Is Riskrunner Still Good? A Deep Dive into Destiny 2’s Electric SMG
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Yes, Riskrunner is still excellent in Destiny 2, particularly in the right scenarios. Despite being an older exotic, its unique perk, Arc Conductor, continues to make it a powerhouse against Arc-based enemies. While it might not be the absolute top-tier SMG in every situation, its ability to chain lightning and resist Arc damage makes it a reliable and fun weapon to use in many PvE activities. Its performance is especially noticeable when facing groups of Arc-shielded enemies, allowing players to quickly clear adds while staying relatively safe.
Why Riskrunner Remains Relevant
Riskrunner’s effectiveness comes down to its core perk: Arc Conductor. When you take Arc damage, the weapon becomes more potent, chaining lightning to nearby enemies and also returning ammo to your magazine. This feedback loop is incredibly powerful in situations where you are consistently exposed to Arc damage, turning you into a walking lightning storm. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it strong:
- Chain Lightning: The arc chaining is highly effective at quickly clearing groups of enemies. Each trigger pull can easily dispatch several enemies if they are close enough together.
- Damage Resistance: When Arc Conductor is active, you gain increased resistance to incoming Arc damage, enhancing your survivability.
- Ammo Return: The chaining effect also returns ammo to your magazine, allowing you to sustain fire for longer periods without reloading.
- Ease of Use: Riskrunner is relatively easy to use. Just take some Arc damage and start firing. The increased damage and chain lightning automatically engage, no further requirements.
Riskrunner shines in situations with a high density of Arc enemies, making it perfect for specific strikes, raids, and seasonal activities that lean heavily into Arc damage. The chain reaction potential is especially satisfying and makes it a solid choice for clearing hordes of thralls and other low-tier enemies.
Where Does Riskrunner Fall Short?
While powerful, Riskrunner isn’t perfect. Here are some areas where it may not be the ideal choice:
- Non-Arc Environments: If you’re not fighting enemies that deal Arc damage, the Arc Conductor perk won’t activate, rendering the weapon as a fairly normal SMG.
- Single Target Damage: While it excels at add clear, Riskrunner’s single-target damage can be lacking compared to other exotics or even some legendary weapons.
- Crucible Limitations: Although it can be fun, the unpredictable nature of PvP means you can’t always consistently trigger Arc Conductor. It also isn’t really in the meta.
- Over-Reliance: The reliance on taking Arc damage to power up, whilst it also allows you to be resistant to Arc damage, can be a double edged sword. You need to intentionally expose yourself to damage.
Riskrunner vs. The Competition
When comparing Riskrunner to other top-tier exotic SMGs, such as Osteo Striga and Huckleberry, it’s important to consider their strengths and weaknesses. Osteo Striga excels in consistent add clear with its poison, making it a top choice for general use. Huckleberry provides mobility and high sustained DPS with its ramp-up perk.
Riskrunner carves its niche by being a specialized Arc-slaying weapon. It’s not as versatile as Osteo Striga but surpasses both Osteo and Huckleberry when facing Arc enemies. If you know you’re going into a scenario heavy with Arc damage, Riskrunner could be your best choice for quick add clear, survivability, and ease of use.
Riskrunner in the Current Meta
Despite its age, Riskrunner continues to hold a place in the current Destiny 2 meta, particularly as Arc subclasses and enemies are regularly featured in new content. Its consistent performance allows it to be used in difficult content and allows it to remain a top tier option for add clear.
In conclusion, Riskrunner is not just a relic of the past. It’s a viable, fun, and powerful exotic weapon that excels in specific scenarios. It’s a reliable option for clearing groups of enemies and maintaining survivability when facing Arc damage. Don’t let its age fool you; Riskrunner is still an amazing tool to have in your arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Riskrunner
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions about Riskrunner to provide you with more insights into this electrifying weapon:
1. What is Riskrunner’s Exotic Perk?
Riskrunner’s Exotic perk is called Arc Conductor. When you take Arc damage, the weapon becomes more powerful, chains lightning to nearby enemies, and returns ammo to your magazine. You also gain increased resistance to incoming Arc damage.
2. How do you activate Arc Conductor?
To activate Arc Conductor, you must take Arc damage. This can come from enemies, environmental hazards, or even your own Arc abilities or grenades. Once activated, the perk stays active for a short duration. Kills also extend the duration of the perk.
3. Is Riskrunner good in PvP?
Riskrunner can be fun in PvP, but its effectiveness is inconsistent. While the chain lightning is potent, it’s not as reliable as other meta PvP weapons, and you can’t always reliably activate Arc Conductor.
4. Is Riskrunner a rare drop?
Riskrunner is an exotic weapon, making it rare but not extremely rare. It can drop from exotic engrams or as a rare world drop, with occasional quests to make the acquisition of it more targeted.
5. How does Riskrunner compare to Osteo Striga?
Osteo Striga is better for consistent add clear due to its poison damage, while Riskrunner excels when Arc Conductor is active. Both are excellent options, but Riskrunner requires the right scenario to shine.
6. Is Riskrunner good for new players?
Riskrunner is great for new players as it’s easy to obtain and provides a reliable way to clear hordes of enemies, making early game PvE activities easier to manage.
7. Does Riskrunner have infinite ammo?
While Riskrunner does return ammo to the magazine when Arc Conductor is active, it does not have infinite ammo. You still need to reload once you run through the magazine, even if Arc Conductor is active.
8. What are some ideal scenarios for Riskrunner?
Riskrunner is ideal for activities with numerous Arc-based enemies. Strikes, raids, and seasonal activities featuring Fallen, Vex, and Hive are excellent choices.
9. Is Riskrunner a special or primary weapon?
Riskrunner is a primary ammo weapon, which makes it easily accessible and sustainable in any situation where you might need to use it.
10. Is Trinity Ghoul better than Riskrunner?
Trinity Ghoul has the edge in pure add clear power due to its ability to one-shot red bar enemies, but Riskrunner offers better survivability with its Arc damage resistance. They both excel in different areas.
11. What other exotic SMGs are good?
Other great exotic SMGs include Osteo Striga, Huckleberry, and The Immortal. Each has its unique strengths and shines in different areas.
12. Can Riskrunner clear Grandmaster Nightfalls?
While Riskrunner is viable in Grandmaster Nightfalls, its effectiveness may be limited due to its lower single-target DPS. It’s better used when you are fighting numerous adds, but not as great at taking down Champions and Major enemies.
13. What is the best legendary SMG?
The Immortal is often considered the best legendary SMG, especially for PvP, with amazing base stats and perks that make it suitable for both PvP and PvE.
14. How does Riskrunner perform against Arc shields?
Riskrunner excels against Arc shields, as the chain lightning is effective at breaking them quickly. Also the Arc damage boosts can easily melt through the shielded enemies.
15. Does Riskrunner need the Catalyst?
While not required, Riskrunner’s Catalyst significantly improves the weapon. It adds more range, making the chaining effect more reliable at longer distances. This helps greatly for sustained use.