Decoding Destiny 2: Unveiling the Ultimate Hand Cannon Perk
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The best perk for a Hand Cannon in Destiny 2 is highly dependent on your playstyle and the content you’re engaging in. However, if forced to choose a single perk that offers both consistent utility and impactful benefits across both PvE and PvP, Explosive Payload reigns supreme. Its ability to inflict significant flinch, extend effective range, and deal split damage makes it a powerful and versatile choice for Guardians seeking an edge.
Why Explosive Payload is King
Explosive Payload is more than just a damage perk. It fundamentally alters how a Hand Cannon performs. Here’s why it consistently ranks among the best:
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Flinch Master: In PvP, flinch is king. Explosive Payload dramatically increases the amount of flinch inflicted on your opponent, disrupting their aim and making it significantly harder for them to land shots. This gives you a crucial advantage in duels, especially at longer ranges.
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Range Extension: The explosive component of the perk has no damage falloff, effectively extending the Hand Cannon’s range. This allows you to engage targets at distances where other Hand Cannons would be less effective.
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Split Damage: The damage from Explosive Payload is split between impact damage and explosive damage. This means even if your opponent is behind cover, they will still take some damage from the explosion. In PvE, this is also valuable to damage combatants huddled behind cover.
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Versatility: Explosive Payload is effective in both PvE and PvP. It provides flinch and range benefits in PvP and adds extra damage in PvE.
Other Contenders for the Hand Cannon Throne
While Explosive Payload is a top choice, other perks deserve consideration depending on your needs:
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Rangefinder: Rangefinder increases the zoom magnification, range, and aim assist of the weapon when aiming down sights. This perk is excellent if you want to maximize range.
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Kill Clip/Rampage: These perks reward aggressive playstyles. Kill Clip grants increased damage after reloading after a kill, while Rampage stacks increased damage with each kill.
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Rapid Hit: Rapid Hit provides increased stability and reload speed with rapid precision hits. This perk enhances consistency and allows for faster follow-up shots.
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Timelost/Adept Mods: Some curated rolls include special effects (like Timelost) or special mod slots (Adept). These are valuable and significantly enhance a Hand Cannon’s performance.
Hand Cannon FAQs: Become a True Marksman
1. What is the ideal RPM for a Hand Cannon?
The ideal RPM depends on your playstyle. 140 RPM Hand Cannons are generally considered the most versatile, offering a good balance of damage, range, and forgiveness. 120 RPM Hand Cannons hit harder but are less forgiving due to their slower fire rate. 180 RPM Hand Cannons provide a very fast fire rate, but do less damage.
2. What stats should I prioritize on a Hand Cannon?
Prioritize Range, Stability, and Handling. Range dictates the effective distance, Stability controls recoil, and Handling affects how quickly you can aim down sights and swap weapons.
3. Is Aim Assist important on a Hand Cannon?
Yes, Aim Assist is very important. Higher Aim Assist makes it easier to acquire and track targets, especially on console.
4. What’s the difference between Explosive Payload and Timed Payload?
Explosive Payload has a smaller explosion radius and applies flinch to the target immediately, giving you the upper hand in duels. Timed Payload has a slightly larger explosion radius but delays the explosion, making it less effective for flinching opponents.
5. How does Rangefinder work exactly?
Rangefinder increases the zoom magnification when aiming down sights, effectively extending the weapon’s range. It also provides a small boost to aim assist.
6. Are Hand Cannons good in PvE?
Yes, Hand Cannons can be effective in PvE, especially against minor enemies and mid-tier combatants. They offer good precision damage and can be paired with perks like Explosive Payload, Frenzy, or Incandescent for improved add clear.
7. Are Hand Cannons good in PvP?
Yes, Hand Cannons are a dominant force in PvP. Their high damage output, combined with perks like Explosive Payload and Rangefinder, makes them deadly in duels.
8. Which Hand Cannon is considered the “God Roll” Fatebringer?
A highly sought-after Fatebringer “God Roll” often includes:
- Column 1: Explosive Payload
- Column 2: Kill Clip or Frenzy
The specific preferred perks can vary by player taste and play style.
9. How do I improve my Hand Cannon aim?
Practice is key! Use aim trainers, focus on tracking targets smoothly, and adjust your sensitivity settings until you find what feels comfortable and accurate. Also, consider Hand Cannon-specific mods for your armor.
10. What are the best mods to use with Hand Cannons?
For PvP, consider mods that improve handling, range, or aim assist. For PvE, focus on mods that enhance reload speed or damage.
11. Is Malfeasance a good Hand Cannon?
Malfeasance can be powerful in specific situations, especially against Taken enemies and in Gambit. Its unique perk, which deals extra damage based on the number of slugs embedded in a target, can be devastating.
12. How does Vorpal Weapon work on Hand Cannons?
Vorpal Weapon grants increased damage against bosses, vehicles, and Guardians in their Super. The percentage damage increase varies depending on the weapon type.
13. Is Crimson a viable Hand Cannon?
Crimson is a unique burst-fire Hand Cannon that heals you on kills and refills its magazine on precision kills. It can be very effective in PvE for survivability and add clear. It is less popular in high-skill PvP.
14. What makes a Hand Cannon “feel” good?
A Hand Cannon’s “feel” is subjective but generally depends on its recoil pattern, sound design, and animation. A Hand Cannon with a smooth recoil pattern and satisfying sound effects is more enjoyable to use.
15. Where can I learn more about Destiny 2 weapon perks and strategies?
Explore online resources like Destiny 2 wikis, YouTube guides, and community forums. Consider attending Destiny 2 seminars and workshops to enhance your gameplay skills. Learning resources like GamesLearningSociety.org offer insights into the cognitive and social aspects of gaming, which can indirectly improve your understanding and performance in games like Destiny 2.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best Hand Cannon perk is a matter of personal preference and playstyle. However, Explosive Payload’s combination of flinch, range extension, and damage makes it a consistently powerful and versatile choice for any Guardian. Experiment with different perks and find what works best for you, and remember to practice your aim and positioning to maximize your effectiveness with a Hand Cannon. Good luck, Guardian!