Destiny 2: The Exotic Weapons Still Yearning for a Catalyst
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The hunt for that perfect god roll, the endless grind for powerful gear – it’s all part of the Destiny 2 experience. And for those of us chasing maximum power, Exotic weapon Catalysts are a crucial element. These upgrades can drastically improve an Exotic’s performance, adding perks, stat boosts, and even new functionalities. But the harsh reality is that not every Exotic has been blessed with a Catalyst. So, which Exotics are still languishing in the dust, awaiting their much-deserved upgrade? As of today, the following Exotic weapons in Destiny 2 do not have a Catalyst:
- Divinity (Trace Rifle)
- Tarrabah (Submachine Gun)
- Legend of Acrius (Shotgun)
- One Thousand Voices (Fusion Rifle)
- Leviathan’s Breath (Bow)
- Queenbreaker (Linear Fusion Rifle)
- Eyes of Tomorrow (Rocket Launcher)
- Cloudstrike (Sniper Rifle)
- Hierarchy of Needs (Bow)
While there’s always hope that Bungie will eventually bestow Catalysts upon these weapons, their absence is noticeable, especially when considering the power creep and evolving meta of Destiny 2. Now, let’s delve deeper with some frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Exotic Catalysts
Here are 15 of the most frequently asked questions about exotic catalysts in Destiny 2:
What is an Exotic Catalyst in Destiny 2?
An Exotic Catalyst is an upgrade item for Exotic weapons that, once found and unlocked, enhances the weapon’s stats, adds a new perk, or both. Think of it as the final piece of the puzzle, pushing your Exotic to its absolute potential. Masterworking the catalyst usually involves defeating a certain number of enemies with the weapon.
How do I get an Exotic Catalyst?
Catalysts typically drop from specific activities. Some come from completing Strikes, Crucible matches, or Gambit matches. Others are tied to specific quests, dungeons, or raids. Some catalysts have very specific activity requirements, like the Skyburner’s Oath catalyst, which requires players to defeat Cabal enemies on Nessus. It’s important to consult a guide or Destiny 2 community resources to pinpoint where each Catalyst drops.
Does every Exotic weapon have a Catalyst?
No. As listed above, several Exotic weapons in Destiny 2 currently do not have a Catalyst. This can be frustrating for players who enjoy using those Exotics, as they are effectively missing out on a significant power boost.
Why doesn’t every Exotic have a Catalyst?
The reasons vary. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of development resources and priorities. Bungie has a lot on their plate, and developing and implementing Catalysts for every Exotic takes time and effort. Other times, the Exotic might already be considered strong enough without a Catalyst, or the developers might be struggling to come up with a Catalyst that fits the weapon’s theme and function without making it overpowered.
Will the Exotics without Catalysts ever get them?
There’s no guarantee, but it’s certainly possible. Bungie has a history of adding Catalysts to older Exotics, often in response to player feedback or to revitalize weapons that have fallen out of favor. Keep voicing your desires, Guardians!
Are Exotic Catalysts worth the effort?
In most cases, absolutely! A well-designed Catalyst can transform an Exotic from a decent weapon into a true powerhouse. The stat boosts alone can be significant, and the added perks can open up entirely new playstyles and strategies.
How do I unlock an Exotic Catalyst once I find it?
Unlocking a Catalyst usually involves defeating a specified number of enemies with the Exotic weapon. The required number varies depending on the Catalyst, but it’s often in the hundreds. Some Catalysts may also require completing specific activities or objectives.
Can I track my progress towards unlocking an Exotic Catalyst?
Yes, once you have found the catalyst, you can inspect the exotic weapon. From here, you can mouse-over or select the now visible catalyst slot to check your progress, how far along you are, and what objectives you need to do in order to masterwork the catalyst.
Do Exotic Catalysts change the appearance of the weapon?
Sometimes, but not always. Some Catalysts add a visual flourish to the weapon, such as a new ornament or glowing effect. However, the primary benefit of a Catalyst is its gameplay enhancements, not its cosmetic changes.
Are there any Exotic Catalysts that are particularly difficult to obtain?
Yes. Catalysts that drop randomly from playlist activities (Strikes, Crucible, Gambit) can be notoriously difficult to acquire, as the drop rates are often quite low. Catalysts tied to challenging endgame content, such as raids or dungeons, can also be difficult, requiring skill and coordination.
Does Divinity have a Catalyst?
No, the Divinity Trace Rifle is one of the Exotics that does not have a catalyst. This is often brought up in the community as a desired improvement, given Divinity’s utility in endgame PvE content.
What are some of the best Exotic Catalysts in the game?
This is subjective and depends on your playstyle, but some consistently top-tier Catalysts include:
- Outbreak Perfected: Adds the “Outbreak Prime” perk, which spreads nanites further and increases damage output.
- Sleeper Simulant: Provides faster charge time and increased ammo reserves, making it a DPS monster.
- Whisper of the Worm: Generates ammo on precision hits, allowing for sustained damage output.
- Witherhoard: Adds tracking, orbs on multikills, and the Silent Alarm perk.
Can I still get the Exotic Catalysts from vaulted content?
Some Catalysts that were tied to vaulted content have been reissued through other means, such as playlist activities or vendor rewards. However, some Catalysts may no longer be obtainable.
What happens if I dismantle an Exotic weapon with an unlocked Catalyst?
You will not lose the Catalyst! The Catalyst is permanently unlocked and will be available if you reacquire the Exotic weapon later.
Where can I find more information about Exotic Catalysts?
The Destiny 2 community is a wealth of information. Websites like Destiny Item Manager (DIM), light.gg, and various Destiny 2 wikis provide detailed information about all Exotic weapons and their Catalysts. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice on the r/DestinyTheGame subreddit!
The Future of Exotic Catalysts
The question of which Exotics will receive Catalysts in the future remains an open one. Bungie has consistently surprised players with their choices, sometimes focusing on older, underused weapons and other times on newer, more popular ones. It’s safe to say that the community will continue to clamor for Catalysts for their favorite Exotics, and hopefully, Bungie will continue to listen.
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In the meantime, keep grinding, Guardians. Whether you’re chasing that elusive Catalyst or perfecting your build, the pursuit of power is always a worthy endeavor in Destiny 2!