Is the Malfeasance Good? A Deep Dive into Destiny 2’s Gambit Hand Cannon
Yes, the Malfeasance is a good weapon in Destiny 2, especially after the Season 22 sandbox changes and the addition of its catalyst. While it might not be the absolute top-tier choice in every single activity, its unique perk set, coupled with the Vorpal Weapon from the catalyst, makes it a surprisingly powerful option for both PvE and PvP. Its effectiveness shines in specific builds, particularly those leveraging Lucky Pants for Hunters, and against Taken enemies. The weapon’s viability has significantly increased, making it a worthwhile addition to any Guardian’s arsenal.
Understanding Malfeasance: A Gambit Exotic
The Malfeasance is a 140 RPM kinetic hand cannon that stands out due to its unique perk, “Explosive Shadow.” This perk causes slugs to burrow into an enemy, and detonating all slugs with a final shot creates a significant explosion. Originally designed for Gambit, its effectiveness has expanded beyond the mode, making it a versatile choice for various activities. Obtaining it requires completing an exotic quest related to Gambit, adding a touch of challenge and rewarding those who delve into the Drifter’s realm.
Malfeasance Catalyst: Elevating the Hand Cannon
The Malfeasance catalyst is a game-changer. It adds +20 Range to the weapon’s stats, improving its effective engagement distance. More importantly, it grants the Vorpal Weapon perk, which increases damage against bosses, vehicles, and enemy Guardians in their Supers. This combination transforms the Malfeasance from a niche weapon into a well-rounded option for both PvE and PvP content. Farming for the catalyst involves engaging in playlist activities like Strikes, Crucible, and Gambit.
Malfeasance Synergies and Builds
Lucky Pants Hunter Build
One of the most potent builds involves pairing Malfeasance with Lucky Pants on a Hunter. Lucky Pants significantly buffs the damage of kinetic hand cannons when they are stowed and then readied, amplifying the explosive damage from Malfeasance’s slugs. This synergy turns the weapon into a champion-melting machine.
Witherhoard and Malfeasance
The interaction between Witherhoard and Malfeasance is noteworthy. While Witherhoard doesn’t inherently “Taken-ify” enemies, the combined damage output from both weapons can be substantial, making them a strong pairing for certain activities.
PvP Potential
In PvP, Malfeasance offers a consistent five-shot kill, regardless of range, due to the Explosive Shadow perk. This can be especially advantageous in engagements where landing headshots consistently is challenging. The Vorpal Weapon perk further enhances its effectiveness against Guardians in their Supers, providing a significant damage boost. While it might not outpace meta hand cannons in raw dueling potential, its consistency and Super-shutdown capability make it a viable choice.
FAQs About Malfeasance
1. How do I get the Malfeasance?
The Malfeasance is obtained by completing the “Darkness in the Light” exotic quest. This quest begins when an Ascendant Primeval Servitor spawns in Gambit after summoning your Primeval. Killing it will drop the quest.
2. How do I get the Malfeasance catalyst?
The Malfeasance catalyst drops randomly from completing playlist activities such as Strikes, Crucible matches, and Gambit matches. You must own the Malfeasance to be eligible for the catalyst to drop.
3. What does the Malfeasance catalyst do?
The catalyst grants the Malfeasance +20 Range and the Vorpal Weapon perk, which increases damage against bosses, vehicles, and enemy Guardians in their Supers.
4. Is the Malfeasance good for PvE?
Yes, the Malfeasance is good for PvE, especially with the catalyst. Its Vorpal Weapon perk enhances damage against bosses and mini-bosses, while the Explosive Shadow perk provides excellent add clear and burst damage.
5. Is the Malfeasance good for PvP?
Yes, the Malfeasance can be effective in PvP. It guarantees a five-shot kill due to its Explosive Shadow perk, and Vorpal Weapon increases damage against supers.
6. Does Malfeasance do extra damage to Taken?
Yes, Malfeasance has historically been designed with bonus damage against Taken enemies, making it very effective against Taken bosses and enemies in activities like the Last Wish raid.
7. Does Malfeasance work with Lucky Pants?
Yes, Malfeasance works exceptionally well with Lucky Pants on Hunters. Lucky Pants provides a significant damage buff to stowed kinetic hand cannons when they are readied, amplifying the Explosive Shadow damage.
8. How many shots does Malfeasance take to kill in PvP?
Malfeasance consistently takes five shots to kill in PvP, regardless of the range, due to the Explosive Shadow perk.
9. Is Malfeasance a weapon of Sorrow?
No, Malfeasance is not considered a Weapon of Sorrow. While it has a dark aesthetic and lore implications, it doesn’t fall under the same classification as weapons like Thorn or Osteo Striga.
10. What are the best perks for Malfeasance?
The best perk is the Vorpal Weapon perk that comes with its catalyst.
11. What is the fastest hand cannon in Destiny 2?
Sunshot is the only 150 RPM Hand Cannon in Destiny 2, firing slightly faster than your usual 140 RPM variant. What makes this gun truly special is its Exotic perk, causing your enemies to explode on death.
12. What is the best 120 hand cannon in Destiny?
Igneous Hammer is a very popular and potent 120 RPM hand cannon due to its high base stats, particularly its range and handling.
13. How many kills do I need for the Touch of Malice catalyst?
You need to kill 500 enemies to complete the Touch of Malice catalyst.
14. Is the Malfeasance quest difficult?
The difficulty of the Malfeasance quest varies. The initial steps are relatively straightforward, involving Gambit matches. The most challenging part is often getting the Ascendant Primeval Servitor to spawn, as it’s based on random chance.
15. Can I use Malfeasance in endgame content?
Yes, Malfeasance can be used in endgame content, especially with the catalyst. Its Vorpal Weapon perk makes it viable for boss damage phases, and its consistent damage output can be useful in Grandmaster Nightfalls. The effectiveness depends on the specific encounter and your team composition.
Conclusion
The Malfeasance has evolved from a niche Gambit weapon into a versatile option for Destiny 2 players. Its unique perk, enhanced by the catalyst, provides consistent damage output and synergy with specific builds. Whether you’re battling Taken in Gambit, facing challenging PvE content, or engaging in PvP combat, the Malfeasance offers a unique and rewarding gameplay experience. Embrace the darkness and add this potent hand cannon to your collection.
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