Decoding Vexcalibur: A Deep Dive into Destiny 2’s Exotic Glaive
Vexcalibur is a unique and potent Exotic Void glaive introduced to Destiny 2 as part of the Lightfall expansion during the Season of Defiance. This isn’t just another weapon; it’s a craftable Exotic, offering customization and a distinct playstyle. Its primary function revolves around providing Void Overshields to the user and nearby allies when blocking incoming damage. Further enhancing its versatility, it increases melee damage while the user has an Overshield. When a target is defeated, the user gains a full Void Overshield with a refreshed timer, allowing for a powerful synergy. Vexcalibur is obtained by completing a hidden exotic mission “NODE.OVRD.AVALON” and completing quest steps which makes it more desirable. Its significance lies not only in its power but also in its unique role in build crafting and strategic gameplay.
Unleashing Vexcalibur’s Power
The core of Vexcalibur’s appeal stems from its distinctive perk, which slowly generates a Void Overshield after blocking incoming damage. This defensive capability isn’t limited to the user; it extends to allies in proximity, creating a powerful team dynamic and bolstering survival. This makes it very valuable in both PVE and PVP environments.
When the user is protected by any form of overshield, Vexcalibur’s melee damage is increased by 20%, adding an offensive edge to the defensive nature of the weapon. If a target is killed whilst the user has an overshield, a full overshield is granted to the user and the timer is refreshed. This creates a great playloop with the user taking advantage of the melee damage and quickly renewing an overshield for repeat attacks. This perk encourages an aggressive playstyle that rewards tactical blocking and close-quarters combat.
Vexcalibur is not simply a static, one-note Exotic. It’s also a craftable weapon, meaning it can be further enhanced with intrinsic traits and catalysts. The quest “Vexcalibur: Authorization Override” allows you to unlock these further customization options, similar to the previous season’s Revision Zero. These additions significantly increase the weapon’s overall utility and allow it to fit into a variety of builds.
Vexcalibur’s Place in the Meta
While the initial acquisition of Vexcalibur involves a challenging solo quest, the reward is truly worth the effort. The glaive is a high-tier weapon, boasting a combination of defense, offense, and utility that is uncommon among other weapons. It can be effectively used with Void Subclasses, creating powerful synergies around overshields and Void damage, but it also offers consistent void shield buff with any other subclass. This ability to be a versatile choice in any build greatly increases the weapons appeal.
The weapon has quickly become a favourite amongst the community and is considered an excellent Exotic Glaive. Many players have lauded its ability to enhance both survivability and damage output. It allows for build crafting around using the glaive for its constant void shield buff.
Vexcalibur is not just for experienced players; its accessibility is a significant aspect of its appeal. The quest to obtain it, while challenging, is soloable, meaning that anyone can access it without needing to find a fireteam. Once acquired, it’s not a complex weapon to use, making it a great choice for new and experienced players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Vexcalibur’s nuances:
How do you get the Vexcalibur Exotic Glaive?
You can obtain the Vexcalibur Exotic Glaive by completing the secret quest “NODE. OVRD. AVALON” which starts during the Season of Defiance in the “The Variable mission”. The quest starts at the European Dead Zone (EDZ), The Gulch location. This requires finding the six vex nodes to unlock the cave where the quest starts.
What are Vexcalibur’s intrinsic traits?
Like other craftable exotics, Vexcalibur has access to multiple intrinsic traits. These traits are unlocked after completing the “Vexcalibur: Authorization Override” questline that is gained after acquiring the weapon. These intrinsic traits allow you to focus the glaive on different aspects of your build.
How many Vexcalibur Catalysts are there and how do you get them?
There are three Vexcalibur Catalysts. The first catalyst is obtained by completing the NODE.OVRD.AVALON mission on Legendary difficulty. The other two are obtained in subsequent weeks of the season, presumably also through completing the mission on legendary difficulty. These catalysts further enhance the weapon’s capabilities.
Can you solo the Vexcalibur quest?
Yes, the Vexcalibur quest is soloable, though it can be challenging. Players have reported success using various classes and builds, with some specific loadouts and strategies proving more effective than others. The quest requires careful gameplay and knowledge of the enemies.
Does the Vexcalibur mission have checkpoints?
No, the Avalon mission does not have checkpoints. It requires players to stay on their toes and complete the entire mission in one sitting. This can make it particularly challenging but also very rewarding upon completion.
Is Vexcalibur good?
Yes, Vexcalibur is considered an excellent Exotic Glaive. It has broad functionality and customization, making it versatile for various builds and playstyles. It can be used for its constant void shield buff or more tailored Void builds.
What subclass works best with Vexcalibur?
While Vexcalibur can be used with any subclass for a constant void shield, it especially shines when paired with a Void Subclass. Void subclasses can further amplify the benefits of the void shield and offer abilities that complement the weapon’s playstyle.
What is the best way to use Vexcalibur?
The optimal use of Vexcalibur involves a combination of strategic blocking, melee attacks, and using overshields. Blocking damage to gain overshields will increase melee damage. Defeating enemies with the glaive will refresh the overshield timer.
Does Grave Robber work on glaives?
Yes, Grave Robber can work on glaives. This perk reloads the weapon with each melee kill. When paired with other perks such as frenzy this can create a great loop.
What other perks are good on a glaive?
Other perks, such as Frenzy, can enhance a glaive by increasing damage, reload speed, and handling. These perks can significantly improve the effectiveness of the weapon. Many perks also work that are not intrinsic to glaives such as destabilizing rounds.
Where do you find powerful Vex to farm?
Powerful Vex can be found in Vex-themed raids, such as Garden of Salvation and The Vault of Glass. The entrance to the Garden of Salvation is particularly effective, featuring multiple waves of Vex and some powerful enemies. There are also powerful vex in specific patrols on Neomuna.
What is considered the rarest loot in Destiny 2?
Some of the rarest loot in Destiny 2 includes:
- Day One Raid Emblems
- The Wolves Unleashed
- Solo Flawless Dungeon Emblems
- Heavy As Death
- Fashion Show Emblems
- Forum Ninjas Emblems
- Guided Games Emblems
- Artist Of The Week Emblems
Is Vexcalibur craftable?
Yes, Vexcalibur is a craftable Exotic. This allows players to customize its traits to suit their preferred playstyle and builds.
What is the best Glaive in Destiny 2?
While subjective and dependent on playstyle, the list of best glaives often includes the following:
1. Winterbite
2. Vexcalibur
3. Judgment Of Kelgorath
4. Lubrae’s Ruin
5. Nezarec’s Whisper
6. Ecliptic Distaff
7. The Enigma
8. Edge of Concurrence
Do I need Season of Defiance to get Excalibur?
Yes, Vexcalibur is part of the Season of Defiance content. You will need access to this season to access the required quest to obtain the weapon.
Conclusion
Vexcalibur is more than just an Exotic glaive; it’s a testament to Destiny 2’s evolving gameplay and buildcrafting possibilities. Its unique combination of defense, offense, and utility, combined with its customizability, makes it a highly desirable weapon for any guardian. Whether you are a solo player or part of a fireteam, Vexcalibur offers a powerful tool for both survival and dominance in the field. By understanding its mechanics, perks, and effective playstyles, you can unlock its full potential and truly appreciate its place in the ever-expanding world of Destiny 2.