Unlocking Malfeasance’s True Potential: A Deep Dive into the Catalyst

The Malfeasance Catalyst is a game-changer for this already potent Exotic hand cannon in Destiny 2. Upon acquiring and completing its objective, the catalyst grants two significant enhancements: +20 Range and the Vorpal Weapon perk. The increased range addresses one of Malfeasance’s original weaknesses, allowing for more consistent damage at slightly longer distances. More importantly, Vorpal Weapon dramatically increases damage against bosses, vehicles, and, crucially, enemy Guardians using their Supers. This elevates Malfeasance from a niche Gambit weapon to a versatile option for both PvE and PvP activities.

The Significance of Range and Vorpal Weapon

Expanding the Engagement Envelope with +20 Range

Before the catalyst, Malfeasance’s relatively short range could be a limiting factor in many encounters. The +20 Range provided by the catalyst helps mitigate this issue. While it doesn’t transform Malfeasance into a long-range powerhouse, it does provide a noticeable increase in effective range. This means more consistent damage application at mid-range, making the hand cannon more forgiving and adaptable in various combat scenarios. This can be particularly useful in PvP engagements where maintaining a safe distance is crucial.

Unleashing Devastating Damage with Vorpal Weapon

The addition of Vorpal Weapon is arguably the more impactful aspect of the catalyst. This perk increases damage against three key target types:

• Bosses: Vorpal Weapon significantly boosts Malfeasance’s damage output against bosses in PvE activities, making it a viable option for DPS in certain encounters, especially when paired with Lucky Pants for Hunters.
• Vehicles: While not always relevant, the increased damage against vehicles can be useful in specific scenarios, such as certain Public Events or activities that feature vehicle combat.
• Guardians in their Super: This is where Vorpal Weapon truly shines in PvP. Being able to deal substantially increased damage to Guardians while they are in their Super gives you a significant advantage. It can turn the tide of a Crucible match and provide a crucial counter to powerful Supers.

The combination of these benefits makes the Malfeasance catalyst a must-have for any serious Destiny 2 player looking to maximize the potential of this unique Exotic hand cannon.

How to Obtain and Masterwork the Malfeasance Catalyst

Acquiring the Catalyst

The Malfeasance Catalyst is a random drop from completing playlist activities. This means you have a chance to acquire it by participating in:

• Strikes (including Nightfalls)
• Gambit
• Crucible

The drop rate is purely random, so there is no guaranteed way to obtain the catalyst. Some players may get it after a single activity, while others may need to grind for weeks or even months. Persistence is key. Remember, you must already own the Malfeasance itself for the catalyst to drop.

Masterworking the Catalyst: The Grind to 700 Kills

Once you have the catalyst, the real work begins: defeating 700 enemies with Malfeasance. This can be a time-consuming process, but several strategies can speed up the grind:

• Shuro Chi Encounter (Last Wish Raid): This is widely considered the fastest method. The Shuro Chi encounter features a large number of relatively weak enemies that can be easily farmed.
• The Thrallway (Shattered Throne Dungeon): Similar to Shuro Chi, the Thrallway offers a continuous stream of weak enemies, making it an efficient farming location.
• Grasp of Avarice Dungeon – Entrance: Farming the beginning of this dungeon offers a good balance of enemy density and ease of access.
• Altars of Sorrow (Moon): This public event features a constant flow of enemies, providing ample opportunity to rack up kills.
• Regular Gameplay: Of course, you can simply use Malfeasance in your regular activities. This might take longer, but it can be a more enjoyable way to complete the catalyst. PvP is an option but the PvE strategies above are quicker.

No matter which method you choose, be prepared for a significant grind. Equip armor mods that enhance hand cannon reload speed and ammo capacity to further optimize your efficiency.

Malfeasance: A Versatile Weapon for a Variety of Content

With its catalyst, Malfeasance transcends its original niche as a Gambit weapon and becomes a viable option for a wide range of activities.

PvE Viability

In PvE, Malfeasance excels against Taken enemies due to its intrinsic perk. The Explosive Shadow perk allows you to embed tainted slugs into enemies, and detonating five slugs deals significant damage. With the Vorpal Weapon perk from the catalyst, Malfeasance becomes even more effective against bosses and mini-bosses. While it may not be a top-tier DPS weapon, it can be a solid choice for certain encounters, particularly when paired with Lucky Pants on a Hunter.

PvP Prowess

In PvP, Malfeasance is a strong contender in the right hands. Its high rate of fire and the Explosive Shadow perk can quickly eliminate opponents. The addition of Vorpal Weapon from the catalyst makes Malfeasance a devastating counter to Guardians using their Supers. It can shut down roaming Supers quickly and efficiently.

A Gambit Staple

Malfeasance remains a powerful choice in Gambit. Its intrinsic perk makes it incredibly effective against Taken enemies, including the Primeval. The Vorpal Weapon perk further enhances its ability to take down invaders and blockers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does the Malfeasance catalyst actually do?

The Malfeasance catalyst adds +20 Range to the weapon and grants it the Vorpal Weapon perk, which increases damage against bosses, vehicles, and enemy Guardians using their Super abilities.

2. Where does the Malfeasance catalyst drop?

The catalyst drops randomly from completing playlist activities: Strikes (including Nightfalls), Gambit, and Crucible matches.

3. Is there a way to increase the drop rate of the Malfeasance catalyst?

Unfortunately, no. The drop rate is purely random, and there are no known methods to increase it. Persistence is key.

4. Do I need to have Malfeasance equipped to get the catalyst?

No, you do not need to have Malfeasance equipped. However, you do need to own the weapon itself.

5. How many kills do I need to masterwork the Malfeasance catalyst?

You need to defeat 700 enemies with Malfeasance to masterwork the catalyst.

6. What is the fastest way to get 700 kills with Malfeasance?

The Shuro Chi encounter in the Last Wish raid is widely considered the fastest method. The Thrallway in the Shattered Throne dungeon, the beginning of the Grasp of Avarice dungeon, and the Altars of Sorrow on the Moon are also efficient farming locations.

7. Is Malfeasance good in PvP?

Yes, Malfeasance can be very effective in PvP, especially with the catalyst. Its high rate of fire and Explosive Shadow perk can quickly eliminate opponents, and Vorpal Weapon makes it a strong counter to Guardians using their Supers.

8. Is Malfeasance good in PvE?

Malfeasance is a solid choice in PvE, especially against Taken enemies. The catalyst’s Vorpal Weapon perk makes it even more effective against bosses and mini-bosses.

9. Does Malfeasance work with Lucky Pants?

Yes, Malfeasance pairs extremely well with Lucky Pants on Hunters. This combination can result in significant damage output against single targets, particularly bosses.

10. How does Vorpal Weapon work in PvP?

In PvP, Vorpal Weapon increases damage against Guardians while they are using their Super ability. The damage bonus is significant enough to quickly shut down roaming Supers.

11. Did Malfeasance get buffed recently?

Yes, Malfeasance received a significant buff with the release of its catalyst, which added +20 Range and the Vorpal Weapon perk. Additionally, the Explosive Shadow perk has received damage buffs in the past, further enhancing the weapon’s effectiveness.

12. Is Malfeasance a good Gambit weapon?

Yes, Malfeasance is an excellent choice in Gambit. Its intrinsic perk deals increased damage to Taken enemies, including the Primeval. The Vorpal Weapon perk further enhances its ability to take down invaders and blockers.

13. What is the best armor build for Malfeasance?

The best armor build depends on your class and playstyle. However, equipping armor mods that enhance hand cannon reload speed and ammo capacity is generally recommended. For Hunters, Lucky Pants is a must-have.

14. How much damage does Lucky Pants add to Malfeasance?

Upon readying Malfeasance, it will receive a 60% damage buff for every shot hit for a 5.5 second duration and caps out at 600% bonus damage.

15. Are there any other weapons that synergize well with Malfeasance?

While Malfeasance is effective on its own, pairing it with a good energy weapon that covers different ranges can be beneficial. A sniper rifle or fusion rifle can provide long-range damage, while Malfeasance handles mid-range engagements.

In conclusion, the Malfeasance catalyst is a significant upgrade that elevates this Exotic hand cannon from a niche option to a versatile and powerful weapon in Destiny 2. The added range and the Vorpal Weapon perk make it a strong contender in both PvE and PvP activities. While obtaining the catalyst and completing the masterwork objective can be time-consuming, the rewards are well worth the effort. For more information on game dynamics and the intersection of learning and play, visit Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Equip the Malfeasance, grind for that catalyst, and experience the true potential of this unique Exotic hand cannon.