What to Buy with Forsaken Ciphers in 2023: A Comprehensive Guide
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The burning question on every Guardian’s mind: What should you spend your precious Forsaken Ciphers on in 2023? The answer hinges on your individual needs and goals, but generally, prioritizing acquiring missing Exotic weapons from the Monument to Lost Lights is the most impactful use. Focusing on powerful, build-enabling Exotics is crucial, especially those that significantly enhance your gameplay in both PvE and PvP activities.
Understanding Forsaken Ciphers
Forsaken Ciphers are a valuable currency obtained after purchasing the Forsaken Pack DLC. They allow players to bypass the original Forsaken campaign questlines required to unlock certain Exotic weapons and Armor pieces tied to that expansion, and are only used at the Monument to Lost Lights terminal in the Tower. This is essential for maximizing your Guardian’s potential and accessing powerful tools.
The Best Investments: Must-Have Exotics
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most worthwhile Exotics to acquire with your Forsaken Ciphers, categorized for clarity:
Top-Tier Exotic Weapons
- Ace of Spades (Hand Cannon): A PvP staple and powerful PvE option, Ace of Spades offers incredible damage and range. Its Memento Mori perk, which grants bonus damage and radar after a kill, makes it extremely versatile. It’s a consistently high-performing hand cannon.
- The Last Word (Hand Cannon): Another exceptional PvP choice, The Last Word excels in close-quarters combat. Its fan-firing mechanism and enhanced hip-fire accuracy make it deadly in the right hands. This weapon demands practice but offers a tremendous payoff.
- Le Monarque (Bow): A top-tier choice for both PvE and PvP. Le Monarque’s poison arrows apply a debilitating effect to enemies, making it invaluable for crowd control and dealing sustained damage to bosses. It’s a fantastic option for all skill levels.
- Izanagi’s Burden (Sniper Rifle): A powerhouse for single-target damage in PvE, particularly against bosses. Its Honed Edge perk, which allows you to combine four bullets into one devastating shot, makes it a meta choice for certain encounters. Mastering its usage is essential for optimizing DPS.
Powerful Exotic Armor
- Shards of Galanor (Hunter Gauntlets): Significant Super energy refund on hit, and full Super Refund on kills with Blade Barrage. If you love playing Blade Barrage, this is a must have to use it very frequently!
- Phoenix Protocol (Warlock Chest Armor): Grants significant Super energy to allies inside your Well of Radiance upon getting kills within the well. This makes Phoenix Protocol invaluable for supporting your team during challenging PvE activities.
Other Notable Options
While the Exotics listed above represent the best general choices, other options may be more suitable depending on your specific playstyle and needs:
- Wish-Ender (Bow): Excellent for PvP and solo PvE content due to its ability to see enemies through walls. It offers tactical advantages in various situations.
- Jotunn (Fusion Rifle): A fun and surprisingly effective Fusion Rifle that fires tracking projectiles. It can be useful in both PvE and PvP.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing
Before committing your Forsaken Cipher, consider these factors:
- Your Playstyle: Are you primarily a PvE or PvP player? Choose Exotics that align with your preferred activities.
- Current Loadout: Does the Exotic you’re considering fill a gap in your current arsenal? Don’t acquire duplicates of similar weapons.
- Build Synergies: Does the Exotic complement your current class and subclass build? Consider how it will enhance your overall gameplay.
- Weapon Archetypes: Do you prefer Hand Cannons, Bows, or Sniper Rifles? Select weapons that match your preferred weapon types.
The Monument to Lost Lights: A Guided Tour
The Monument to Lost Lights is located between the Vaults in the Tower. It’s an easily accessible location that allows you to purchase retired Exotics. Each Exotic requires a Forsaken Cipher, Glimmer, Legendary Shards, and sometimes other materials like an Ascendant Shard. Make sure you have all the necessary materials before making a purchase.
Prioritizing Your Purchases
If you have multiple Forsaken Ciphers, here’s a suggested order for your purchases:
- Ace of Spades: A consistently reliable and versatile Hand Cannon.
- Le Monarque: Excellent for both PvE and PvP.
- Izanagi’s Burden: A PvE powerhouse for single-target damage.
This is a general guideline, and you should adjust the order based on your specific needs and preferences.
FAQs: Forsaken Ciphers and Exotic Acquisition
H3 FAQ 1: How do I obtain a Forsaken Cipher?
You obtain a Forsaken Cipher by purchasing the Forsaken Pack DLC. Once purchased, the Cipher will be granted automatically.
H3 FAQ 2: Where is the Monument to Lost Lights located?
The Monument to Lost Lights is located in the Tower, between the two Vault terminals.
H3 FAQ 3: Can I get multiple Forsaken Ciphers?
You typically receive one Forsaken Cipher upon purchasing the Forsaken Pack DLC.
H3 FAQ 4: Are Forsaken Ciphers used for anything besides Exotics?
No, Forsaken Ciphers are exclusively used to purchase Exotic weapons and Armor from the Monument to Lost Lights.
H3 FAQ 5: What if I already own all the Exotics available for purchase with Forsaken Ciphers?
If you already own all the available Exotics, there is no use for the Forsaken Cipher. Unfortunately, they cannot be exchanged or converted into other resources.
H3 FAQ 6: Are the Exotics purchased with Forsaken Ciphers the same as the originals?
Yes, the Exotics purchased from the Monument to Lost Lights are identical to their original versions in terms of stats, perks, and functionality.
H3 FAQ 7: Do I need to complete the Forsaken campaign to use Forsaken Ciphers?
No, using a Forsaken Cipher bypasses the requirement of completing the original Forsaken campaign questlines.
H3 FAQ 8: What other resources are required to purchase Exotics from the Monument to Lost Lights?
In addition to a Forsaken Cipher, you’ll also need Glimmer, Legendary Shards, and sometimes other materials like an Ascendant Shard, depending on the specific Exotic.
H3 FAQ 9: Are there any new Exotics being added to the Forsaken Cipher pool in the future?
Bungie occasionally updates the Monument to Lost Lights, but there’s no guarantee that new Exotics will be added specifically to the Forsaken Cipher pool.
H3 FAQ 10: Is it worth buying the Forsaken Pack just for the Cipher?
Whether the Forsaken Pack is worth it solely for the Cipher depends on how much you value the Exotics it unlocks. Consider the cost of the pack compared to the power and utility of the weapons you’d gain. The Pack also grants access to the Dreaming City location and associated activities.
H3 FAQ 11: Can I earn a Forsaken Cipher through gameplay?
No, the Forsaken Cipher is only obtained through purchasing the Forsaken Pack DLC. It is not earned through gameplay activities.
H3 FAQ 12: Are there any seasonal events that offer Forsaken Ciphers?
No, there are currently no seasonal events that reward Forsaken Ciphers.
H3 FAQ 13: Can I dismantle Exotics purchased with a Forsaken Cipher for materials?
Yes, you can dismantle Exotics purchased with a Forsaken Cipher for Exotic Shards and other materials, just like any other Exotic.
H3 FAQ 14: How do I know which Exotics I’m missing that can be purchased with a Forsaken Cipher?
Check the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower. The Exotics you don’t own will be clearly displayed as available for purchase, along with their associated costs.
H3 FAQ 15: What happens if I delete my Forsaken Cipher?
You cannot delete a Forsaken Cipher once it has been granted to your account. It remains in your inventory until used. It is bound to your account.