Demystifying Destiny 2 Rocket Launcher Damage: A Comprehensive Guide

Absolutely not! In Destiny 2, not all rocket launchers are created equal. The damage output of a rocket launcher is influenced by several factors, including its frame, perks, and even the player’s build. Understanding these factors is crucial for maximizing your damage per second (DPS) in both PvE and PvP activities.

Understanding Rocket Launcher Damage Profiles

The concept of damage profiles is key to understanding rocket launcher performance in Destiny 2. Essentially, rocket launchers are categorized into different archetypes or frames, each with its inherent damage characteristics. Here’s a breakdown:

• Aggressive Frame: These rocket launchers often boast high impact and can deliver substantial burst damage.
• Adaptive Frame: These are more balanced, offering a good blend of damage, blast radius, and reload speed.
• High-Impact Frame: Focused on maximizing damage, often at the expense of other stats like reload speed.
• Precision Frame: Designed for consistent, accurate shots, these are less common but can be effective in specific scenarios.
• Rapid-Fire Frame: These launchers prioritize reload speed and magazine size, enabling rapid damage output.

Each frame behaves differently. For instance, a Rapid-Fire Frame might not deliver the highest single-shot damage, but its ability to fire multiple rockets quickly can lead to excellent sustained DPS. An Aggressive Frame might pack a serious punch with each rocket but suffers from a slower reload time. This is a balancing act you must master.

Factors Affecting Rocket Launcher Damage

Beyond the frame, several other factors influence how much damage a rocket launcher deals:

• Perks: Specific perks can significantly boost damage. “Impact Casing” increases damage on direct hits, while “Cluster Bombs” adds extra explosions.
• Blast Radius: While blast radius doesn’t directly translate to damage per se, a larger blast radius makes it easier to hit targets, especially in PvP, ensuring more of your potential damage is applied.
• Velocity: Higher velocity makes rockets travel faster, making it easier to hit moving targets and thus increasing the consistency of your damage output.
• Reload Speed: Faster reload speeds contribute to overall DPS by allowing you to fire more rockets in a shorter time.
• Impact: Impact directly influences the immediate damage dealt on a direct hit.
• Power Level: Your overall Power level significantly impacts the amount of damage you deal to enemies. A higher Power level makes enemies easier to damage.
• Elemental Damage: Although rocket launchers are typically Heavy weapons and don’t have the option for kinetic damage, understanding elemental interactions can still indirectly affect your damage output in certain activities.

The Impact of Perks and Mods

The right combination of perks and mods can transform a mediocre rocket launcher into a powerhouse. For example:

• Impact Casing: Increases damage dealt upon a direct hit, making each rocket count.
• Cluster Bomb: Spawns smaller explosive projectiles upon impact, dealing additional damage.
• Auto-Loading Holster: Automatically reloads the weapon when stowed, improving sustained DPS.
• Explosive Light: Increases damage after picking up an Orb of Power.
• Chill Clip: Can apply shatter damage to a boss.

Notable Rocket Launchers and Their Strengths

Some rocket launchers consistently rank high in the Destiny 2 meta due to their unique traits and damage potential:

• Deathbringer: Known for its unique firing mechanic and high DPS when used correctly, especially when combined with Volatile Rounds.
• Gjallarhorn: A support weapon that can significantly boost your team’s rocket launcher performance.
• Cold Comfort: The perk Chill Clip is able to apply shatter damage to a boss, and this Rocket has the best perk pairing for Chill Clip.
• Apex Predator: A top contender for overall damage output.
• The Hothead: Another solid choice.
• Royal Entry: Consistently reliable.
• Bump in the Night: Another strong choice for damage.

Maximizing Your Rocket Launcher DPS

To truly maximize your rocket launcher DPS, consider these tips:

• Optimize Your Build: Combine rocket launchers with armor mods and subclass abilities that boost damage or reload speed.
• Practice Aim: Direct hits deal significantly more damage than splash damage.
• Understand Enemy Weaknesses: Some enemies are more vulnerable to specific types of damage.
• Coordinate with Your Team: Synergize your rocket launcher usage with your teammates’ abilities for maximum impact.

Rocket Launchers in PvP

In PvP, rocket launchers are devastating power weapons. Factors like blast radius, velocity, and handling become even more critical. A well-placed rocket can easily wipe out an entire team. Look for rocket launchers with good blast radius and tracking capabilities for optimal performance in the Crucible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does blast radius equal damage in Destiny 2?

No, blast radius doesn’t directly equate to damage. It increases the size of the explosion, making it easier to hit targets, but the base damage of the rocket remains consistent.

2. How much damage does a rocket launcher do?

The damage varies depending on the rocket launcher’s frame, perks, and range. Short-range hits can do 105-112 damage, medium-range hits can do 50-90 damage, and long-range hits can do 45-60 damage. These are base figures and can be modified.

3. What is the best rocket launcher frame in Destiny 2?

There’s no single “best” frame. The ideal frame depends on your playstyle and the activity you’re undertaking. Rapid-Fire Frames excel in sustained DPS, while Aggressive Frames are better for burst damage.

4. Is blast radius or velocity better?

For general use, velocity might be preferred, as it makes it easier to hit moving targets. However, blast radius can be more forgiving for less precise shots. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preference.

5. Are grenade launchers still good in Destiny 2?

Yes, Heavy Grenade Launchers can be effective, especially with the right perks. Some specific rolls, like Auto-Loading Holster and Explosive Light, can make them formidable weapons.

6. Does Impact Casing increase damage?

Yes, Impact Casing increases damage on direct hits, making it a valuable perk for maximizing your damage output.

7. How much of a damage increase are Spike Grenades?

Spike Grenades increase Grenade Impact Damage by 50%. Due to the ratio of Explosive and Impact Damage being tied to the Blast Radius (BR) stat on Grenade Launchers (GLs), a lower stat will provide a higher overall damage increase.

8. Do Kinetic weapons do more damage in Destiny 2?

Yes, Kinetic weapons deal 10% more damage to unshielded enemies than Energy weapons in PvE.

9. Is Gjallarhorn worth it?

Yes, despite other rocket launchers dealing more damage, Gjallarhorn remains a valuable support weapon that can significantly boost your team’s rocket launcher performance.

10. What determines damage in Destiny 2?

Your Power level, weapon stats (like impact and velocity), perks, and enemy vulnerabilities all contribute to the amount of damage you deal.

11. How effective are multiple rocket launchers?

Using multiple rocket launchers can provide a significant advantage by allowing for rapid saturation fire over a target area. This is especially useful against bosses or groups of enemies.

12. Can a rocket launcher destroy armored glass?

Yes, a rocket launcher can easily destroy armored glass that is designed to stop bullets.

13. What is the disadvantage of a multi-use rocket?

The main disadvantage of reusable rockets is their reduced payload and added weight due to the need for structural integrity for reuse.

14. Do you take more damage with higher FPS in Destiny 2?

This was a past issue in Destiny 2; however, it has been addressed in game updates.

15. Is The Blowout good in Destiny 2?

The Blowout isn’t going to blow your mind, but it’s a good enough option if you need an Arc rocket launcher for whatever reason and can swing the right perks.

Conclusion

In Destiny 2, rocket launchers offer a diverse range of damage profiles and playstyles. By understanding the factors that influence damage, you can choose the right rocket launcher and optimize your build to become a formidable force in both PvE and PvP. Keep experimenting with different rocket launchers and perk combinations to find what works best for you.

The world of gaming is constantly evolving, and understanding the nuances of game mechanics like Destiny 2’s weapon system is crucial for both enjoyment and success. Learning through games can be an incredibly effective way to develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking. For more on the intersection of games and education, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.