Does Crota Take More Damage from Swords? The Definitive Guide
Yes, Crota, the Son of Oryx, in Destiny 2’s Crota’s End raid, is specifically designed to take significantly increased damage from swords. This mechanic is a core element of the encounter and understanding it is crucial for a successful raid completion. The whole final encounter revolves around the fireteam coordinating to enable sword damage phases. Without exploiting this vulnerability, defeating Crota becomes exceedingly difficult, if not impossible.
Understanding Crota’s Vulnerability
Crota’s encounter is a dance of power. He is initially invulnerable to most forms of damage. The key to unlocking his vulnerability lies in a complex series of steps involving the chalice buff, managing adds (enemy non-player characters), and strategic team positioning. The culmination of these steps is the activation of the “damage phase” where Crota becomes susceptible to sword attacks.
During the damage phase, a player wields a lootable sword and unleashes a series of attacks on Crota. This sword isn’t just any sword; it’s a crucial element dropped by a specific enemy within the encounter. Proper timing, coordination, and knowing when to strike are paramount to maximizing damage output. The amount of damage dealt during these phases dictates how quickly you can bring Crota down.
Maximizing Sword Damage
While swords are the key to damaging Crota, simply swinging wildly won’t cut it (pun intended!). Several factors influence the effectiveness of sword attacks:
- Team Composition: A well-balanced fireteam with specific roles assigned is critical. For example, someone is in charge of using Tractor Cannon
- Buffs and Debuffs: Utilizing buffs like Well of Radiance (Warlock) and debuffs like Tractor Cannon significantly amplifies damage.
- Sword Choice: While the lootable sword from the encounter is essential, the subclass of the player wielding it can also subtly impact damage through perks and abilities. Some classes can enhance sword damage through specific builds.
- Attack Timing: Understanding Crota’s attack patterns and vulnerabilities allows players to time their strikes effectively, avoiding unnecessary risks and maximizing damage windows.
- Critical Hits: Aiming for Crota’s critical hit zone (usually his head or chest) dramatically increases the damage dealt.
The Tractor Cannon Advantage
The article excerpt specifically mentions the Tractor Cannon, a unique Exotic shotgun that applies a Void debuff to enemies, increasing the damage they take from all sources. This weapon is particularly valuable in the Crota encounter because it provides a significant damage boost, making it easier to quickly deplete Crota’s health bar during the damage phase. The suggested fusion rifle for the Tractor Cannon wielder allows them to contribute to DPS outside of the debuff phases.
Why Swords are King
The game mechanics of the Crota’s End raid are deliberately designed to emphasize the importance of swords. While other weapons can contribute to add control and pre-damage phase activities, swords are the primary damage dealers against Crota during his vulnerable state. This design choice adds a layer of strategic depth to the encounter, forcing players to coordinate and master the sword-based combat system. Trying to bypass this mechanic and relying on other weapons usually leads to prolonged encounters and eventual failure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Crota and sword damage:
1. Can I use any sword to damage Crota?
No. You must use the sword that drops during the encounter from specific enemies. Other swords won’t deal significant damage to Crota, even during the damage phase.
2. Does the type of sword (adaptive, aggressive, etc.) matter?
The archetypes of the lootable sword do not change.
3. Does my character’s Power Level affect sword damage?
Yes, Power Level is a significant factor in damage output. Being at or above the recommended Power Level for the raid is crucial for dealing optimal damage.
4. How does the Tractor Cannon increase damage?
Tractor Cannon applies a Void debuff that increases the damage Crota takes from all sources, including sword attacks.
5. What are the best buffs to use for increased sword damage?
Well of Radiance, Banner of War, and other damage-increasing buffs are essential. Coordination with your fireteam to apply these buffs simultaneously maximizes damage output.
6. Is there a specific sword attack that deals more damage?
Generally, the heavy attack (block + light attack) deals the most damage per swing. However, managing your sword energy is important.
7. Can I still damage Crota if I miss the critical hit spot?
Yes, but you will deal significantly less damage. Aiming for the critical hit zone is crucial for maximizing damage.
8. How important is team coordination in the Crota encounter?
Team coordination is paramount. Successfully completing the raid requires effective communication, role assignment, and strategic execution.
9. Can the Lightscale Trident from Zelda TotK damage Crota?
No, this is a sword from a different game, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and has no impact on Destiny 2’s Crota’s End raid.
10. What happens if the sword despawns during the damage phase?
The damage phase will continue, but without the sword, your team will be unable to damage Crota until the next damage phase. This is why maintaining possession of the sword is vital.
11. Does Crota have a damage threshold?
Yes. If Crota takes too much damage in a short amount of time, he can retaliate with an Oversoul attack to punish the fireteam. Managing damage output and avoiding overwhelming him too quickly is crucial.
12. Why is resilience useful?
Resilience is useful for survival and avoiding getting one-shotted in the Destiny 2 game.
13. How does the well of radiance help with damage output?
Well of Radiance heals and adds a damage buff to the party, allowing the party to deal more damage.
14. What is the best class for the swords bearer?
There isn’t necessarily a “best” class. However, classes with abilities that enhance survivability or damage output can be particularly effective. Experiment to find what works best for your playstyle and team composition. Some prefer Titans with the Synthoceps exotic for increased melee damage, while others prefer Hunters for their mobility and damage buffs.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and mechanics like these?
You can explore the world of game design and learning through gaming at the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/). They offer valuable resources and insights into the educational aspects of gaming. GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource to find information about educational games.
By understanding these mechanics and FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the Crota’s End raid and defeat Crota, the Son of Oryx. Good luck, Guardians!