What to Do with Exotic Engrams
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
When you obtain an Exotic Engram, it’s essential to understand that it can be decrypted into either an Exotic weapon or armor piece, and this process happens automatically upon claiming it, providing you with a random Exotic item. To make the most out of your Exotic Engrams, consider focusing them through vendors at the Tower or H.E.L.M. by spending Glimmer and Legendary Shards to guarantee a specific item drop, although this method doesn’t apply directly to Exotic Engrams but rather to Seasonal or Prime Engrams.
Understanding Exotic Engrams
Exotic Engrams are a vital part of the Destiny 2 experience, offering players a chance to acquire powerful and unique Exotic gear. These engrams can be obtained through various activities, including completing encounters, raids, or purchasing them from Xur, a vendor who appears weekly with a selection of Exotic items for sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do I do with Engrams?
Engrams are items that can be decrypted into gear, and Exotic Engrams specifically decrypt into Exotic gear. The process of decryption is automatic for Exotic Engrams, providing a random Exotic item.
2. How does Xur’s Exotic Engram work?
Xur sells Exotic Engrams that guarantee a random Exotic item not already in your collection, with the first one requiring an Exotic Cipher and the second costing 97 Legendary Shards.
3. What are the chances of an Exotic Engram dropping?
The exact drop rates for Exotic Engrams can vary, but they are generally considered rare, with the community estimating chances based on the expansion and specific activities.
4. How often does Xur give Exotic Ciphers?
Xur offers one Exotic Cipher per week through his “Xenology” quest, which involves participating in ritual activities like Vanguard Ops, Crucible, and Gambit.
5. Can you get the Last Word from Exotic Engrams?
Yes, The Last Word, an Exotic Hand Cannon, can be obtained through various means, including Legendary/Exotic Engrams, Xur, and completing specific activities like Vault of Glass or Crucible matches.
6. Is Xur selling anything good?
Xur consistently sells Exotic and Legendary armor and weapons with random rolls, which can be valuable additions to any player’s arsenal, for Legendary Shards and Glimmer.
7. What is the secret exotic in Destiny 2?
The secret exotic can refer to any newly introduced Exotic gear, with The Wicked Implement, a Stasis scout rifle, being a recent example, obtainable through a timed Exotic quest.
8. What is a Fated Engram from Xur?
Fated Engrams are Exotic Engrams sold by Xur that guarantee an Exotic item not currently in your collection, providing a way to complete your Exotic collection.
9. How much does Xur armor cost?
Xur’s Exotic armor pieces cost 23 Legendary Shards each, while his Legendary armor set costs 50 Legendary Shards and 1000 Glimmer.
10. What does Xur give you for the Exotic Cipher?
An Exotic Cipher can be used to purchase an Exotic weapon or armor piece from Xur, offering a chance to acquire a specific Exotic item.
11. What engrams should I get?
Prioritizing Exotic Engrams and focusing on acquiring missing Exotic gear for your collection is recommended, as well as considering the meta and your playstyle.
12. Should you save your engrams in Destiny 2?
Engrams are predetermined, so saving them does not affect the outcome, but saving Exotic weapon bounties can lead to higher damage versions upon completion.
13. Should you open engrams immediately or wait?
It’s recommended to decrypt Prime engrams as soon as possible to maximize benefits, but Exotic Engrams can be opened at any time since their outcome is random and predetermined.
14. What is the strongest Exotic weapon in Destiny 2?
The strongest Exotic weapon can vary based on the season and meta, with weapons like Gjallarhorn, Ager’s Scepter, and Divinity often being top contenders.
15. Can you farm Exotic Ciphers?
Exotic Ciphers can be farmed through Xur’s Xenology quest each week, providing a consistent way to earn Exotic Ciphers and acquire new Exotic gear.