Can You Upgrade Rare Weapons in Destiny 2? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is no, you cannot directly upgrade Rare (blue) weapons in Destiny 2. Unlike Legendary (purple) and Exotic (gold) weapons, Rare weapons do not possess the mechanics required for enhancement through Masterworking, infusion, or perk manipulation. They serve primarily as leveling fodder during the early stages of the game and are generally meant to be replaced as you acquire higher-tier gear. While you might find some rare weapons that feel good to use, their limited potential makes them unsuitable for end-game activities. This article will delve deeper into why rare weapons are not upgradable and explore the various upgrade paths available for other gear types in Destiny 2.

Understanding Weapon Tiers in Destiny 2

Before exploring the specifics of upgrading, it’s vital to understand the hierarchy of weapon rarities in Destiny 2. These tiers dictate the inherent capabilities and upgrade potential of each weapon:

• Common (White): Basic weapons that drop early in the game. They lack any special perks.
• Uncommon (Green): Slightly improved over Common weapons, but still primarily used for early-game progression.
• Rare (Blue): These weapons are decent for a short time during leveling, with a few randomized perks, but cannot be upgraded.
• Legendary (Purple): Offer the potential for Masterworking, perk rerolling, and are ideal for late-game.
• Exotic (Gold): Possess unique perks, are highly powerful, and can be upgraded with unique Catalysts to enhance their power.

Why Rare Weapons Can’t Be Upgraded

The primary reason Rare weapons are not upgradable is their intended purpose. They’re designed as stepping stones on your journey to higher-quality loot. Here’s why they’re fundamentally different:

• Limited Perk Pools: Rare weapons have a very limited set of perks, which are generally not as potent as those found on Legendary or Exotic weapons. You cannot change these perks or add new ones.
• Lack of Masterwork Potential: Rare weapons do not have a Masterwork slot. This means they cannot receive the stat bonuses or orb-generation capabilities provided by Masterworking.
• No Infusion Option: You can’t infuse Rare weapons with other weapons to increase their power level. As you level up, their power will fall behind.
• Lower Stat Rolls: Rare weapons typically have lower overall stat rolls compared to Legendary and Exotic counterparts, even if they have similar perks on paper.

These limitations ensure that players are encouraged to seek out higher-tier gear as they progress. Rares are designed to be replaced, not improved upon.

How to Upgrade Other Weapon Tiers in Destiny 2

While Rare weapons lack upgrades, Legendary and Exotic weapons offer robust customization options:

Upgrading Legendary Weapons

Legendary weapons can be upgraded through the following mechanisms:

• Infusion: You can increase a Legendary weapon’s power level by infusing it with another weapon of the same type that has a higher power level.

• Masterworking: This process enhances the weapon by:

  • Adding stat boosts.
  • Adding a kill tracker to the weapon.
  • Granting the weapon the ability to generate Orbs of Power on multi-kills.
  • Giving the weapon a distinctive golden border in your inventory.

  Masterworking involves leveling up the weapon’s Masterwork tier by using upgrade materials and typically increases through tiers up to a maximum of 10.

• Perk Rerolling: You can use Mementos and other materials to change the perks available on the third and fourth columns of a Legendary weapon in the Enclave on Mars.

Upgrading Exotic Weapons

Exotic weapons can be upgraded through a unique system:

• Infusion: Exotic weapons, like Legendary weapons, can be infused with other weapons of the same type to increase their power level.
• Catalyst: Exotic weapons often possess an associated Exotic Catalyst. These catalysts are earned through specific quests or activities and, once applied, often unlock a new perk or increase the weapons stats. To apply a Catalyst, you must complete the task required, typically involving a high number of kills with the weapon, then you inspect the weapon and apply the catalyst.

Focusing on Better Gear

While the inability to upgrade rare weapons may seem like a drawback, it’s a key design element in Destiny 2. It encourages players to:

• Engage with core activities like strikes, raids, and crucible to earn better weapons and armor.
• Complete quests to get powerful gear.
• Participate in seasonal content to acquire unique and powerful gear.
• Focus on farming specific dungeons and raids for coveted loot.

The grind for high-quality loot is a cornerstone of the Destiny 2 experience.

Conclusion

Rare weapons in Destiny 2 are not meant to be upgraded. They provide a base level of weaponry while you are progressing towards better gear, but they are not suitable for end-game activities. Concentrate on acquiring Legendary and Exotic weapons, which offer vastly greater customization and power potential through infusion, Masterworking, and Catalysts. By focusing on activities that reward high-tier gear, you can truly enjoy the progression and power of Destiny 2.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to clarify aspects of weapon upgrades and rarities in Destiny 2:

1. Can you increase the power level of a Rare (blue) weapon in Destiny 2?

No, you cannot increase the power level of a Rare weapon. They lack the infusion mechanic, and their power level is capped.

2. What’s the purpose of Rare weapons in Destiny 2?

Rare weapons are primarily used as stepping stones during the early stages of the game. They help players get through early content as you level up, but are not intended for long-term use.

3. Can you Masterwork a Rare weapon in Destiny 2?

No, Rare weapons do not have a Masterwork slot. You cannot give them Masterwork capabilities.

4. How do you upgrade Legendary weapons in Destiny 2?

Legendary weapons can be upgraded through infusion, Masterworking, and perk rerolling.

5. What is Masterworking in Destiny 2?

Masterworking is the process of enhancing a Legendary weapon, granting it stat boosts, orb generation, and kill tracking.

6. How do you acquire Exotic Catalysts?

Exotic Catalysts are obtained through specific quests, completing specific activities, or as random drops. The method varies based on each exotic weapon.

7. Can you change perks on a Rare weapon in Destiny 2?

No, the perks on Rare weapons are fixed and cannot be changed or rerolled.

8. Can you dismantle a Masterworked weapon in Destiny 2?

Yes, you can dismantle a Masterworked weapon, but you will receive fewer upgrade materials as a result.

9. Can you use Rare weapons in the Crucible?

Yes, you can use Rare weapons in the Crucible, but they will likely perform worse than upgraded Legendary or Exotic alternatives.

10. How does Infusion work in Destiny 2?

Infusion sacrifices a higher-power weapon of the same type to increase the power level of another weapon or piece of armor of the same type.

11. Are Exotic weapons always better than Legendary weapons?

Not always, but Exotic weapons often have powerful, unique perks, that can make them more effective in certain situations. The best weapons depend on the specific player’s build and activities.

12. Where can you re-roll Legendary weapon perks?

You can reroll perks on legendary weapons at the Enclave crafting table located on Mars, after unlocking it as part of the Witch Queen campaign.

13. What materials do you need to Masterwork a Legendary weapon?

To Masterwork a Legendary weapon, you need upgrade materials which vary, such as Enhancement Cores, Ascendant Shards, and various planetary materials.

14. Can you infuse a weapon with a different weapon type?

No, you can only infuse a weapon with another weapon of the same type (e.g., a hand cannon can only be infused with another hand cannon).

15. What is the fastest way to level up a weapon in Destiny 2?

Using the Shuro-Chi encounter in the Last Wish Raid is a very quick way to level up your weapons, by making use of the high volume of enemies there.