Unearthing the Secrets of the Leviathan: Did the Raid Have an Exotic?
The question on the minds of many a Destiny 2 veteran and curious newcomer alike: Did the Leviathan raid have an exotic? The answer is a resounding yes. The Leviathan raid, and specifically its first raid lair, Eater of Worlds, offered the Legend of Acrius, a powerful Solar slug shotgun that carved its place in Destiny history. Let’s delve into the Leviathan’s legacy and explore the details surrounding its associated exotic and the raid itself.
The Leviathan’s Allure: More Than Just Loot
The Leviathan, the colossal, world-eating vessel of Emperor Calus, represented a unique chapter in Destiny 2. It wasn’t just about the loot, though there was plenty of that to be had. It was about the atmosphere, the lore, and the challenging encounters that tested the mettle of even the most seasoned Guardians. Raids in Destiny have always been a cornerstone of the experience, offering not just pinnacle gear, but a narrative journey woven into intricate gameplay. The Leviathan raid delivered on all fronts, and the inclusion of an exclusive exotic weapon only added to its mystique.
The original Leviathan raid itself was followed by multiple raid lairs. These were shorter, more focused experiences that reused some of the Leviathan’s environments but offered unique encounters and rewards. It was within one of these, Eater of Worlds, that the Legend of Acrius made its debut.
Legend of Acrius: A Shotgun Worthy of an Emperor
The Legend of Acrius is no ordinary shotgun. It’s a Solar slug shotgun that fires a single, powerful slug that over-penetrates targets. Its unique perk, “Trench Barrel,” grants a significant increase to damage, reload speed, and handling for a short duration after a successful melee hit. This made it a formidable weapon in both PvE and PvP, rewarding aggressive playstyles and coordinated team efforts.
Acquiring the Legend of Acrius was a multi-step process, beginning with a questline that started by simply completing the Leviathan raid. This quest involved various tasks, including defeating enemies with shotguns and collecting specific items within the Leviathan itself. The final step required completing the Eater of Worlds raid lair, where the completed weapon would finally drop. The quest itself added to the experience, forcing players to engage with different aspects of the Leviathan and delve deeper into its secrets.
The Leviathan’s Sunset and Subsequent Return
As many players know, a significant portion of Destiny 2’s content was placed in the Destiny Content Vault (DCV) with the launch of the Beyond Light expansion in November 10, 2020. This included the original Leviathan raid and its associated raid lairs, much to the dismay of many fans. The reason for this was primarily to reduce the game’s overall size and streamline development.
However, the story didn’t end there. The Leviathan made a triumphant return in Season of the Haunted, transformed into the Derelict Leviathan, a haunting and overgrown version of its former glory, orbiting Luna. While the original raids themselves did not return exactly as they were, elements of them were incorporated into new activities, bringing back a sense of nostalgia and intrigue. This iteration focused on exploring the psychological impact of the Darkness and Calus’s obsession, with many fans considering it one of the best seasonal storylines Destiny 2 has ever had. This new narrative breathed life into what would otherwise be forgotten content.
While the Legend of Acrius remained available, its acquisition method shifted. With the raids vaulted, the weapon became obtainable through other means, usually involving exotic engrams or vendor purchases. Despite this, the weapon remained linked to the Leviathan in the minds of many players, forever associated with its opulent halls and challenging encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Leviathan and its Exotic
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the details surrounding the Leviathan raid and its exotic weapon:
1. What were the Leviathan raid lairs?
The Leviathan had two raid lairs: Eater of Worlds and Spire of Stars. Eater of Worlds, as previously mentioned, was the source of the Legend of Acrius. Spire of Stars was another challenging encounter with its own unique mechanics and loot.
2. Was the Legend of Acrius a good weapon?
At its peak, the Legend of Acrius was considered a very strong weapon, especially in PvE. Its Trench Barrel perk provided a significant damage boost, making it effective against bosses and high-value targets. While its popularity has fluctuated with meta shifts, it remains a viable option in certain situations.
3. Can I still get the Legend of Acrius?
Yes, the Legend of Acrius is still obtainable in Destiny 2. However, since the original Leviathan raids are no longer directly accessible, it’s now typically acquired through exotic engrams, Xur’s weekly inventory, or the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower.
4. What power level was required for the Leviathan raid?
The original Leviathan raid required a recommended power level of 300, which was a significant hurdle at the time of its release. The raid lairs also had specific power level requirements.
5. What other loot could you get from the Leviathan raid?
Beyond the Legend of Acrius, the Leviathan raid offered a variety of powerful weapons and armor, including the Midnight Coup hand cannon, the Inaugural Address pulse rifle, and the Calus-themed armor sets.
6. What happened to Emperor Calus?
Emperor Calus’s story is complex and continues to evolve in Destiny 2. He eventually succumbed to the influence of the Witness and became a Disciple, a powerful servant of the Darkness. He played a significant role in several subsequent storylines.
7. Was the Leviathan raid difficult?
The Leviathan raid was considered challenging, requiring coordination, communication, and a solid understanding of its mechanics. The raid lairs were generally shorter but still presented unique challenges.
8. How many players were required for the Leviathan raid?
Like most Destiny raids, the Leviathan raid required a fireteam of six players.
9. Why was the Leviathan removed from Destiny 2?
The Leviathan, along with several other destinations and activities, was removed from Destiny 2 as part of the Destiny Content Vault (DCV) to reduce the game’s size and streamline development.
10. What other raids have exclusive exotics?
Many Destiny raids have exclusive exotics, including Vex Mythoclast from Vault of Glass, One Thousand Voices from Last Wish, Anarchy from Scourge of the Past, Eyes of Tomorrow from Deep Stone Crypt, and Collective Obligation from Vow of the Disciple, among others.
11. What are Exotic Ciphers used for?
Exotic Ciphers are a currency used to purchase various exotic items, including weapons and armor, from vendors like Xur or from the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower.
12. Does Xur still sell exotics from vaulted content?
Xur’s inventory rotates weekly and can include exotics from various sources, including those that were previously associated with vaulted content. Check his inventory each week to see what he’s offering.
13. How can I stay updated on Destiny 2 news and events?
Staying connected to the Destiny 2 community is a great way to stay informed. Follow official Destiny 2 social media channels, visit fan-made websites, and participate in forums and discussions. Exploring communities such as the Games Learning Society can also provide unique insights into the game’s design and impact on its players. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more!
14. Will the Leviathan ever return in its original form?
While anything is possible in Destiny 2’s ever-evolving world, there are no current plans to bring back the Leviathan raid in its original form. However, elements of it may be incorporated into future content.
15. What made the Leviathan raid so memorable?
The Leviathan raid was memorable for its unique atmosphere, challenging encounters, intricate mechanics, and the lore surrounding Emperor Calus. It represented a distinct chapter in Destiny 2’s history and left a lasting impression on many players.
The Leviathan’s Enduring Legacy
Even though the original Leviathan raid is no longer directly accessible, its impact on Destiny 2 is undeniable. The memories of its opulent halls, challenging encounters, and the quest for the Legend of Acrius remain vivid for many players. The return of the Derelict Leviathan in Season of the Haunted served as a reminder of the raid’s enduring legacy and the power of its narrative. The Legend of Acrius stands as a testament to the Leviathan’s significance, a powerful reminder of a time when Guardians dared to venture into the belly of a world-eating vessel and emerge victorious, laden with loot and unforgettable experiences.