Cloudstrike: Unveiling Its Origins and More

Cloudstrike is a highly coveted sniper rifle in Destiny 2, renowned for its unique perk, “Stormbringer,” which creates a lightning storm at the impact point of headshots. This powerful exotic weapon is from the Beyond Light expansion. It was initially tied to the Wrathborn Hunts activity and, subsequently, became available through other means within the game.

Delving Deeper into Cloudstrike

Cloudstrike quickly became a staple in both PvE (Player versus Environment) and PvP (Player versus Player) game modes, thanks to its potent combination of damage and crowd control. Understanding its origins and how to acquire it is crucial for any Destiny 2 player seeking to enhance their arsenal.

How Was Cloudstrike Originally Obtained?

Initially, Cloudstrike was obtainable through the Empire Hunts introduced in Beyond Light. These hunts were accessed via Variks the Loyal on Europa. Specifically, the difficulty level of the Empire Hunt determined the drop chance for Cloudstrike; higher difficulty levels had a significantly increased chance of rewarding the weapon. This system encouraged players to tackle challenging content to earn this powerful exotic.

Changes in Acquisition Methods Over Time

After its initial introduction, the acquisition of Cloudstrike underwent changes. While Empire Hunts remained a potential source, it was also added to the general exotic engram loot pool. This meant that players had a chance to obtain it from random exotic engrams earned through various activities. These engrams can be obtained from vendors, season passes, and world drops. This change provided players with more avenues to acquire Cloudstrike.

Impact on Destiny 2’s Meta

Cloudstrike’s arrival significantly impacted Destiny 2’s meta, particularly in PvP. Its “Stormbringer” perk, triggering a lightning storm on headshot kills, made it incredibly effective at clearing out groups of enemies and denying areas. In PvE, its high damage output and ability to chain lightning strikes made it valuable for clearing adds and dealing burst damage to bosses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cloudstrike

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Cloudstrike, designed to provide further insights into this popular weapon.

1. Can I still get Cloudstrike from Empire Hunts? Yes, Empire Hunts remain a potential source for Cloudstrike, although the drop rate may be lower than when the weapon was first introduced. Higher difficulty Empire Hunts still offer a better chance of obtaining it.

2. Is Cloudstrike farmable? While not directly “farmable” in the sense of repeating a specific activity with a guaranteed drop, players can repeatedly run Empire Hunts, especially on higher difficulties, to increase their chances of getting Cloudstrike. The efficacy of this method varies.

3. What is the best difficulty for Empire Hunts to get Cloudstrike? The higher the difficulty level of the Empire Hunt, the higher the drop rate for Cloudstrike. Master difficulty offers the best odds.

4. Does Cloudstrike require Beyond Light ownership to obtain now? Yes, owning the Beyond Light expansion is essential to access the content required to potentially obtain Cloudstrike, whether it’s through Empire Hunts or the general exotic engram pool.

5. What are the best Cloudstrike rolls for PvP? While Cloudstrike’s primary perk is fixed, focusing on stats like handling and stability can enhance its performance in PvP. A well-rounded Cloudstrike can be deadly in the right hands.

6. How effective is Cloudstrike in PvE content? Cloudstrike is highly effective in PvE. The “Stormbringer” perk excels at clearing out groups of weaker enemies, and its high impact allows for substantial damage against stronger foes and bosses.

7. What weapon mods should I use with Cloudstrike? Backup Mag can be a great choice for PvP, increasing the magazine size and allowing for more sustained fire. In PvE, mods that enhance reload speed or weapon handling can be beneficial.

8. Is Cloudstrike a good option for Grandmaster Nightfalls? While not always the best option, Cloudstrike can be viable in Grandmaster Nightfalls, particularly against Overload Champions, as the lightning strikes can disrupt them. Careful positioning and team coordination are necessary.

9. Can Cloudstrike one-shot Guardians in PvP? Yes, Cloudstrike can one-shot Guardians with a headshot in PvP, provided they are not overshielded or benefiting from damage resistance buffs.

10. Does the “Stormbringer” perk chain lightning to multiple enemies? Yes, the lightning storm created by the “Stormbringer” perk chains to nearby enemies, making it incredibly effective at clearing out tightly packed groups.

11. How does Cloudstrike compare to other exotic sniper rifles in Destiny 2? Cloudstrike stands out due to its unique “Stormbringer” perk. While other snipers may offer higher single-target damage, Cloudstrike excels at crowd control and area denial.

12. Are there any catalysts for Cloudstrike? Currently, there is no catalyst available for Cloudstrike.

13. What is the best way to get exotic engrams to try and get Cloudstrike? Activities such as completing weekly challenges from vendors like Zavala, Shaxx, and the Drifter, as well as progressing through the Season Pass, are excellent ways to earn exotic engrams.

14. Does Cloudstrike benefit from any specific subclass builds? Cloudstrike synergizes well with subclasses that enhance weapon handling or damage output. For instance, Void subclasses that grant weapon stability or damage buffs can be particularly effective.

15. Has Cloudstrike ever been nerfed or buffed? Cloudstrike has undergone some minor adjustments over time, primarily focusing on its damage output and the area of effect of the “Stormbringer” perk. Keeping an eye on patch notes is crucial for staying informed about any potential changes.

Conclusion

Cloudstrike remains a powerful and sought-after exotic sniper rifle in Destiny 2. Its unique perk and versatility make it a valuable asset for players of all skill levels. Understanding its origins in the Beyond Light expansion and the various methods of acquisition allows players to focus their efforts on obtaining this exceptional weapon and mastering its capabilities. By utilizing the information provided in this article, Guardians can effectively incorporate Cloudstrike into their loadouts and dominate the battlefield, whether in PvE or PvP scenarios.