Chasing Lightning: How Many Runs Really Until Cloudstrike?
Let’s cut to the chase: the average player should expect to run Empire Hunts around 15 to 20 times before the Cloudstrike Exotic Sniper Rifle drops. This is, of course, based on anecdotal evidence and community consensus, as Bungie doesn’t publicly disclose the exact drop rate. Remember, it’s an RNG roll, so you could get it on your first try, or you could be grinding for significantly longer. Don’t lose hope, Guardian! Understanding the mechanics and optimizing your approach can significantly improve your chances.
Understanding the Cloudstrike Grind
The allure of the Cloudstrike isn’t just its lightning-summoning power; it’s also the chase itself. Knowing how the drop works and strategizing your farming efforts can save you time and frustration. We’ll break down the key factors influencing your Cloudstrike acquisition, covering everything from difficulty selection to maximizing your efficiency.
Factors Influencing Your Acquisition
Several factors influence how quickly you’ll acquire the Cloudstrike:
- RNG (Random Number Generator): This is the big one. It’s a random drop, meaning every run is a fresh roll of the dice. There’s no escalating drop chance the more you play, unfortunately.
- Empire Hunt Difficulty: As the article you provided indicates, difficulty doesn’t affect drop rate. This is crucial. Stick to the Adept difficulty, focusing on speed.
- Empire Hunt Selection: The weekly Empire Hunt rotation means a different Hunt is active each week. Your fireteam’s familiarity and speed running ability with a particular Hunt are more important than the specific Hunt itself.
- Fireteam Efficiency: A coordinated and powerful fireteam dramatically reduces completion time. This translates to more runs per hour, effectively increasing your chances.
Optimizing Your Farm
Knowing the factors is one thing; optimizing your approach is another. Here’s how to squeeze every bit of efficiency out of your Cloudstrike farm:
- Adept Difficulty is Key: We can’t stress this enough. The article is very clear. Choose the Adept difficulty, no matter what. Higher difficulties provide no benefit to drop rates.
- Assemble a Fireteam: Solo runs are possible, but a well-oiled fireteam will significantly reduce your completion time. Coordinate loadouts and strategies beforehand.
- Skip the Fluff: Focus on completing the main objectives as quickly as possible. Bypass unnecessary encounters and prioritize speed.
- Be Patient and Persistent: RNG can be cruel. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it after a few runs. Stick to your strategy and keep grinding.
- Enjoy the Game: This might seem counterintuitive, but if you’re hating every minute, you’re more likely to burn out. Take breaks, switch activities occasionally, and remember that it’s just a game. Consider visiting GamesLearningSociety.org to discover how games can enhance learning and engagement, providing a different perspective on the grind.
Loadout Suggestions
To maximize speed, consider these loadout options:
- Weapons: High DPS weapons are essential. Consider linear fusion rifles like Sleeper Simulant or threaded grenade launchers.
- Subclasses: Well of Radiance Warlocks offer excellent survivability and damage buffs. Hunter’s with Blade Barrage or Gathering Storm, and Titans with Thundercrash are all great options for burst damage.
Cloudstrike: Is It Worth the Grind?
Absolutely! Cloudstrike’s unique perk, “Deadly Current,” which generates lightning strikes upon precision kills, makes it a powerhouse in both PvE and PvP. In PvE, it excels at clearing adds and dealing burst damage to bosses. In PvP, it can chain lightning to multiple enemies, leading to easy multi-kills. It’s a game-changer, and once you have it, you’ll understand why so many Guardians chase this weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about obtaining the Cloudstrike:
1. What exactly are Empire Hunts?
Empire Hunts are replayable missions on Europa that pit you against powerful Fallen bosses under Eramis’s command. They’re the primary activity for farming Cloudstrike.
2. Does difficulty really not matter for Cloudstrike drop rate?
Yes, the community has extensively tested this, and the consensus is clear: difficulty does not affect the drop rate of Cloudstrike. Adept is the way to go.
3. Which Empire Hunt is the easiest to farm?
This is subjective and depends on your fireteam’s familiarity and preferred playstyle. Experiment with each and determine which you can consistently clear the fastest.
4. Can I solo Empire Hunts to get Cloudstrike?
Yes, you can, but it will be significantly slower and more challenging. A fireteam is highly recommended for efficiency.
5. Are there any quests required to unlock Empire Hunts?
Yes, you need to complete the Beyond Light campaign and the associated quests from Variks to unlock Empire Hunts and their difficulty tiers.
6. How do I unlock the different difficulty levels for Empire Hunts?
You unlock difficulty levels by completing specific “Sabotage” quests offered by Variks on Europa. These quests require completing various tasks around Europa.
7. Can I get Cloudstrike from the Lost Sector on Europa?
No, Cloudstrike only drops from Empire Hunts. Lost Sectors have their own unique loot pools.
8. Is there a pity system for Cloudstrike?
Unfortunately, no. There’s no built-in mechanism to guarantee the drop after a certain number of attempts. It’s purely RNG.
9. What if I already have Cloudstrike? Should I still farm Empire Hunts?
Once you have Cloudstrike, Empire Hunts are less appealing, unless you enjoy the activity or need specific Europa materials.
10. Is Cloudstrike good for PvP?
Yes, Cloudstrike is excellent in PvP due to its lightning chaining ability. It can easily secure multi-kills.
11. What’s the Cloudstrike Catalyst and how do I get it?
The Cloudstrike Catalyst enhances the weapon’s performance. You obtain it by completing playlist activities, such as Strikes, Gambit, or Crucible matches.
12. How many kills are needed to complete the Cloudstrike Catalyst?
You need 400 kills to complete the Cloudstrike Catalyst. Shuro-Chi is a good place to complete this.
13. Is Cloudstrike getting nerfed anytime soon?
Bungie regularly updates weapon balance, so it’s always possible. However, as of now, there are no announced plans to nerf Cloudstrike. Stay updated with Destiny 2 news.
14. Why is Cloudstrike considered so good?
Cloudstrike’s unique perk, “Deadly Current,” makes it stand out. The ability to generate lightning strikes on precision hits provides incredible add clear and burst damage potential.
15. Where can I learn more about Destiny 2 strategies and builds?
There are numerous resources available online, including YouTube channels, Reddit forums, and dedicated Destiny 2 websites. For a broader perspective on gaming and learning, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Final Thoughts
The Cloudstrike grind can be a test of patience, but the reward is well worth the effort. By understanding the mechanics, optimizing your approach, and maintaining a positive attitude, you’ll significantly increase your chances of acquiring this amazing Exotic sniper rifle. Happy hunting, Guardians!