Ascendancy Rocket Launcher: A Detailed Review and FAQ
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Yes, Ascendancy is a good rocket launcher in Destiny 2, especially after sandbox changes that boosted the overall viability of rocket launchers. Its Precision Frame archetype offers reliable tracking, and its perk pool allows for versatile builds, making it a solid choice for both PvE and PvP activities.
Ascendancy: A Closer Look
Ascendancy is a rocket launcher that many players may have overlooked, but it is a solid option. While it may not be the absolute top-tier rocket launcher for raw DPS, it offers consistent performance and ease of use that make it a dependable choice for a wide range of activities.
Key Features and Perks
Ascendancy is a Precision Frame rocket launcher, which means it fires a smaller, faster rocket that automatically tracks targets. This makes it more forgiving than other archetypes, especially against mobile or airborne enemies. Some of the key perks that make Ascendancy shine include:
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Impulse Amplifier: This perk significantly increases reload speed and projectile velocity. This dramatically enhances the weapon’s handling and responsiveness, making it much easier to fire off rockets quickly and accurately.
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Explosive Light: Picking up an Orb of Power grants a stacking damage buff, which can substantially increase the rocket’s damage output. This pairs extremely well with builds that focus on generating Orbs of Power, leading to consistent damage boosts.
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Chain Reaction: This perk causes enemies defeated by the rocket to explode, creating a chain reaction that can clear out groups of weaker enemies.
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Ambitious Assassin: Overflowing the magazine based on rapid kills before reloading. This is especially useful in content where adds spawn quickly.
PvE Viability
In PvE, Ascendancy can perform effectively in various roles. Its tracking and velocity (boosted by Impulse Amplifier) make it reliable for dealing damage to bosses and majors. Explosive Light provides a respectable damage boost when properly utilized. Chain Reaction is invaluable for add clear, making Ascendancy a strong all-around choice.
PvP Performance
While not a meta-defining PvP weapon, Ascendancy can still be effective in the Crucible. The tracking makes it easier to land shots on moving targets. Its relatively quick reload (especially with Impulse Amplifier) allows for more aggressive play. However, you’ll need to be mindful of the heavy ammo economy and choose your targets carefully.
Alternatives to Ascendancy
Though Ascendancy is a solid choice, Destiny 2 boasts several other fantastic rocket launchers. Depending on your playstyle and the content you are tackling, some alternatives might be preferable:
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Apex Predator: This is frequently considered one of the best overall DPS rocket launchers.
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Gjallarhorn: This exotic rocket launcher is a support weapon that increases the damage of other rockets, while also having solid damage output.
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Two-Tailed Fox: This exotic launcher can do significant damage with the right perks.
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Deathbringer: This rocket launcher is one of the highest DPS rocket launchers in Destiny 2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Ascendancy rocket launcher archetype?
Ascendancy is a Precision Frame rocket launcher. This archetype fires a smaller, faster-moving rocket with built-in target tracking, making it more reliable and forgiving than Adaptive or Aggressive Frame rocket launchers.
2. How do I acquire the Ascendancy rocket launcher in Destiny 2?
The Ascendancy rocket launcher was a seasonal reward weapon obtained during the Season of the Lost. Now, the Ascendancy is available from the Monument to Lost Lights located in the Tower.
3. What is the god roll for Ascendancy in PvE?
While subjective, a popular PvE god roll for Ascendancy would include Impulse Amplifier and Explosive Light. Impulse Amplifier enhances the rocket’s handling and reload speed, while Explosive Light provides a significant damage boost when picking up Orbs of Power.
4. What is the god roll for Ascendancy in PvP?
In PvP, a good roll for Ascendancy could include Impulse Amplifier for faster reloads and rocket speed, combined with Chain Reaction for additional kill potential against grouped-up opponents.
5. Is Ascendancy good for boss DPS?
Ascendancy can contribute to boss DPS, especially with the Explosive Light perk active. However, it is not the top-tier choice for raw damage output compared to dedicated DPS rocket launchers like Apex Predator or Deathbringer.
6. How does Impulse Amplifier affect Ascendancy?
Impulse Amplifier provides a substantial boost to Ascendancy’s reload speed and projectile velocity. This makes the weapon feel much more responsive and easier to use, allowing you to fire rockets more frequently and accurately.
7. Can Ascendancy clear adds effectively?
Yes, Ascendancy can clear adds effectively, especially with the Chain Reaction perk. This perk causes defeated enemies to explode, creating a chain reaction that can wipe out groups of weaker foes.
8. Is Ascendancy worth using in Grandmaster Nightfalls?
Ascendancy can be a viable option in Grandmaster Nightfalls, particularly for add clear and dealing with Overload Champions. Its tracking and reload speed make it more forgiving than other rocket launchers in high-pressure situations.
9. How does Ascendancy compare to other Precision Frame rocket launchers?
Ascendancy stands out due to its solid perk pool and readily accessible nature. While other Precision Frame rocket launchers may have unique advantages, Ascendancy offers a consistent and reliable experience.
10. Is Ascendancy good for solo content?
Ascendancy’s tracking and ease of use make it a solid choice for solo content. Its versatility allows it to handle both add clear and single-target damage effectively.
11. Can Ascendancy benefit from specific armor mods?
Yes, Ascendancy can benefit from armor mods such as Rocket Launcher Loader for faster reloads, Rocket Launcher Reserves for increased ammo capacity, and Font of Might for increased damage output.
12. How does Ascendancy’s tracking compare to other rocket launchers?
Ascendancy, being a Precision Frame, boasts reliable target tracking. While not as aggressive as some other tracking rocket launchers, its consistent tracking makes it easier to land shots on moving targets.
13. What content is Ascendancy best suited for?
Ascendancy excels in content where both add clear and single-target damage are required, such as Strikes, Nightfalls, and Gambit. Its versatility and ease of use make it a strong all-around choice.
14. Are there any specific builds that synergize well with Ascendancy?
Ascendancy synergizes well with builds that focus on generating Orbs of Power, allowing for consistent Explosive Light procs. Additionally, builds that prioritize weapon handling and reload speed can further enhance Ascendancy’s performance.
15. Where can I learn more about Destiny 2 weapon builds and strategies?
You can explore various resources online, including the Destiny 2 subreddit (r/DestinyTheGame), dedicated Destiny 2 websites and content creators on YouTube and Twitch, and through communities such as the Games Learning Society, where educational games and learning are encouraged. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Ascendancy may not be the absolute top-tier rocket launcher in Destiny 2, but its consistent performance, ease of use, and versatile perk pool make it a reliable and valuable weapon for a wide range of activities. Its Precision Frame archetype offers forgiving tracking, and its perks allow for effective add clear and respectable boss damage. If you are looking for a solid all-around rocket launcher that won’t let you down, Ascendancy is definitely worth considering.