The Power Restraint: Why You Can’t Equip Multiple Exotics in Destiny 2
The burning question that has echoed through the Tower since Destiny’s inception: Why can’t I equip more than one Exotic weapon and one Exotic armor piece at a time? The answer, in its simplest form, boils down to balance. Exotics, by their very nature, are designed to be powerful, game-changing pieces of equipment. Allowing players to stack multiple Exotics would fundamentally break the carefully curated balance of power within the game, leading to unbalanced gameplay and a degradation of the core Destiny experience.
The Delicate Dance of Balance
Imagine a world where Guardians could wield the Trinity Ghoul for add clear, the Divinity for debuffing bosses, and the Leviathan’s Breath for massive single-target damage, all simultaneously. Pair that with armor like the Omnioculus for near-permanent invisibility, the Cuirass of the Falling Star for amplified Thundercrash damage, and the Phoenix Protocol for endless Well of Radiance uptime. The result? A level of power so absurd that it would trivialize almost all content, rendering challenges meaningless and diminishing the sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming difficult encounters.
Bungie, the developers of Destiny 2, have consistently reiterated that their design philosophy centers around creating engaging challenges that require skill, strategy, and teamwork. Allowing the unfettered combination of Exotic perks would undermine this philosophy, turning the game into a cakewalk for the “haves” and further widening the gap between casual and hardcore players.
The Illusion of Variety
Some argue that restricting Exotic slots actually reduces build diversity. The logic is that by limiting players to one Exotic weapon and one armor piece, Bungie forces them into specific, predetermined playstyles. However, this argument overlooks the depth and complexity that comes with carefully selecting the right Exotic for the right situation.
The constraint encourages players to think critically about their loadouts, considering the strengths and weaknesses of each Exotic and how they synergize with their chosen subclass, mods, and team composition. Instead of mindlessly stacking the “best” Exotics, players must make meaningful choices that reflect their individual playstyles and the specific challenges they face. This decision-making process, in turn, fosters a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics and encourages creative experimentation.
Legendary Strength and The Power of Choice
Furthermore, it’s crucial to remember that Legendary weapons and armor also play a vital role in build diversity. Legendary items offer a wide range of perks and stats that can be tailored to specific playstyles. They allow players to fine-tune their builds and create unique combinations that complement their chosen Exotic. The interplay between Exotics and Legendaries is what truly allows for granular customization.
Removing the Exotic restriction would effectively diminish the value of Legendary items, rendering them obsolete in the face of overwhelming Exotic power. The game’s economy, progression system, and reward structure are all built around the balance between Exotic and Legendary items. Disrupting this balance would have far-reaching consequences, potentially undermining the entire Destiny 2 experience.
FAQs: Exotic Equipment in Destiny 2
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Exotic equipment in Destiny 2:
1. Can I equip more than one Exotic sparrow, emote, and ship alongside my weapon and armor piece?
Yes, you can equip multiple cosmetic items, such as Exotic Sparrows, Emotes, and Ships, in addition to your single Exotic weapon and armor piece. These items are purely cosmetic and do not impact gameplay balance.
2. How many Exotic items can I hold in my inventory?
You can hold as many Exotic items as your inventory space allows. The restriction only applies to equipping them simultaneously. Feel free to hoard those god-rolled Exotics for future builds!
3. How do I get more Exotic items?
There are numerous ways to obtain Exotic items in Destiny 2:
- Exotic Quests: Many quests reward you with specific Exotic weapons or armor upon completion.
- Season Pass: The Season Pass often includes Exotic engrams and occasionally even a guaranteed Exotic weapon or armor piece.
- Vendors: Certain vendors, such as Xur, sell Exotic items for Legendary Shards or Exotic Ciphers.
- Monument to Lost Lights: Located in the Tower, this kiosk allows you to purchase older Exotics in exchange for specific materials, including an Exotic Cipher.
- Xur: This weekend vendor sells Exotic weapons, armor, and engrams.
- Legend/Master Lost Sectors: Completing these challenging activities solo can reward you with Exotic armor specific to the daily rotation.
- Random World Drops: Though rare, exotics can drop randomly from defeating enemies in the world.
4. What is an Exotic Cipher and how do I get one?
An Exotic Cipher is a currency used to purchase specific Exotic items from Xur or the Monument to Lost Lights. The primary source of Exotic Ciphers is a weekly quest offered by Xur. They can also be acquired from the Season Pass and occasionally from special events.
5. How many Exotic Engrams can I buy from Xur each week?
You can buy two Exotic Engrams from Xur each week. The first requires an Exotic Cipher, while the second costs 97 Legendary Shards.
6. What do I do with extra Exotic weapons or armor?
Extra Exotic weapons and armor can be dismantled for Legendary Shards and Upgrade Modules, which are used for upgrading other gear. You can also use duplicate exotics for infusion, but only if their power level is higher than that of the item you wish to infuse. You can re-acquire dismantled Exotics from your collection at any time.
7. Is it okay to dismantle Exotics?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to dismantle Exotics, particularly if you have duplicates or no longer use them. Unlike Legendary items, dismantled Exotics can be re-acquired from your collection at any time for a small cost.
8. Can I infuse Exotic weapons or armor?
Yes, you can infuse Exotic weapons and armor with other weapons or armor of a higher power level to increase their power.
9. How much does Xur’s Exotic armor cost?
The Exotic armor pieces sold by Xur typically cost 23 Legendary Shards each.
10. What is the rarest Exotic weapon in Destiny 2?
The rarity of Exotic weapons can vary depending on factors such as drop rates and availability. Generally, weapons acquired through challenging activities or limited-time events tend to be rarer. Some examples from the provided document include Touch of Malice and Collective Obligation.
11. Can you only hold one Exotic Cipher at a time?
Yes, you can only hold a maximum of one Exotic Cipher in your inventory at a time. It’s important to use them wisely, as any additional Ciphers you acquire while already holding one will be lost.
12. What is the drop rate for Exotics in Legend/Master Lost Sectors?
The drop rate for Exotics in Legend Lost Sectors is approximately 20%, while Master Lost Sectors have a higher drop rate of around 33%. These rates are not guaranteed, so be prepared to run these activities multiple times to obtain the desired Exotic.
13. Can I get the same Exotic armor piece multiple times from Lost Sectors?
Yes, you can get the same Exotic armor piece multiple times from Lost Sectors. The key is to have all other possible Exotic armor pieces for that slot unlocked in your collection. This increases the likelihood of receiving the specific piece you’re looking for.
14. Where can I find more information about Destiny 2’s game mechanics and design?
While we’ve covered a lot here, it’s always good to keep learning! You can explore resources such as game guides, community forums, and websites dedicated to Destiny 2. Understanding game design principles helps appreciate the complexity and thoughtfulness behind these decisions. You might find inspiration from resources at the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org, which explores learning through games.
15. Why can’t I equip 2 Legendaries?
The information in the initial text about equipping two legendaries is not accurate for current Destiny 2 gameplay. There are no options to equip two legendary armor pieces with the same functionality as Exotic armor. You can use crafted legendaries but they do not function as exotics. In conclusion, the restriction on equipping multiple Exotics in Destiny 2 is a carefully considered design choice that aims to preserve game balance, promote build diversity, and maintain the value of Legendary items. While the desire to unleash the full potential of your Guardian is understandable, the current system ultimately serves to create a more engaging and rewarding gameplay experience for all.