Choosing the Right Arsenal: Your Ultimate Vault of Glass Weapon Guide
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So, you’re gearing up for the Vault of Glass, huh? Excellent choice, Guardian. It’s a classic raid, brimming with nostalgia and, of course, plenty of opportunities to test your mettle (and your weapon loadout). The short answer to which weapon you should use is: it depends! Vault of Glass, even the Master difficulty, rewards a balanced approach. However, if you’re heading into Master Vault of Glass, you’ll want to have a recommended Power Level of 1340. Auto Rifles and Pulse Rifles are ideal for clearing adds in the first four and last two encounters, while SMGs shine in encounters two, three, four, and six. But let’s dive deeper into specifics, covering encounter-specific recommendations, perk synergies, and optimal exotic choices, ensuring you’re equipped to conquer the Vault of Glass, no matter the difficulty.
Decoding the Vault: Encounter-Specific Loadouts
The Vault of Glass isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” raid. Each encounter demands a unique approach, and your weapon selection should reflect that.
Opening the Vault
This initial encounter focuses on defending Vex sync plates. Auto Rifles like The Number or Suros Regime provide excellent add clear, while a Pulse Rifle such as Stars in Shadow can help control the Praetorians that spawn to reclaim the plates. Consider bringing a fusion rifle or shotgun in your energy slot to quickly deal with close-range threats.
The Confluxes
Here, your focus is on overwhelming waves of Vex. SMGs like IkelosSMGv1.0.3 excel at shredding through these adds. Pulse Rifles are still viable, especially if you’re comfortable at medium ranges. A rocket launcher or linear fusion rifle in your heavy slot will make short work of any Wyverns that appear.
The Oracles
Precision is key during the Oracles encounter. Scout Rifles offer long-range accuracy, while Hand Cannons like Fatebringer (Timelost) can deliver powerful shots. Having one or two team members with high-impact sniper rifles can make quick work of Oracles at range, while machine guns can provide sustained damage on Oracles that get too close.
The Templar
Damage, damage, damage! The Templar requires a concentrated burst of damage to break his shield and damage his health. Linear Fusion Rifles, such as Stormchaser or Cataclysmic, are the top-tier choice, especially with the Divinity debuff. Having a fusion rifle or shotgun to clear adds is also a great option.
The Gorgon Maze
While not technically a combat encounter, having a reliable Hand Cannon or Pulse Rifle to quickly dispatch the roaming Gorgons is crucial. Stealth and communication are more important than raw firepower here.
The Gatekeepers
This encounter brings a mix of add clear and portal defense. Auto Rifles and Pulse Rifles are solid choices for add clear inside the portals. A linear fusion rifle for bursting down Gatekeepers and Praetorians is a great pick for heavy.
Atheon
The final boss! Atheon demands sustained damage output. Linear Fusion Rifles remain a top pick, but rocket launchers with tracking modules and grenade launchers with spike grenades are also viable options. Having a Warlock with Well of Radiance is almost essential for survivability and damage buffs. Consider running Divinity to increase the damage output of the team by providing a critical weakpoint for the enemy.
Exotic Considerations: Elevating Your Arsenal
Choosing the right exotic weapon can significantly enhance your performance in the Vault of Glass. Here are some standouts:
- Divinity: Essential for the Templar and Atheon encounters. The sustained damage buff and ease of targeting it provides are invaluable.
- Thunderlord: Excellent for clearing adds and dealing sustained damage to bosses. Its chain lightning ability can decimate groups of Vex.
- Witherhoard: A fantastic utility weapon that can deny zones, damage bosses over time, and control enemy movement.
- Gjallarhorn: Still a top-tier rocket launcher that can provide unparalleled burst damage.
- Legend of Acrius: Delivers staggering damage on targets at close range.
- Tractor Cannon: This weapon is amazing for those who want to deal with enemies up close.
- Wish-Ender: Has anti barrier rounds, deals heavy damage at long distances.
- Osteo Striga: Can melt enemies quickly and efficiently.
Legendary Perk Synergies: Maximizing Your Potential
Beyond the weapon type itself, the perks on your legendary weapons can make a huge difference. Here are some top perk combinations to look for:
- Subsistence/Rampage (Auto Rifle/SMG): Maintain a constant stream of ammunition while increasing your damage output.
- Outlaw/Kill Clip (Hand Cannon): Rapid reloads after kills paired with a damage boost make for a deadly combination.
- Reconstruction/Vorpal Weapon (Linear Fusion Rifle): Automatically reload your weapon and deal bonus damage to bosses.
- Tracking Module/Lasting Impression (Rocket Launcher): Ensure your rockets hit their target while dealing increased damage upon detonation.
Armor Mods: Fine-Tuning Your Build
Don’t underestimate the power of armor mods. Charged with Light mods like Taking Charge and High-Energy Fire can significantly boost your damage output. Elemental Well mods can provide valuable buffs and resources based on your subclass. Resist mods can dramatically increase your survivability.
The Timelost Advantage: Chasing Perfection
If you’re tackling Master Vault of Glass, earning Timelost weapons should be a priority. These enhanced versions of the raid’s standard weapons offer superior stats and the ability to equip two perks in each column. Fatebringer (Timelost) is a must-have, offering incredible versatility and power. Timelost weapons are guaranteed to drop when you complete the weekly challenge on Master difficulty.
Don’t Forget Your Subclass!
Your subclass can heavily influence your weapon choices. A Well of Radiance Warlock can make any damage phase significantly easier, allowing you to focus on maximizing your damage output. Void Titans with Controlled Demolition can provide excellent crowd control and add clear. Hunter with Deadfall Tether can shut down groups of enemies and provide the team with a damage buff.
Remember the Team
Ultimately, the best weapon loadout for Vault of Glass depends on your role within the team and the overall strategy. Communicate with your fireteam, coordinate your loadouts, and adapt to the challenges of each encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Power level do I need for Master Vault of Glass?
The recommended Power level for Master Vault of Glass is 1340. Enemies are at Power level 1350, so being at least 10 levels below is advisable to give you a fighting chance.
2. Can you solo Vault of Glass?
While impressive, soloing the entire Vault of Glass is not realistically achievable for most players. Certain segments, like the opening encounter or parts of the Gorgon Maze, can be soloed by highly skilled players, but the raid is designed for a fireteam of six.
3. How do you get Timelost weapons in Vault of Glass?
Timelost weapons are acquired by completing the weekly challenge on Master difficulty. Each week features a different challenge, and completing it guarantees a Timelost weapon drop.
4. Is Fatebringer (Timelost) guaranteed from Master Vault of Glass?
Yes, the Fatebringer (Timelost) is guaranteed to drop from the Master Vault of Glass when the weekly challenge is active and completed.
5. Can you farm Timelost Fatebringer?
Yes, you can farm the Master Vault of Glass as many times as needed during the week when the Fatebringer challenge is active to get the desired God Roll.
6. What’s the hardest part of the Vault of Glass?
For many, the Atheon encounter on Master difficulty is the most challenging due to the combination of high damage output, strategic positioning, and coordination required.
7. How many secret chests are in Vault of Glass?
There are four optional chests to find in Vault of Glass, in addition to the encounter reward chests.
8. Is Vault of Glass harder in Destiny 2 than the original?
Yes, the Destiny 2 version of Vault of Glass features mechanical changes and additions that make it more challenging than the original.
9. How long does Vault of Glass take to beat?
For experienced players, a normal run of Vault of Glass typically takes around 2 hours. For first-timers, it can take significantly longer, potentially 4-8 hours.
10. Does Vault of Glass have good loot?
Yes, Vault of Glass has a lot of valuable loot to farm, including the Vex Mythoclast, Fatebringer, Hezen Vengeance, and Timelost weapons.
11. What are the best classes for Vault of Glass?
Classes are subjective, it is best to learn how to play all of the classes at some point.
12. Which is the easiest raid to solo in Destiny 2?
The Deep Stone Crypt is considered the easiest raid to solo in Destiny 2.
13. Which difficulty should I play Vault of Glass?
If you are a beginner, start on normal, then work your way to the challenge and Master difficulties. It will provide you the necessary experience needed.
14. Which weapon is better for Vault of Glass, Linear Fusion Rifles or Rocket Launchers?
Linear Fusion Rifles are amazing for bosses. Rocket Launchers are for high damage but require specific perks, and the tracking module perk. Both are solid, so it is best to practice with both of them.
15. Is it important to have a premade team for Vault of Glass?
While there are options to use the in-game “fireteam finder”, it is a better experience to use your friends, or other discord servers, that have players.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right weapon for Vault of Glass is about more than just picking the highest-damage option. It’s about understanding the encounter mechanics, coordinating with your team, and tailoring your loadout to your specific role. With the right preparation and a little bit of luck, you’ll be well on your way to conquering Atheon and claiming your rewards. Good luck, Guardian, and may your rolls be god-tier!
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