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Do Solar Weapons Scorch Targets in Destiny 2? A Deep Dive

Yes, certain Solar weapons in Destiny 2 do Scorch targets, opening up powerful build possibilities centered around Solar 3.0’s Ignition mechanic. However, not all Solar weapons inherently Scorch. The ability to apply Scorch typically comes from specific perks, Exotic intrinsic traits, or catalysts added to weapons after the Solar 3.0 rework. This makes selecting the right Solar weapon crucial for building an effective Scorch-focused loadout. Let’s explore how this system works and which weapons stand out.

Understanding Scorch and Ignition

Before diving into specific weapons, it’s important to understand the underlying mechanics. Scorch is a stacking debuff applied to enemies. Each stack deals a small amount of Solar damage over time. When enough Scorch stacks are applied (typically 100, but this can be modified by Fragments), the target Ignites, causing a large Solar explosion that damages nearby enemies.

The beauty of this system lies in its synergy. Weapons and abilities that apply Scorch work together to trigger Ignitions, creating a chain reaction of fiery devastation. Many Solar Fragments modify Scorch and Ignition behavior, allowing for further build customization.

Solar Weapons That Scorch: The Arsenal of Flames

Several Solar weapons have been specifically designed or updated to synergize with the Scorch mechanic. Here are some notable examples:

Sunshot: This Exotic Hand Cannon received a significant buff in Solar 3.0, making it a Scorch powerhouse. Its intrinsic perk, Sun Blast, causes enemies to explode on death, applying 10 Scorch stacks to nearby combatants. This makes it fantastic for clearing groups of weaker enemies and setting up Ignitions.
Polaris Lance: This Exotic Scout Rifle has always possessed a Solar burn effect. With Solar 3.0, this burn was replaced with Scorch. After landing four precision hits, the next shot, the “Perfect Fifth,” applies 40 (+20 with Ember of Ashes) Scorch stacks to the target. This makes Polaris Lance excellent for sustained damage and triggering Ignitions against tougher opponents.
One Thousand Voices: This Exotic Fusion Rifle is a behemoth of Solar destruction. Its sustained beam applies Scorch stacks to enemies caught in its fiery path. While not as efficient as some other weapons for applying Scorch, its sheer damage output makes it a valuable choice for endgame content.
Two-Tailed Fox: This Exotic Rocket Launcher fires both a Solar and Void rocket. The Solar rocket applies Scorch on impact, making it a versatile weapon for applying both Scorch and Void debuffs.
Prometheus Lens: This Exotic Trace Rifle generates a field of heat energy that grows as the weapon is fired. Sustained damage applies scorch to the target. This makes Prometheus Lens excellent for sustained damage and setting up Ignitions against tougher opponents.
Skyburner’s Oath: This Exotic Scout Rifle lobs explosive slugs. Firing from the hip causes a larger explosion that applies Scorch to the target. This makes Skyburner’s Oath effective for crowd control and applying Scorch at a distance.
Jotunn: With its catalyst, Jotunn defeats a target spreads Scorch to nearby enemies.
Weapons with the Incandescent Perk: Several Legendary weapons can roll with the Incandescent perk, which is a Solar variant of Dragonfly. Defeating an enemy with a weapon with Incandescent spreads Scorch to nearby enemies. This perk significantly boosts the Scorch potential of weapons that might not otherwise have it.

Building a Scorch-Focused Loadout

To maximize the effectiveness of Scorch, consider the following:

Fragments: Utilize Solar Fragments that enhance Scorch and Ignition. Ember of Ashes increases Scorch application, while Ember of Empyrean extends the duration of Radiant and Restoration effects after Solar weapon or ability kills.
Synergistic Abilities: Pair your Scorch-inducing weapons with Solar class abilities that also apply Scorch, such as Warlock’s Celestial Fire (which applies Scorch per projectile).
Weapon Choice: Carefully select weapons with inherent Scorch capabilities or those that can roll with the Incandescent perk.
Mods: Utilize mods that enhance weapon handling, reload speed, or damage output to further optimize your build.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Incandescent apply Scorch?

Yes, the Incandescent perk applies Scorch to nearby enemies upon defeating a target with the weapon. The amount of Scorch applied can vary, but it’s generally enough to contribute significantly to Ignitions, especially when combined with other Scorch sources.

2. Does Sunshot directly cause Ignitions?

No, Sunshot itself doesn’t directly cause Ignitions. However, its Sun Blast perk applies 10 Scorch stacks to nearby enemies, and the cumulative effect of these stacks can trigger Ignitions, especially when combined with other sources of Scorch.

3. How much Scorch does Polaris Lance apply?

The “Perfect Fifth” shot from Polaris Lance applies 40 Scorch stacks by default. This can be increased to 60 Scorch stacks by equipping the Ember of Ashes Fragment.

4. Does Jotunn apply Scorch?

Yes, but only after unlocking its catalyst. The Jotunn catalyst provides two different effects: Cornered and Incandescent. When slotted into the weapon, defeating a target spreads Scorch to nearby enemies.

5. Do Solar grenades apply Scorch?

Some Solar grenades, especially when combined with Fragments, can apply Scorch. The Solar Grenade itself inflicts Scorch with the proper fragment, enabling synergy with your Solar weapons. Note that the damage of Solar Grenades does not stack.

6. Does Celestial Fire apply Scorch?

Yes, Celestial Fire applies Scorch. This Warlock ability launches a volley of Solar projectiles, each applying Scorch to the target.

7. How does Scorch damage work?

Scorch is a Damage over Time (DoT) debuff. Each stack of Scorch deals a small amount of Solar damage over time. The higher the number of Scorch stacks, the faster the target takes damage. Once 100 stacks are reached, the target Ignites.

8. What’s the best way to increase Scorch application?

The Ember of Ashes Fragment is a fantastic option, as it increases the amount of Scorch applied by your Solar abilities and weapons. Also, consider weapons that inherently apply a large number of Scorch stacks, such as Polaris Lance or Sunshot.

9. Are Scorch Cannons Solar weapons?

Yes, Scorch Cannons deal Solar damage and act as a rocket launcher.

10. Which is the strongest Linear Fusion Rifle?

Cataclysmic is often considered the strongest Solar Linear Fusion Rifle, particularly with the combination of the Fourth Time’s the Charm and Bait and Switch perks.

11. Does Ticuus Divination apply Scorch?

As of now, Ticuu’s Divination does not inherently apply Scorch. However, some players have expressed interest in Bungie adding this functionality in the future.

12. What is Ember of Empyrean?

Ember of Empyrean is a Solar Fragment that extends the duration of your Restoration and Radiant effects when defeating targets with Solar weapons or abilities. This is especially useful for sustaining survivability and damage buffs in Solar 3.0 builds.

13. How important is Resilience for a Solar build?

Ember of Empyrean has a -10 Resilience penalty. This means you need to keep your resilience score in mind when building for this fragment. Resilience remains a valuable stat for survivability, so don’t completely neglect it.

14. What are the best Solar weapons in Destiny 2 for endgame content?

Weapons like Cataclysmic, Sunshot, Polaris Lance, and One Thousand Voices are excellent choices for endgame content due to their high damage output and/or Scorch application.

15. Where can I learn more about Destiny 2’s game mechanics and strategy?

For in-depth analysis, community discussions, and the evolving landscape of Destiny 2, engaging with resources from educational platforms is invaluable. One such resource is the Games Learning Society, which explores the intersection of games and learning: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Do solar weapons scorch targets?