfpack Rounds, causes its rockets to split into tracking cluster missiles upon detonation. These missiles deal additional damage to the target and nearby enemies. The Wolfpack Rounds also boost the damage of other legendary rocket launchers used by fireteam members.

12. What Expansions Do I Need for Destiny 2?

While the 30th Anniversary Pack is standalone content, having other expansions like Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, Witch Queen, and Lightfall will enhance your overall Destiny 2 experience by providing access to more activities, story content, and gear. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the upcoming Final Shape expansion.

13. How Many Times Did Xur Sell Gjallarhorn?

Xur has never directly sold Gjallarhorn in Destiny 2. He provides the quest that allows players to obtain it. He did sell the original Gjallarhorn in Destiny 1 a handful of times, contributing to the weapon’s legendary status.

14. Is Gjallarhorn Good for Solo Players?

Yes, Gjallarhorn is a fantastic weapon for solo players. Its high damage output and ease of use make it effective in a variety of solo activities, such as Lost Sectors, campaign missions, and challenging quests.

15. What Activities Do I Need to Complete for the 30th Anniversary Pack?

The main activities related to the 30th Anniversary Pack are the Dares of Eternity activity and the Grasp of Avarice dungeon. Dares of Eternity is a free activity, but Grasp of Avarice is only accessible to players who own the pack.

The Power of Games for Learning and Community

Beyond the mechanics of acquiring specific weapons, Destiny 2 exemplifies the power of games to foster community, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Just like in educational settings, gamers must work together to overcome challenges, strategize, and learn from their experiences. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores these connections further, researching how games can be leveraged for educational purposes.

In conclusion, while the journey to acquire Gjallarhorn requires the purchase of the 30th Anniversary Pack, the weapon’s power and utility make it a worthwhile investment for any serious Destiny 2 player. Good luck, Guardians!