How to Acquire the Malfeasance Exotic Hand Cannon in Destiny 2: A Comprehensive Guide

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The Malfeasance is a highly sought-after Exotic Hand Cannon in Destiny 2, known for its unique perk, “Slug Shot,” which fires explosive slugs that burrow into the target. Detonating these slugs by landing subsequent hits deals significant damage, especially against Taken enemies and in Gambit. Unlike many exotics that drop randomly, obtaining Malfeasance requires completing a specific quest line. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get your hands on this powerful weapon:

1. Initiate the Quest: “Darkness in Light”

   • The journey begins in Gambit. You need to play Gambit matches until a special boss spawns during the Primeval phase: the Ascendant Primeval Servitor.
   • Crucially, you must defeat this Ascendant Primeval Servitor and win the Gambit match. Losing the match after defeating the Servitor means you’ll have to grind Gambit again until it reappears. This is purely RNG (Random Number Generator), so be prepared for some potentially lengthy play sessions.
   • Upon defeating the Servitor and winning, the “Darkness in Light” quest will drop. This will appear as a quest item called the “Seething Heart”.

2. Complete the Quest Steps:

   • Speak to the Drifter: Once you have the “Seething Heart”, head to the Tower and talk to the Drifter. He’ll give you some backstory and explain the next steps.
   • “City of Secrets”: Defeat 25 Taken Bosses or Mini-Bosses: The quest then requires you to eliminate 25 Taken bosses or mini-bosses. Good places to farm these include:
     • The Dreaming City: Lost Sectors and public events in the Dreaming City are teeming with Taken enemies. The Shattered Throne dungeon is also an excellent, albeit more challenging, option.
     • Strikes: Certain strikes, especially those featuring Taken enemies, can also be good farming locations.
   • “The Corrupted” Strike: Next, you must complete the “The Corrupted” Strike. This strike is located in the Dreaming City and involves navigating through Taken architecture and mechanics. It can be quite challenging, so it’s recommended to bring a fireteam.
   • Gambit Motes and Wins: After the Strike, you’ll need to return to Gambit and complete two objectives:
     • Deposit Motes: Deposit a total of 400 Motes. Be careful, as losing motes detracts from this total.
     • Win Gambit Matches: Win 10 Gambit matches. These two objectives can be completed concurrently.
   • “Lights Out”: Guardian Kills and Invasion Wipes: This is often considered the most challenging step of the quest:
     • Invader Kills: You need to defeat 25 Guardians in Gambit. This can be done as an invader yourself, or by defeating invaders as they try to eliminate your team.
     • Team Wipes: Either as an invader or with the help of a teammate, achieve a full team wipe on the enemy team three times. This means eliminating all four enemy Guardians during a single invasion. This can be accomplished by invaders or by counter-invading. Coordinate with your team to maximize your chances.
   • Return to the Drifter: Once you’ve completed all the objectives, return to the Drifter in the Tower. He’ll reward you with the Malfeasance Exotic Hand Cannon!

Obtaining the Malfeasance Catalyst

Once you have the Malfeasance, you’ll likely want to acquire its catalyst. This enhances the weapon by adding the Vorpal Weapon perk, which significantly increases damage against bosses, vehicles, and Guardians in their Super.

How to Acquire the Catalyst

The Malfeasance catalyst is obtained randomly by completing playlist activities, which include Strikes, Gambit, and Crucible matches. There is no guaranteed method for obtaining the catalyst, so you’ll need to grind these activities until it drops.

Completing the Catalyst

After obtaining the catalyst, you must defeat 700 enemies with the Malfeasance to unlock its masterwork perk (Vorpal Weapon). A popular method for quickly completing this objective is the Shuro Chi encounter within the Last Wish Raid. This encounter provides a dense concentration of enemies, making it an efficient way to farm kills.

Is Malfeasance Worth the Effort?

While the quest can be time-consuming, the Malfeasance is a potent weapon, especially in Gambit and against Taken enemies. Its ability to rapidly stack slugs and trigger explosions makes it a powerful option for both PvE and PvP encounters. With the catalyst, it becomes even more effective, particularly against bosses and in PvP engagements. Experiment with builds that synergize with the weapon’s unique features, such as those involving Lucky Pants for Hunters, to unlock its full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Malfeasance

1. Can you still get Malfeasance in 2023? Yes, you can still obtain Malfeasance in 2023 by completing the “Darkness in Light” quest. The steps remain the same as outlined above.

2. Can you get Malfeasance without owning Forsaken? Yes, previously, the Malfeasance Exotic was locked behind the purchase of the Forsaken DLC, but now anyone can obtain Malfeasance even if they don’t own Forsaken anymore. Since the Forsaken campaign has been vaulted, the requirements have been adjusted, making it accessible to all players.

3. What’s the quickest way to get the Malfeasance catalyst? The catalyst is obtained randomly by completing Strikes, Gambit, or Crucible matches. There’s no guaranteed method, so focus on efficient completion of these activities.

4. How many kills does it take to complete the Malfeasance catalyst? You need to defeat 700 enemies with Malfeasance to unlock its masterwork.

5. Why can’t I get the Ascendant Primeval Servitor to spawn in Gambit? The Ascendant Primeval Servitor spawn is random. Keep playing Gambit matches, and eventually, it will appear during the Primeval phase.

6. Is Malfeasance a good weapon in PvE? Yes, Malfeasance is excellent in PvE, especially against Taken enemies. Its unique explosive slug perk deals substantial damage.

7. Does Malfeasance work with Lucky Pants? Yes, Malfeasance pairs exceptionally well with Lucky Pants, as it greatly increases the damage output. The explosive slugs deal additional damage making a great pair.

8. What is the best way to farm Taken bosses for the “City of Secrets” quest step? The Shattered Throne dungeon in the Dreaming City is a great place to farm powerful Taken.

9. Is Malfeasance considered a Weapon of Sorrow? No, despite its lore and visual design, Malfeasance is not classified as a Weapon of Sorrow.

10. How do I start the “Darkness in Light” quest if I abandoned it? You can reacquire the quest from the Quest Archive kiosk in the Tower.

11. Is the “Lights Out” step (Guardian kills and team wipes) easier to complete with a fireteam? Absolutely. Coordinating with a fireteam significantly increases your chances of completing the “Lights Out” step, especially the team wipe requirement.

12. What does the Malfeasance catalyst do once completed? The completed Malfeasance catalyst adds the “Vorpal Weapon” perk, increasing damage against bosses, vehicles, and Guardians in their Super.

13. Where can I find more information on Destiny 2 weapon builds and strategies? You can find extensive resources and community discussions on websites like Destiny Item Manager (DIM), Light.gg, and various Destiny 2 subreddits. Furthermore, exploring educational resources focused on gameplay and learning can greatly improve the gaming experience. For example, the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org, offers insights into how games can be used for educational purposes.

14. Are there any alternatives to the Shuro Chi encounter for completing the catalyst? Yes, any activity with a high density of enemies, such as the Altars of Sorrow on the Moon or certain Lost Sectors, can be used to farm kills. However, Shuro Chi is generally considered the most efficient method.

15. Has Malfeasance been affected by any recent nerfs or buffs? It’s essential to stay updated on any balance changes implemented by Bungie. Check the official Destiny 2 patch notes for the latest information on weapon adjustments.

Obtaining the Malfeasance and its catalyst requires persistence and dedication, but the resulting weapon is a valuable addition to any Guardian’s arsenal. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor in Gambit!