Why Can’t I Get Malfeasance in Destiny 2? A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re having trouble getting your hands on the Malfeasance, eh? Don’t worry, Guardian, you’re not alone. This Exotic Hand Cannon can be a bit elusive. The most common reason players struggle to unlock Malfeasance is because the quest line isn’t initiated properly. To start the quest, you must trigger the “Darkness in the Light” quest by defeating the Ascendant Primeval Servitor in a Gambit match. The Ascendant Primeval Servitor is not a guaranteed spawn; it appears randomly when your team summons the Primeval. If you are not getting the quest to start, focus on farming Gambit matches until this special Primeval spawns. Further contributing factors may include not winning the match after killing the Ascendant Primeval Servitor, not completing the subsequent quest steps correctly, or confusion about whether the weapon is even accessible given past DLC requirements. Let’s dive into the details of the Malfeasance quest and address common hurdles you might be encountering.
Understanding the Malfeasance Questline: “Darkness in the Light”
The “Darkness in the Light” quest involves several steps that require patience, skill, and sometimes, a coordinated fireteam. Let’s break down each stage to ensure you’re on the right track:
Step 1: The Seething Heart
As mentioned earlier, this is the key: you must defeat the Ascendant Primeval Servitor in Gambit. This Primeval randomly replaces the usual Primeval boss when it’s summoned. Damage it quickly with your team and prioritize its elimination, or else you will have to repeat the process.
Step 2: Speak to the Drifter
Once the Ascendant Primeval Servitor is defeated, you will receive the Seething Heart quest item. Take this quest item to the Drifter in the Tower. This will initiate the rest of the “Darkness in Light” questline.
Step 3: Taken Vanquisher
You will have to defeat 25 Taken yellow bar enemies. Prime locations for this task include The Dreaming City, specifically the Shattered Throne dungeon, and Lost Sectors on planets where the Taken are prevalent, such as Io.
Step 4: The Corrupted Strike
Complete The Corrupted Strike in The Dreaming City. This is not just completing any strike! This Strike has specific mechanics and can be challenging. Focus on coordination with your fireteam. This will also teach you about mechanics involved with balls of light and dark that you will need to use to traverse through the environment and deal damage to enemies.
Step 5: Business As Usual
This stage requires you to deposit motes in Gambit and win matches. You will need to deposit motes without losing them. This is one of the steps that may take some time to complete.
Step 6: Lights Out
This step tasks you with defeating 25 opposing Guardians in Gambit. This is not an easy step. Moreover, you or a teammate must achieve a team wipe as an invader three times (killing all four opposing Guardians in a single invasion). If you find invading too difficult, coordinate with a skilled teammate who can reliably invade and secure team wipes.
Step 7: Speak to the Drifter Again
After completing all previous steps, return to the Drifter to receive the Malfeasance!
Common Pitfalls and Solutions
- RNG Frustration: The random spawn of the Ascendant Primeval Servitor is often the biggest hurdle. There’s no guaranteed way to force its appearance. Just keep playing Gambit and focus on quickly defeating the Primeval when it spawns.
- Lack of Fireteam: Some quest steps, especially The Corrupted Strike and the Gambit invasion step, are significantly easier with a coordinated fireteam. Use the Destiny 2 companion app or online forums to find players willing to help.
- Incorrect Strike: Ensure you’re running the correct version of The Corrupted Strike. It’s located in The Dreaming City and is distinct from other strikes.
- Confusing Quest Steps: Double-check the quest description for each step. Misinterpreting the requirements is a common cause of delay.
- DLC Misconceptions: While Malfeasance was previously tied to the Forsaken DLC, it is now available to all players, regardless of DLC ownership.
Malfeasance Catalyst
Once you have Malfeasance, you’ll likely want to acquire its catalyst. The catalyst gives the weapon +20 range and Vorpal Weapon, which provides increased damage against bosses, Champions, and Guardians in their Super. The catalyst drops randomly from completing Strikes, Gambit, or Crucible matches.
Once obtained, the catalyst requires 700 kills to unlock. The Shuro Chi encounter in the Last Wish Raid is a popular farming spot for catalyst kills due to the high density of enemies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Obtaining Malfeasance
Q1: Can I still get Malfeasance in 2023?
Yes! Malfeasance is still obtainable in Destiny 2 as of 2023 and beyond. The method for obtaining it remains the same: completing the “Darkness in Light” quest, which starts by defeating the Ascendant Primeval Servitor in Gambit.
Q2: Do I need any DLC to get Malfeasance?
No, you no longer need any specific DLC to obtain Malfeasance. Previously, it was tied to the Forsaken DLC, but now it’s available to all players.
Q3: How rare is the Ascendant Primeval Servitor spawn?
The spawn rate of the Ascendant Primeval Servitor is random and can feel quite low. There’s no official percentage, but anecdotal evidence suggests it can take several Gambit matches to encounter it.
Q4: Does Gambit Prime count towards the Malfeasance quest?
Gambit Prime has been retired and is no longer available in Destiny 2. All Gambit activities now contribute to the “Darkness in Light” quest.
Q5: What’s the best strategy for killing the Ascendant Primeval Servitor quickly?
Focus fire with your team. Use high-damage weapons and Supers. Communication is key. Warlock’s Well of Radiance, Titan’s Ward of Dawn, and Hunter’s Shadowshot can provide significant advantages.
Q6: Do I need to win the Gambit match after killing the Ascendant Primeval Servitor?
Yes! You must win the Gambit match after defeating the Ascendant Primeval Servitor to progress the quest.
Q7: What’s the best way to defeat Taken yellow bar enemies for the Taken Vanquisher step?
The Shattered Throne dungeon in the Dreaming City is an excellent location. Alternatively, Lost Sectors on Io or in the Dreaming City can also be effective.
Q8: What loadout do you recommend for The Corrupted Strike?
A well-rounded loadout is best. Include weapons effective against both Taken and Unstoppable Champions. A long range weapon such as a scout rifle is also helpful. Coordinate with your fireteam to cover different champion types.
Q9: Any tips for the Gambit invasion step of the quest?
Use heavy ammo and power weapons wisely. Scout the enemy team’s location before invading. Coordinate with your team to time invasions strategically. Consider using a sniper rifle for long-range engagements.
Q10: Is the Malfeasance catalyst worth getting?
Yes! The catalyst provides a significant boost to the weapon’s range and adds Vorpal Weapon, making it more effective against bosses and Guardians in their Supers.
Q11: What’s the fastest way to get the Malfeasance catalyst to drop?
There’s no guaranteed method. Simply play a lot of Strikes, Gambit, or Crucible matches. Playlist activities that you enjoy will make the grind more bearable.
Q12: How many kills are needed to complete the Malfeasance catalyst?
You need 700 kills with Malfeasance to complete the catalyst.
Q13: What are the best weapons to pair with Malfeasance in PvE?
Consider pairing Malfeasance with a special weapon that covers its weaknesses, such as a Shotgun for close-range encounters or a Sniper Rifle for long-range engagements.
Q14: Is Malfeasance good in PvP?
Malfeasance can be effective in PvP, particularly in Gambit, due to its damage bonus against Guardians. Its perk, Explosive Shadow, can also disrupt enemy formations.
Q15: Are there any builds that synergize well with Malfeasance?
Lucky Pants on Hunters, greatly increases the damage dealt by Malfeasance. This build combines two Exotics that turn it into a Champion Eater! Lucky Pants gives Kinetic Hand cannons a 600% Damage buff when Stowed Hand cannon is readied. This pairs so nicely with Malfeasance because this damage boost is to the Taken explosions as well that comes from landing 5 shots in a row!
Final Thoughts
Obtaining Malfeasance requires patience and persistence, especially with the RNG-dependent nature of the initial quest trigger. However, with the right strategies and a bit of luck, you’ll be wielding this powerful Exotic Hand Cannon in no time. Remember to team up with fellow Guardians for the tougher steps, and don’t give up! The feeling of finally acquiring Malfeasance and unlocking its potential is well worth the effort.
And remember, learning and mastering games can be a fantastic way to develop problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights on the educational value of gaming. Good luck, Guardian!