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Decoding Destiny 2: A Comprehensive Guide to Exotic Ciphers

So, you’ve snagged an Exotic Cipher in Destiny 2. Congratulations, Guardian! But what do you do with it? The short answer: you can trade them in at the Tower, either at Xur, the enigmatic weekend vendor, or at the Monument to Lost Lights to purchase previously unobtainable exotic weapons and armor. They can also be spent at Master Rahool to roll for any previously obtained Exotic Armor piece. Let’s dive into the specifics.

Unlocking Exotic Power: Where to Spend Your Ciphers

Your Exotic Cipher is your key to acquiring some of the most coveted gear in the Destiny 2 universe. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

Xur, Agent of the Nine: This mysterious vendor appears only on weekends (Friday 12 PM EST to Tuesday 12 PM EST), and his location rotates weekly. He can be found in the Tower Hangar, the Winding Cove in the EDZ, or Watcher’s Grave on Nessus. You can give Xur an Exotic Cipher to receive one of his two exclusive Exotic weapons.
Monument to Lost Lights: Located in the Tower, nestled between the Vault kiosks, the Monument to Lost Lights allows you to purchase Exotic weapons and armors that are no longer obtainable through their original sources. This is your go-to spot for filling gaps in your collection from previous expansions. You will need other currencies, but the exotic cipher is part of the required cost.
Master Rahool: The Tower’s resident Cryptarch, Master Rahool, allows you to use an Exotic Cipher to focus exotic armor. Focusing allows you to roll for any previously obtained Exotic Armor piece.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Exotic Ciphers

Here are some common questions players have about Exotic Ciphers, answered to help you make the most of these valuable items:

1. How Do I Get an Exotic Cipher?

The primary way to obtain an Exotic Cipher is by completing Xur’s Xenology quest. This quest requires you to complete playlist activities (Strikes, Gambit, Crucible) and usually awards an Exotic Cipher upon completion. Also, players that own the season pass typically have access to exotic ciphers throughout the season progression.

2. Can I Hold Multiple Exotic Ciphers?

The ability to hold multiple Exotic Ciphers has changed over time. Currently, you can only carry one at a time, so be sure to spend it before acquiring another.

3. What’s the Difference Between an Exotic Cipher and a Forsaken Cipher?

These are different items! Exotic Ciphers are obtained from Xur’s quest or in season passes, while Forsaken Ciphers are specifically tied to the Forsaken expansion content. You can find three (3) Forsaken Ciphers in the Forsaken section of the Monument of Lost Lights Exotic Archive in the Tower.

4. What Can I Buy with Forsaken Ciphers?

Forsaken Ciphers can be used to purchase any Forsaken Exotic weapon in the Monument to Lost Lights Exotic Archive in the Tower. If you already own all Forsaken Exotics, the Ciphers can be exchanged for an Ascendant Shard.

5. Where is the Monument to Lost Lights?

The Monument to Lost Lights is a Terminal found in the Tower in the Vault access area. Walk towards the Vault kiosks and you’ll find it nestled between them.

6. How do I Obtain Spoils of Conquest?

Spoils of Conquest are a raid-specific currency. You earn them by completing encounters in raids. These are needed to buy select exotics in the Monument to Lost Lights.

7. What Are Some of the Best Exotics to Buy with an Exotic Cipher?

This depends on your playstyle and current loadout, but popular choices include:

Anarchy: Once a top-tier DPS option, Anarchy is a grenade launcher that fires grenades that stick to surfaces and create arc damage over time.
Thorn: A hand cannon that deals damage over time and can replenish its magazine.
Ace of Spades: A popular hand cannon with excellent perks for both PvE and PvP.
Eriana’s Vow: A hand cannon that is strong against barrier champions and deals bonus damage while aiming down sights.
Witherhoard: A grenade launcher that creates blight pools on impact.

8. What’s the Best Way to Spend My Spoils of Conquest?

Again, this depends on your needs, but Anarchy, Tarrabah, and Always on Time (a Sparrow) are generally considered strong choices.

9. Can I Use an Exotic Cipher to Masterwork Armor?

No, Exotic Ciphers cannot be used to masterwork armor. You’ll need Ascendant Shards for that. Ascendant Shards are also used to purchase older Exotic weapons from the Monument to Lost Lights Exotic weapon kiosk in the Tower.

10. What Time Does Xur Leave?

Xur departs at the weekly reset on Tuesday mornings at 12 PM EST. Make sure to visit him before then!

11. What Should I do if I Can’t Find Xur?

Xur’s location changes every weekend. Check online resources, such as Destiny 2 communities or websites, to find his current location.

12. Why is Xur Hunched Over?

According to lore, Xûr’s odd posture is a result of a traumatic encounter detailed in the Ecdysis lore book. He was attacked and injured, leaving him permanently hunched over.

13. What are Unstoppable Champions and What Exotics are good Against Them?

Unstoppable Champions are a type of enemy in Destiny 2 that can only be stunned by specific weapon types or abilities with the “Unstoppable” mod. Some Exotic weapons good against Unstoppable Champions include:

Bastion (Exotic Fusion Rifle)
Devil’s Ruin (Exotic Sidearm)
Leviathan’s Breath (Exotic Combat Bow)
Malfeasance (Exotic Hand Cannon)

14. Where do I turn in the Exotic Cipher Quest?

You obtain and complete the Xenology quest from Xur.

15. Why Was the Forsaken Expansion Removed?

The Forsaken expansion, along with other content, was placed into the Destiny Content Vault to reduce the game’s overall size and complexity, making it easier for Bungie to implement new content and maintain the game. Games Learning Society can benefit from this decision due to the simplified and easier to maintain game.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing where to spend your Exotic Cipher depends on your individual needs and what you hope to achieve in Destiny 2. Research the available weapons, consider your playstyle, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from other players. Good luck, Guardian, and happy hunting!

For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming and how they contribute to learning and development, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society website. GamesLearningSociety.org offers valuable insights into the intersection of gaming and education.

Where do I take exotic ciphers?