Understanding Xur: The Enigmatic Agent of the Nine in Destiny 2
Xur, the Agent of the Nine, is a unique and essential vendor in Destiny 2. He operates outside of the traditional in-game economy, offering Exotic and Legendary items in exchange for Legendary Shards and other rare currencies. Unlike other vendors who stay in one location, Xur’s arrival is a weekly event shrouded in mystery. He appears seemingly at random, carrying a selection of unique gear.
Xur arrives every Friday at 12 PM EST (5 PM GMT), and his location changes each week, appearing in the public sector of one of four planets – the European Dead Zone, Titan, IO, or Nessus – or occasionally at the Tower. He departs on Tuesday at 12 PM EST (5 PM GMT), coinciding with the game’s weekly reset, making his presence a limited-time opportunity for players. His inventory consists of one Exotic weapon, one Exotic armor piece for each class (Titan, Hunter, Warlock), and an Exotic Engram. Additionally, he provides a selection of randomly rolled Legendary weapons and armor similar to the Gunsmith.
Xur’s role goes beyond simply selling goods. He offers a way for players to acquire Exotics they may be missing, providing a guaranteed new Exotic from his Exotic Engram if all non-quest Exotics are absent from their collection. He also facilitates a unique weekly quest for an Exotic Cipher, a rare resource needed for purchasing past Exotic weapons from the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower. By participating in this hunt, players can gain access to powerful and unique weapons. Xur has a reputation system that can earn you various rewards when you purchase items from him.
In essence, Xur is a weekend merchant who provides a crucial opportunity for Guardians to access rare and powerful gear. His unpredictable nature, coupled with the limited time he is available, makes him a much anticipated character every week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Xur
Where can I find Xur?
Xur’s location changes every week, and he can be found in a public area on one of these four planets: the European Dead Zone, Titan, IO, or Nessus. He can also occasionally appear in the Tower. His specific location is often found in game or through community resources and websites.
What time does Xur arrive and leave?
Xur arrives every Friday at 12 PM EST (5 PM GMT) and departs with the weekly reset on Tuesday at 12 PM EST (5 PM GMT).
What currencies does Xur accept?
Xur primarily accepts Legendary Shards as payment for his gear. Some items, like the Exotic Engram or specific exotic wares, may require additional resources such as Ascendant Shards and Exotic Ciphers.
How much do Xur’s items cost?
The Exotic weapon he sells costs 29 Legendary Shards, and the Exotic armor pieces for each class cost 23 Legendary Shards each. The Exotic Engram costs 97 Legendary Shards.
Does Xur sell Exotic Engrams?
Yes, Xur sells Exotic Engrams. These engrams can guarantee a new exotic piece if you are missing non-quest exotics from your collection. The first engram requires an Exotic Cipher, while the second one costs 97 Legendary Shards.
Can Xur sell duplicates?
Yes, if Xur cannot provide any exotics that you do not own, he can give you a duplicate. It is important to note that Xur will not give you exotics that come from quests, or from content that you do not own.
Does Xur sell all Exotics?
No, Xur does not sell all exotics. He offers a rotating selection of Exotic weapons and armor. He will not provide exotics from quests or expansions that you do not own. However, his engram can help fill gaps in your collection if you are missing something not acquired via quests.
What is an Exotic Cipher?
An Exotic Cipher is a rare resource used to purchase past Exotic weapons from the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower. You can earn one each week by completing Xur’s weekly quest Xenology.
Why didn’t Xur give me an Exotic Cipher?
If you have completed the objective for Xur’s Xenology quest and still have an Exotic Cipher in your inventory, the game will not grant you another. You must use the one you have before you can receive another.
What can I get from Xur’s Legendary items?
Xur’s legendary stock consists of randomly rolled legendary weapons and armor. These rolls are unique each week, and sometimes offer excellent stats and perk combinations. He offers a similar loot pool to the Gunsmith, so check his inventory every week.
Does Xur have a reputation system?
Yes, Xur has a reputation system that can earn you Strange Engrams, weapons, and rare resources for each rank-up. If you purchase 16 Ranks, Xur will reset your rank and you can collect all the ranking rewards one more time. This is a good way to collect valuable items such as Ascendant Shards.
What are the best weapons to spend my Exotic Cipher on?
Several powerful weapons are available from the Monument to Lost Lights that are worth spending an Exotic Cipher on. These include Anarchy, Thorn, Ace of Spades, Eriana’s Vow, and Witherhord. Other strong options are Symmetry, Leviathan’s Breath, Bastion, and Devil’s Ruin. The best choice depends on your playstyle and preferences.
Can I “hold Xur hostage”?
Yes, you can technically hold Xur hostage, but his inventory will not refresh on reset. This method might delay access to the vendor, but won’t allow players access to the items he offers.
Is Xur’s inventory good every week?
Xur’s inventory is random every week. Sometimes he sells gear with good rolls on Legendary weapons and armor, and the Exotic items offered are always a good opportunity for those who are missing any pieces. He is worth checking every week just in case.
How can I farm Ascendant Shards?
The fastest way to get Ascendant Shards is by completing Master or Grandmaster Nightfall strikes. These have a chance to reward players with 1-2 shards each completion.