Is Xenophage Good in 2023? A Deep Dive into Destiny 2’s Explosive Machine Gun

The short answer? Xenophage is still a viable, albeit not meta-defining, weapon in Destiny 2 in 2023. While it might not top the DPS charts like it once did, its ease of use, consistent damage, and unique characteristics make it a worthwhile addition to any Guardian’s arsenal. Let’s break down why.

Xenophage: The Basics

Xenophage is an Exotic Machine Gun that fires explosive rounds. Its key features are:

• Low rate of fire, high damage per shot: Unlike most machine guns, Xenophage sacrifices a high fire rate for impactful, explosive projectiles.
• No critical hits: This might sound like a downside, but it actually simplifies the weapon’s use. You don’t need to aim for headshots to achieve optimal DPS, just land your shots.
• Explosive rounds: These rounds deal significant area-of-effect damage, making Xenophage effective against groups of weaker enemies as well as single, tougher targets.
• Intrinsic Perk, Pyrotoxin Rounds: Fires high-damage explosive rounds.
• Full Bore: Greatly increases Range, decreases Stability, slightly decreases Handling Speed.
• High-Caliber Rounds: Shots knock the target back farther.

Why Xenophage Still Matters in 2023

Despite the ever-evolving meta in Destiny 2, Xenophage maintains its usefulness due to several factors:

Ease of Use

As previously mentioned, the lack of critical hits streamlines gameplay. In high-pressure situations, reliably landing body shots is often easier than consistently nailing headshots, especially against mobile or heavily shielded enemies.

Consistent Damage Output

While other weapons might spike higher in damage under ideal circumstances, Xenophage provides a reliable and predictable damage output. This consistency makes it valuable in situations where you need to guarantee a certain level of damage, such as clearing waves of enemies or chipping away at a boss’s health.

Versatility

Xenophage is effective in various activities, including:

• Nightfalls: Particularly in lower to mid-tier Nightfalls, Xenophage can be a reliable workhorse for clearing adds and damaging bosses.
• Dungeons: Its ease of use makes it a solid choice for tackling dungeon encounters.
• Raids: While not optimal for all raid encounters, Xenophage can still be useful for specific roles, such as dealing with Champions or clearing groups of enemies.
• Gambit: Its ability to quickly dispatch blockers and deal damage to the Primeval makes it a viable option in Gambit.

The “Anti-Champion” Factor

While the article indicated it cannot stun overloads, Machine Guns, when the artifact mods support it, are great in content where Overload Champions are present. The sustained damage of a machine gun can often disrupt the champion’s healing ability. Always check the seasonal artifact mods to see if Machine Guns have Champion mod capabilities.

Xenophage’s Limitations

It’s important to acknowledge Xenophage’s weaknesses:

Lower DPS Compared to Meta Options

Against high-health bosses, Xenophage’s damage output typically falls short compared to meta weapons like Linear Fusion Rifles, Rocket Launchers with specific perks, or certain Exotic Heavy weapons.

Reliance on Heavy Ammo

As a heavy weapon, Xenophage’s effectiveness is limited by heavy ammo availability. Managing your heavy ammo reserves is crucial when using Xenophage in longer activities.

The Bottom Line

Xenophage might not be the king of DPS anymore, but it’s still a valuable tool in the Destiny 2 sandbox. Its ease of use, consistent damage, and versatility make it a worthwhile option for players who want a reliable heavy weapon that doesn’t require pinpoint accuracy. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new light, Xenophage is definitely worth considering for your arsenal. Also, remember to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Xenophage in 2023

1. Is Xenophage good for boss DPS in 2023?

Not optimally. While it can contribute to boss damage, its DPS is generally lower than meta options like Rocket Launchers or Linear Fusion Rifles. Use it if you need something reliable and easy to use, but prioritize other options for maximum damage.

2. What is the best build for Xenophage in Destiny 2?

There isn’t a single “best” build, but focus on mods that enhance heavy ammo economy, such as Heavy Ammo Finder and Heavy Ammo Scavenger. Also, consider mods that increase weapon handling and reload speed.

3. Can Xenophage still one-shot Guardians in PvP?

No, Xenophage does not one-shot Guardians in the Crucible.

4. How do I get Xenophage in Destiny 2?

You obtain Xenophage through an Exotic quest called “The Journey,” which requires the Shadowkeep DLC.

5. Do I need Shadowkeep to get Xenophage?

Yes, you must own the Shadowkeep DLC to acquire the Xenophage quest.

6. What is the “bug” inside Xenophage?

The “bug” inside Xenophage is believed to contain the soul of Omar Agah, a Guardian who was killed by the Hive.

7. Is Xenophage good for clearing adds (weaker enemies)?

Yes! Its explosive rounds make it excellent for clearing groups of weaker enemies.

8. Does Xenophage work with any specific Exotic armor pieces?

No, there is no specific Exotic armor piece that directly synergizes with Xenophage. However, armor pieces that enhance heavy ammo economy are beneficial.

9. How does Xenophage compare to other Exotic Machine Guns?

Compared to other exotic Machine Guns, Xenophage offers more damage per shot while sacrificing rate of fire. Weapons like Thunderlord excel at clearing groups of enemies more quickly due to a higher fire rate.

10. Is Xenophage good for solo content?

Yes, its consistent damage and ease of use make it a solid choice for solo content, such as dungeons or Legend Lost Sectors.

11. Does Xenophage benefit from any specific buffs or debuffs?

Yes, Xenophage benefits from damage buffs like High-Energy Fire and debuffs like Tractor Cannon. These effects can significantly increase its damage output.

12. Can Xenophage stun champions?

While the source material implies it cannot stun overloads, check the current seasonal artifact. If there is a mod that allows machine guns to stun a champion type, then it will be able to do so.

13. What is the optimal range for using Xenophage?

Xenophage has good range due to its Full Bore perk, but it is most effective at medium range.

14. Is Xenophage worth using in Grandmaster Nightfalls?

While it can be used, Xenophage is generally not optimal for Grandmaster Nightfalls due to its lower DPS compared to other options and the need for more specialized loadouts in high-level content.

15. What catalysts should I look for to improve Xenophage?

Xenophage does not currently have a catalyst.