Can You Still Get Cloudstrike in Destiny 2? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, absolutely! You can still obtain the Cloudstrike Exotic Sniper Rifle in Destiny 2. While its acquisition method might seem a bit intricate to newcomers or those returning to the game, the weapon remains available. It’s an incredibly powerful and highly sought-after Exotic for both PvE and PvP, making the effort to acquire it well worthwhile. However, the process requires owning the Beyond Light DLC and completing certain prerequisite quests and activities. Let’s delve into the details of how you can add this electrifying sniper to your arsenal.
How to Unlock Cloudstrike
Acquiring Cloudstrike isn’t as simple as finding a random drop. It involves a series of steps primarily centered around the Europa destination introduced in the Beyond Light expansion. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Own the Beyond Light DLC: This is the foundational requirement. Without it, you won’t have access to the Europa destination and the associated quests.
- Complete the Beyond Light Campaign: You must finish the main storyline of the Beyond Light DLC. This unlocks several important features on Europa.
- Complete Variks’ and the Exo Stranger’s Quests: After completing the campaign, you’ll need to engage with Variks, the Fallen vendor on Europa, and the Exo Stranger. These quests will introduce you to the mechanics of Europa and the Empire Hunts. Specifically, you need to complete the questline given by the Exo Stranger called “A Hard Rain Falls“.
- Unlock Variks’ Sabotage Upgrades: Variks offers a set of sabotage quests you need to progress through. You’ll need to complete these up to and including “Europan Explorer I” and “Europan Explorer II.” This series of quests unlocks the Empire Hunt activities.
- Farm Empire Hunts: Once you have unlocked “Electable difficulty Empire Hunts” through completing the sabotage quests, Cloudstrike becomes a random drop reward for completing them. The weapon has a low drop rate, so be prepared to grind these hunts for a while.
Optimizing Your Cloudstrike Farm
The drop rate for Cloudstrike is the same across all difficulties of Empire Hunts. Thus, many players opt to farm the lowest difficulty (1180 Power) as they are quickest to complete. Here are some tips to improve your farming efficiency:
- Team Up: Having a fireteam will significantly reduce the time it takes to clear the hunts.
- Skip Unnecessary Fights: Focus on completing the objectives, avoiding optional encounters if possible.
- Be Patient: The drop rate is random, so it can take multiple attempts. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it immediately.
Cloudstrike: A Worthwhile Investment
Cloudstrike is not just another sniper rifle; it’s a game-changer. Its unique perk, “Stormbringer”, generates a powerful lightning strike on precision final blows, which chains to nearby enemies. This makes it exceptionally effective at clearing waves of adds and dealing significant damage in both PvE and PvP settings.
- PvE Prowess: Cloudstrike excels at add clear with its chaining lightning and is very effective at taking down yellow-bar enemies.
- PvP Powerhouse: The lightning bolts can easily one-shot Guardians in the Crucible, making it a very powerful weapon in the right hands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cloudstrike
1. Do I need to own the Lightfall DLC to get Cloudstrike?
No, you do not need the Lightfall DLC to acquire Cloudstrike. You only need the Beyond Light DLC. The information regarding Lightfall in some contexts refers to its release after the original implementation of Cloudstrike.
2. Can you get Cloudstrike solo?
Yes, you can get Cloudstrike solo by farming Empire Hunts solo, including the Legend Lost Sector on Europa. However, this is not the most efficient farming method.
3. Is Cloudstrike farmable?
Yes, the Cloudstrike is farmable by completing the Elective Difficulty Empire Hunts repeatedly.
4. Does the difficulty of the Empire Hunt affect the drop rate?
No, the difficulty does not affect the drop rate of the Cloudstrike. The drop rate is the same across all difficulties.
5. How rare is Cloudstrike?
Cloudstrike is considered a rare drop. Players may need to run Empire Hunts multiple times before it drops.
6. How many tries does it usually take to get Cloudstrike?
The number of tries varies greatly. Some players may get it after only a few runs, while others may need to complete many more. Mine took around 13 tries before it finally dropped for me.
7. What is the Cloudstrike catalyst and how do I get it?
The Cloudstrike Catalyst enhances its performance further. It’s a random drop from completing core playlist activities, including Crucible, Gambit, or Vanguard Strikes.
8. How many kills are required to upgrade the Cloudstrike Catalyst?
Upgrading the Cloudstrike Catalyst requires 400 kills with the weapon.
9. Is Cloudstrike good for PvE?
Yes, Cloudstrike is excellent for PvE. Its “Stormbringer” perk clears out groups of enemies with chaining lightning strikes, making it great for ad clear.
10. Is Cloudstrike good for PvP?
Absolutely. Cloudstrike is a very strong PvP sniper. The lightning bolts from precision kills can one-shot other Guardians.
11. Can Cloudstrike one-shot Guardians?
Yes, the lightning bolt generated by the “Stormbringer” perk is capable of one-shotting Guardians in the Crucible.
12. Is Cloudstrike still considered one of the best snipers in Destiny 2?
Yes, Cloudstrike is consistently ranked as one of the best sniper rifles in Destiny 2 for both PvE and PvP due to its powerful perks.
13. Where can I farm the Cloudstrike catalyst?
The Cloudstrike catalyst can be farmed by completing playlist activities: Crucible, Gambit, or Vanguard Strikes.
14. What should I do after obtaining the catalyst?
Once you obtain the catalyst, you need to score 400 kills with Cloudstrike to complete the upgrade. A recommended method is to grind the Shuro-Chi encounter in the Last Wish raid with rally banners to replenish your special ammo.
15. What are the “Variks Sabotage Challenges” and why do I need to complete them?
“Variks Sabotage Challenges” are a series of quests offered by Variks on Europa. Completing these is necessary to unlock Empire Hunts which is where Cloudstrike drops from. You need to progress to “Europa Explorer II” to unlock the electable difficulty hunts.
In conclusion, obtaining Cloudstrike is a journey that requires dedication and a bit of luck, but the powerful sniper is well worth the effort. By following the steps outlined in this guide and patiently farming Empire Hunts, you’ll be able to unlock this electrifying weapon for yourself.