Is Khvostov in Destiny 2? A Guardian’s Guide to a Classic’s Return
Yes, the Khvostov Exotic Auto Rifle is indeed returning to Destiny 2 in the upcoming The Final Shape expansion! This news has sent ripples of excitement throughout the Destiny community, as the Khvostov holds a special place in the hearts of many Guardians. It’s not just a gun; it’s a symbol of beginnings, a reminder of the first steps taken into the sprawling universe that Destiny has become. Let’s delve into the details of its return, its history, and what Guardians can expect from this revamped classic.
A Blast from the Past: The Khvostov’s Legacy
The Khvostov 7G-02 isn’t just any auto rifle. It’s the first weapon that new Guardians acquire during the “A Guardian Rises” mission in the original Destiny. For many players, it represents their initial foray into the world of Light and Darkness, a humble but reliable tool in their fight against the encroaching darkness.
Its simplicity was its strength. Lacking any fancy perks, it relied solely on its kinetic damage, forcing players to understand the basics of gunplay and target acquisition. It was a teaching tool disguised as a weapon, subtly imparting the fundamentals of combat in the Destiny universe. Even more, the original Khvostov could be upgraded to become full auto or semi auto, with adjustable rate of fire – these were options other weapons at the time simply lacked.
The Khvostov’s reappearance in the Shadowkeep expansion served as a nostalgic nod to its significance. New players were once again introduced to the game with this iconic rifle, reinforcing its role as a foundational element of the Destiny experience.
The Final Shape: Khvostov’s Exotic Evolution
Now, with The Final Shape, the Khvostov is being elevated to the status of an Exotic weapon. This is far more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it signifies a complete reimagining of the weapon, infusing it with unique abilities and perks that set it apart from its humble beginnings.
While the exact details of its Exotic perks are still under wraps, the return of the Khvostov as an Exotic suggests a focus on versatility and customization. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the ability to switch firing modes return, alongside unique stat packages that allow the Khvostov to be a beast in the Crucible, or just at home in PvE.
Bungie has a track record of taking beloved weapons and giving them fascinating new identities through their Exotic variants. The Red Death, a pulse rifle with health-regenerating properties, inspired the Crimson hand cannon in Destiny 2. This transformation highlights Bungie’s creativity in reimagining classic weapons.
The decision to bring back the Khvostov as an Exotic in The Final Shape indicates that Bungie recognizes its iconic status and wants to offer players a fresh, compelling take on a familiar weapon. It’s a way to honor the past while pushing the game forward.
Why the Khvostov Matters
Beyond its in-game stats and perks, the Khvostov represents something more profound to the Destiny community.
- Nostalgia: It’s a powerful reminder of the early days of Destiny, evoking memories of shared experiences and the initial wonder of exploring a new universe.
- Accessibility: Its simplicity made it approachable for new players, acting as a welcoming introduction to the game’s mechanics.
- Symbolism: The Khvostov represents the journey of a Guardian, from humble beginnings to powerful hero, mirroring the players’ own progression through the game.
The Khvostov is a symbol of player agency, allowing Guardians to experiment with different playstyles and find their footing in the Destiny universe. This is the type of player engagement explored by researchers associated with organizations like the Games Learning Society, who study the ways in which games can facilitate learning and skill development. This can be further researched on GamesLearningSociety.org.
What to Expect
Although the specifics of the Exotic Khvostov remain shrouded in mystery, here are a few educated guesses based on past trends and the weapon’s history:
- Customizable Firing Modes: The ability to switch between full-auto and burst-fire could return, offering players flexibility in combat.
- Rate of Fire Adjustment: Guardians might be able to fine-tune the weapon’s rate of fire to suit their preferred playstyle.
- Unique Exotic Perk: Expect a signature perk that sets the Khvostov apart from other auto rifles, possibly related to its history or its role as a starting weapon.
- Element Customization: Perhaps the Khvostov will allow switching between kinetic, solar, arc, and void damage to better adapt to different enemies and encounters.
Khvostov’s Place in the Meta
The return of the Khvostov is timed quite well. Destiny 2 is not ending, but The Final Shape does close a chapter in the game’s rich story. With new stories promised in “Episodes,” it is reasonable to expect new combat engagements that require a swiss-army-knife kind of weapon.
Whether it will become a meta-defining weapon remains to be seen, but its potential for customization could make it a versatile and viable choice for various activities. Its real value, however, might lie in its sentimental appeal and the unique playstyle it offers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will the Exotic Khvostov be difficult to obtain?
The acquisition method for the Exotic Khvostov in The Final Shape is currently unknown. It could be tied to a specific quest, a challenging activity, or a random drop. Bungie will likely reveal more details closer to the expansion’s release.
2. Will the Khvostov be useful in endgame content?
As an Exotic weapon, the Khvostov will likely be viable in at least some endgame activities. Its effectiveness will depend on its stats, perks, and how well it synergizes with current builds and meta strategies.
3. Is the Khvostov the only returning weapon in The Final Shape?
No, the Dragon’s Breath Exotic Rocket Launcher and Red Death pulse rifle are also confirmed to be returning in The Final Shape.
4. Will the Red Death return as a pulse rifle or auto rifle?
The Red Death is confirmed to be returning as a pulse rifle. It is classified as a pulse rifle but constructed like an Auto Rifle.
5. What is the relationship between Red Death and Crimson?
The Crimson hand cannon in Destiny 2 is inspired by the Red Death pulse rifle from the original Destiny. Crimson shares Red Death’s health-regenerating properties but is a hand cannon instead of a pulse rifle.
6. Is Destiny 2 ending with The Final Shape?
No, Destiny 2 is not ending with The Final Shape. This expansion will conclude the Light and Darkness saga, but the game will continue with new stories and content after it.
7. Will there be a Destiny 3?
Bungie has stated multiple times that they are not currently planning to make a Destiny 3. They are focused on expanding and evolving Destiny 2 with new content and stories.
8. Are Exotic weapons free-to-play in Destiny 2?
Some Exotic weapons are obtainable in the free-to-play portions of Destiny 2, such as the Riskrunner, Tractor Cannon, and Arbalest. However, many Exotics require owning specific expansions or season passes.
9. Does Xur sell Exotic weapons?
Yes, Xur sells Exotic weapons and armor every weekend in Destiny 2. His inventory changes weekly, so it’s worth checking in to see what he’s offering.
10. What is the rarest Exotic weapon in Destiny 2?
The rarity of Exotic weapons can vary depending on the activity and drop rates. Some of the rarer Exotics include the Touch of Malice, Collective Obligation, and Heartshadow.
11. What was Cayde-6’s signature weapon?
Ace of Spades was the signature weapon of Cayde-6.
12. Is Cayde-6 returning to Destiny 2?
Yes, Cayde-6 is confirmed to be returning in The Final Shape expansion.
13. Who is the voice actor for Cayde-6 in The Final Shape?
Nathan Fillion is returning to voice Cayde-6 in The Final Shape.
14. What is the best sidearm in Destiny 2?
The best sidearm in Destiny 2 can depend on individual playstyle and the current meta. Some popular choices include Traveler’s Chosen, Final Warning, and Drang (Baroque).
15. What is the most iconic weapon type in Destiny?
Hand Cannons are considered the most iconic weapon type in Destiny, known for their high damage output and satisfying feel.
The return of the Khvostov is more than just a new weapon; it’s a celebration of Destiny’s history and a reminder of the journey we’ve all taken as Guardians. As The Final Shape approaches, the Destiny community eagerly anticipates the chance to wield this revamped classic and create new memories with a weapon that holds a special place in their hearts.