Can You Upgrade the Riskrunner in Destiny 2? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, absolutely! You can upgrade the Riskrunner in Destiny 2, and it’s well worth the effort. This powerful Exotic submachine gun can be enhanced through a Masterwork upgrade, significantly boosting its effectiveness. The process involves completing specific objectives, ultimately making this already potent weapon even more deadly, especially against enemies wielding arc damage. The Riskrunner Catalyst transforms it from a very good weapon to an absolutely essential tool in many PvE situations.
Unlocking the Riskrunner Masterwork
To unlock the Masterwork upgrade for Riskrunner, you need to accomplish a specific set of challenges. The core requirement revolves around getting a substantial number of kills with the weapon. Here’s the breakdown:
- 300 Regular Kills: You’ll first need to accumulate 300 standard kills using the Riskrunner. These can be achieved against any enemies.
- 300 Superconductor Kills: The second, and arguably more important, component is getting 300 kills using Riskrunner’s unique Superconductor chain lightning attack. This requires you to activate the weapon’s exotic perk, which is triggered when you take arc damage. Once the perk is active, your bullets chain lightning between enemies, making this weapon an ad-clearing machine.
Upon completion of these requirements, your Riskrunner will receive its Masterwork. This upgrade enhances the weapon’s range, making it more effective at medium distances. Specifically, the range stat is increased by 27 points.
How to Maximize Riskrunner’s Potential
The Riskrunner shines when facing Arc shields and Arc-wielding enemies. The Superconductor perk allows you to chew through even tougher Destiny 2 opponents with ease. However, against non-Arc enemies, its effectiveness can diminish. You can intentionally activate the Superconductor perk by harming yourself with your own Arc grenades. This intentional “self-damage” approach allows the Riskrunner to be effective even in situations where the enemies themselves don’t deal arc damage. This makes the weapon incredibly adaptable and versatile. This strategy is also what makes the Riskrunner Catalyst worth unlocking.
The Riskrunner’s ability to clear groups of ads (additional enemies) rapidly, thanks to its chain lightning, makes it a very valuable tool. It provides an almost infinite ammo effect during the Superconductor state because of the perk, making it effective at suppressing enemy fire.
The Riskrunner: More Than Just an SMG
Riskrunner isn’t just another SMG; it’s a powerful Exotic weapon with unique perks and characteristics. Here are some key aspects:
- Exotic Energy Submachine Gun: The Riskrunner deals Arc damage and resides in the energy weapon slot.
- Perk Activation: The core of the Riskrunner’s power lies in its Superconductor perk. This triggers when the user takes arc damage, unleashing chain lightning between enemies.
- Infinite Ammo Illusion: With the perk active, the Riskrunner becomes a veritable rotary cannon with high ammunition capacity, and it has the illusion of infinite piercing bullets.
- Masterwork Upgrade: The Masterwork upgrade increases the range by 27 points, increasing this weapons effectiveness at slightly longer distances, and helping with its damage drop off.
Is the Riskrunner Worth It?
Absolutely! The Riskrunner is a worthwhile weapon, and its catalyst is one of the best in the game to unlock. It is a very good weapon for taking on waves of enemies, especially if those enemies are of the arc persuasion. The ability to activate the perk via your own grenades only enhances its utility and makes it a powerhouse in PvE and can sometimes do well in PvP, though other exotics are considered much more effective in the Crucible. If you’re looking for a weapon that can handle large groups of enemies effectively, the Riskrunner is a must-have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Riskrunner, providing additional context and valuable information:
1. What is the Riskrunner in Destiny 2?
The Riskrunner is an Exotic energy submachine gun that fires arc damage. Its unique perk activates when the player takes arc damage, unleashing chain lightning between enemies.
2. How do you get Riskrunner?
The Riskrunner is obtained through random rewards, Exotic Engrams, or by completing certain campaign missions.
3. How does the Superconductor perk work?
The Superconductor perk activates when the user takes Arc damage. Once active, the weapon’s rounds chain between enemies, dealing significant damage to groups.
4. Does Riskrunner have infinite ammo?
While not technically infinite, Riskrunner has an exceptionally high ammunition capacity and piercing bullets when the Superconductor perk is active.
5. What does the Riskrunner Masterwork do?
The Riskrunner Masterwork increases the weapon’s range by 27 points, making it more effective at mid-range combat.
6. How many kills do I need for the Riskrunner Masterwork?
You need 600 kills in total: 300 regular kills and 300 kills using the Superconductor chain lightning.
7. Is the Riskrunner good in PvE?
Yes, the Riskrunner is excellent in PvE, particularly when facing Arc shields and Arc-wielding enemies. It excels at clearing groups of ads rapidly.
8. Can I use the Riskrunner against non-Arc enemies?
Yes, you can activate the Superconductor perk by damaging yourself with your own Arc grenades, making it effective even against non-Arc enemies.
9. Is Riskrunner good in Crucible?
While the Riskrunner can be effective in some Crucible scenarios, it’s generally outclassed by other Exotic weapons and strategies, especially on bigger maps.
10. Is Riskrunner a special weapon?
No, the Riskrunner is an Exotic energy weapon, using primary ammo and residing in the energy weapon slot.
11. Can you upgrade Rare Weapons in Destiny 2?
No, Rare (blue) weapons cannot be upgraded to Masterwork status. Only Legendary (purple) and Exotic (gold) gear can be upgraded.
12. Can I increase weapon levels in Destiny 2?
Yes, Resonant weapons can be leveled up by defeating enemies with them, which unlocks higher quality frames and more perks.
13. Is the Riskrunner Catalyst worth it?
Absolutely. The Riskrunner Catalyst makes the weapon significantly more powerful and effective in combat, especially in PvE, adding a much needed range to the weapon.
14. How does the Riskrunner compare to other SMGs?
The Riskrunner is a unique Exotic SMG with a distinct perk, making it more effective than many legendary SMGs in specific scenarios. It is very strong in situations where its perk is active, and less so when it is not.
15. What are some alternatives to Riskrunner?
If you’re looking for other powerful weapons, consider Gjallarhorn for heavy damage or Immortal for a top-tier Legendary SMG in Destiny 2.
In conclusion, the Riskrunner is a powerful and versatile Exotic weapon that, when upgraded, becomes a true powerhouse, especially in encounters with a large number of enemies.