Decoding Destiny 2: Max Stat Rolls on Exotic Armor
The burning question for many Destiny 2 players, especially those obsessed with min-maxing their builds, is: What is the maximum stat roll possible on exotic armor? The short answer is that most exotic armor can achieve a maximum base stat total of 68, with individual stats capped at 30. However, there are some crucial nuances to unpack to truly understand how to optimize your armor and reach those coveted triple 100 stat builds.
Understanding the Base Armor Stats
In Destiny 2, armor pieces are defined by six core stats: Mobility, Resilience, Recovery, Discipline, Intellect, and Strength. Each stat impacts different aspects of your Guardian’s abilities and performance. When an armor piece drops, it will have a random stat distribution within these six categories, and importantly, each stat will fall within the 2-30 range.
The 48-68 Rule and Exceptions
The most common total stat range for armor, including exotic armor, is 48 to 68. This means that all the stats combined will fall somewhere within that range. However, there’s a crucial exception for some older exotic armor. Exotics added before the Shadowkeep expansion have a chance to roll with a base stat total of up to 70. This makes them highly sought after for those looking to push the limits of their character’s stats.
It is vital to understand that even with the potential for a 70 total, individual stats will still always be capped at a maximum of 30, at least in base rolls.
The Path to Triple 100 Stats
While the 48-68 (or sometimes 70) base stat rule seems limiting, the game provides several methods to increase your stat totals and achieve the coveted triple 100 stat builds.
Focusing and Ghost Mods
- Ghost Mods: These are essential. Using a ghost mod that focuses on one specific stat (such as Discipline or Strength) will significantly increase the odds of getting armor with higher points in that particular stat. This is an excellent way to target your primary build needs.
- Seasonal Engram Focusing: The most effective way to farm high-stat exotic armor is to focus seasonal engrams at the HELM. This gives you more control over the type of armor you receive. Focusing Deep Engrams during the Season of the Deep, for instance, allows you to target Season of the Deep armor with potentially high rolls.
Modifications, Masterworking, and Subclass Bonuses
- Armor Mods: You can use armor mods to boost specific stats. However, keep in mind that mods can only increase a stat to a maximum of 42, meaning that base armor rolls will determine how far you can get with mods.
- Masterworking: Masterworking your armor is crucial because it provides a +2 bonus to all six stats. This adds a significant amount to your overall stat totals.
- Subclass Bonuses: Certain subclasses and aspects can provide further stat bonuses, adding another layer to how you can push your stats.
The Ideal Armor Roll
To achieve the coveted triple 100 stats, the general strategy is to prioritize armor with spikes of 20+ in two stats, and 15+ in the third stat, all while ensuring one of the stats corresponds to the ghost mod you are running. This, coupled with masterworking and mods, will bring you very close to the 100 mark in your selected stats.
Understanding the Importance of Stat Distribution
The aim isn’t just the highest possible total; the aim is effective distribution based on your playstyle. For example, many players will aim for a build that prioritizes Resilience because of its damage reduction and in the case of the Titan, decreased barricade cooldown. A Warlock will often prioritize Recovery, while Hunters often look to Mobility. The last three stats, Intellect, Discipline, and Strength are then prioritized according to build needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum base stat roll for legendary armor?
Like most exotic armor, legendary armor typically rolls with a total base stat of between 48 and 68. The individual stats still have a maximum of 30.
2. What is the maximum individual stat on armor, including mods?
The maximum single stat on an armor piece, including mods, is 42. This means your mods are less effective the further away you are from that number with the base stat roll.
3. Can exotics have lower than a 48 total stat roll?
No, most armor cannot roll lower than 48. This is considered the minimum starting point for high-stat armor.
4. Can masterworking exotic armor take it above the 68 total?
Yes, masterworking will add +12 total stat points (+2 to each stat), bringing the total on an exotic with a max roll of 68 up to 80. This does not include any benefits from a mod.
5. Where can I farm high-stat armor?
Raids, Iron Banner, Trials, Prime Engrams and any pinnacle activity. Also, focusing seasonal engrams at the HELM is a very efficient method.
6. What is a God Roll for armor in Destiny 2?
A god roll for armor generally refers to a piece that has high rolls in your desired stats, allowing for optimized builds and triple 100 stat combinations. It will typically be 20+ in two stats, and 15+ in a third.
7. Can I get a 70 stat roll on a new exotic armor piece?
No, only exotic armor pieces introduced before the Shadowkeep expansion are capable of rolling with a 70 total base stat. Any exotics released after will have a maximum of 68.
8. Are there any exotic armor pieces with better base stats?
No, except for those older exotics that can hit a 70 total base. No other class of exotic armor comes with better base stat rules.
9. How do mods factor into armor stat totals?
Mods provide a set increase to specific stats, however, they can not push a single stat past 42. This means if your base stat is high, your mods can allow you to approach the maximum stat potential.
10. Is 100 Resilience worth it?
Yes, absolutely. Resilience is valuable for all classes because of its damage reduction benefit. Titans specifically gain a further benefit, with reduced barricade cooldowns.
11. Can I get high stat rolls in any activity in the game?
While you can get armor from any activity, some are more likely to drop high-stat armor, such as endgame content like Raids, Trials of Osiris, and Iron Banner.
12. Can I wear two exotic armor pieces at once?
No, you can only equip one exotic weapon and one exotic armor piece at a time.
13. What happens if I dismantle a masterworked exotic armor piece?
You will receive one Ascendant Shard when dismantling masterworked exotic armor, which is less than what you spend to masterwork the item in the first place.
14. Does the rarity of armor affect the max stat roll?
No, the rarity of the armor (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Legendary, Exotic) does not affect the maximum possible stat roll. Any of those could have higher or lower base stats, though most common and uncommon armor have very low stat rolls.
15. What’s the deal with Xur’s armor?
Xur’s inventory typically offers exotics with a mix of stats. While they can be a viable source of exotic armor, the rolls will be random. However, they do have the potential to have a high roll, so it’s still worth checking his inventory.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricacies of exotic armor stats in Destiny 2 is vital for optimizing your Guardian. While the base stat rolls may seem limiting, the combination of focusing, mods, masterworking, and targeted farming can enable you to reach those powerful triple 100 builds. Remember, the best stats are those that complement your chosen playstyle and build goals. Happy hunting, Guardians!