How to Get Random Exotics in Destiny 2: A Comprehensive Guide
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So, you’re chasing that elusive Exotic in Destiny 2? You’ve come to the right place, Guardian. Getting your hands on random Exotics boils down to participating in activities that have a chance to drop them as rewards. The most common method is by simply playing the game! Many activities, from completing Strikes and Crucible matches to participating in Public Events and tackling Nightfalls, offer a chance for an Exotic Engram to drop upon completion. The higher the difficulty, generally the greater the chance. Keep in mind, however, that ‘random’ means just that: it’s all down to RNG (Random Number Generator), so persistence is key.
Understanding Exotic Sources
Before diving into specific farming methods, it’s crucial to understand the various sources from which Exotics can drop:
- World Drops: These are the truly random Exotics. They can drop from virtually any activity that rewards loot, though the drop rate is relatively low.
- Exotic Engrams: These decrypt into a random Exotic armor or weapon piece.
- Nightfalls: Higher difficulty Nightfalls have a significantly increased chance of dropping Exotics upon completion.
- Legend/Master Lost Sectors: These special Lost Sectors, available only on certain days, are the only source for specific Exotic armor pieces.
- Raids and Dungeons: Certain raids and dungeons have specific Exotic weapons tied to them as potential rewards for completion.
- Quests: Some Exotics are only obtainable through specific questlines.
- Xûr, Agent of the Nine: This weekend vendor sells Exotic weapons and armor, offering a direct purchase option (for Legendary Shards).
- The Monument to Lost Lights: This kiosk in the Tower allows you to purchase older Exotics using various materials, including Exotic Ciphers.
Farming Methods for Random Exotics
Now that we know the sources, let’s explore the best methods for farming random Exotics:
Nightfall: The Ordeal
As the article states, High-difficulty Nightfall: The Ordeal activities are a time-efficient way to farm for Exotics. Not only do they provide a decent chance for Exotic Engrams to drop upon completion, but they also reward you with useful materials and Nightfall-specific weapons. The higher the difficulty, the better your chances, but make sure you can complete the activity consistently and efficiently. Grandmaster Nightfalls have the highest drop rates but require a well-coordinated team and high Power level.
Playlist Activities (Strikes, Crucible, Gambit)
While the drop rate is lower than in Nightfalls, engaging in playlist activities like Strikes, Crucible, and Gambit can provide a steady stream of loot and opportunities for Exotic Engrams to drop. These are good options if you prefer more varied gameplay. Also, consider using Vanguard, Crucible, or Gambit boons to increase your chances of receiving extra rewards.
Public Events
Participating in Public Events, especially Heroic Public Events, can sometimes reward you with an Exotic Engram. While not the most efficient farming method, it’s a good option for casual players and can be combined with other activities.
Legend/Master Lost Sectors
While these Lost Sectors don’t drop random exotics, completing these solo activities will grant specific new exotic armor that are otherwise unobtainable. This is the only way to get these pieces.
Minimizing RNG Frustration
Farming for random Exotics can be frustrating due to the reliance on RNG. Here are a few tips to mitigate that:
- Manage Expectations: Understand that Exotics are rare, and it may take time to get the one you’re looking for.
- Diversify Your Activities: Don’t just grind one activity repeatedly. Mix it up to avoid burnout.
- Track Your Progress: Keep track of how many activities you’ve completed to get a sense of your drop rate.
- Take Breaks: If you’re feeling frustrated, take a break and come back later.
- Remember to have fun! Destiny 2 is a game, after all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of obtaining random Exotics in Destiny 2:
1. Do Exotic Engrams decrypt into duplicates?
Yes, Exotic Engrams can decrypt into duplicates of Exotics you already own. This is unfortunate, but part of the RNG nature of the system. If you get a duplicate weapon, you can dismantle it for weapon parts and shards. Duplicate armor can be useful if it has a better stat roll than your current one.
2. Can all Exotics drop randomly from Engrams?
No, some Exotics are tied to specific quests, raids, or Lost Sectors and cannot be obtained from random Exotic Engrams. Make sure to research the source of the Exotic you’re looking for to avoid wasting your time.
3. How often does Xûr appear, and what does he sell?
Xûr appears every weekend, from Friday reset to Tuesday reset. He sells one Exotic weapon and one Exotic armor piece for each class, as well as an Exotic Engram (Fated Engram). His inventory changes each week.
4. What are the best stats to look for on Exotic armor?
Generally, you want Exotic armor with high stat totals, prioritizing stats that synergize with your build. For example, if you’re a Warlock using Well of Radiance, prioritize Resilience, Recovery, and Discipline.
5. Can I increase my chances of getting an Exotic Engram?
While you can’t directly increase the drop rate, you can focus on activities with higher drop chances, such as Nightfalls. Using fireteam medallions and similar consumables may slightly increase your overall loot gains, indirectly increasing your chances.
6. What is the difference between a Fated Engram and a regular Exotic Engram?
Fated Engrams, sold by Xûr, guarantee an Exotic you don’t already own (unless you own all possible Exotics). Regular Exotic Engrams can drop duplicates. Fated Engrams are no longer sold by Xur.
7. Can I farm Exotic armor from Lost Sectors?
Yes! But only on Legend/Master difficulties. And only the new, lost sector exclusive armor. Completing these sectors solo has a chance to reward you with an Exotic armor piece, but only for the armor slot that is rotating for that day. This is the only way to get this armor.
8. Can I farm Raid Exotics?
Some Raid Exotics can be farmed. Only if their respective dungeon is the weekly featured dungeon.
9. What Power level do I need to be to farm Nightfalls effectively?
You should be at or above the recommended Power level for the Nightfall difficulty you’re attempting. Being underleveled significantly reduces your damage output and increases the damage you take.
10. Are there any “free” Exotics for new players?
Yes, the Riskrunner is the very first Exotic that new Guardians will be able to get their hands on in the game. There are also a selection of other Exotics obtainable through gameplay without requiring DLC purchases.
11. How do I obtain Exotic Ciphers?
Exotic Ciphers can be earned through various activities, primarily by completing Xûr’s Xenology quest each week. This quest requires you to complete Strikes, Crucible matches, or Gambit matches.
12. Can I infuse Exotics to increase their Power level?
Yes, Exotics can be infused using Legendary or Exotic gear of a higher Power level. This requires Glimmer and Legendary Shards.
13. Is there a way to re-roll the stats on Exotic armor?
No, currently there is no way to directly re-roll the stats on Exotic armor. You’ll have to obtain new drops to get different stat rolls.
14. What is the Monument to Lost Lights, and how do I use it?
The Monument to Lost Lights is a kiosk in the Tower that allows you to purchase older Exotics that are no longer obtainable through normal gameplay. It requires various materials, including Glimmer, Legendary Shards, Enhancement Prisms, Ascendant Shards, and Exotic Ciphers.
15. Are Mythic weapons better than Exotic weapons?
This question doesn’t really apply to Destiny 2. Mythic weapons are not part of the game’s loot system. In Destiny 2, Exotic weapons are typically more powerful and have unique perks that significantly alter your gameplay. Legendary weapons are the highest tier of standard weapons.
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has shed some light on how to obtain random Exotics in Destiny 2. Remember to stay persistent, diversify your activities, and, most importantly, have fun! And as you strategize your gameplay, remember the important role that learning plays within gaming communities. You can explore some of the concepts that drive gaming behavior at the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org. Happy hunting, Guardians!