Centrifuse: One Step Away from Great
With the Episode Heresy focusing heavily on Arc weapons, it was hoped that Exotic Arc weapons like Centrifuse would see a significant boost in usage. Unfortunately, Centrifuse, despite recent buffs to its magazine size, remains underutilized. The weapon’s core mechanic of building and maintaining Overcharge to cause explosions and blind targets is solid, but the main issue lies in Overcharge’s uptime. Overcharge resets with every reload, stowaway, or extended period of standing still, making it challenging to maintain consistently.
To enhance Centrifuse’s effectiveness, a possible solution is to allow Overcharge to persist as long as the player is on the move. This change would prevent the charge from resetting upon reloading or stowing the weapon, aligning more closely with the weapon’s intended playstyle and increasing Overcharge’s uptime. Such a tweak could make Centrifuse a more viable and enjoyable option in the game’s sandbox.
Devil’s Ruin: More Than Just a Cool Look
Devil’s Ruin is undoubtedly one of the most visually striking sidearms in Destiny 2. Unfortunately, its appeal doesn’t extend much beyond its appearance. The weapon’s intrinsic Unstoppable capabilities suggest it was designed to deal with tougher targets, but in practice, it falls short. In PvP, it occasionally offers some entertainment with its beam, but it lacks the punch needed to be a serious contender in PvE.
To revitalize Devil’s Ruin, a damage increase based on sustained damage, similar to Target Lock, could be introduced. Alternatively, increasing the ammo capacity for the laser would make it more practical and engaging. The absence of a Catalyst for this weapon is also notable, and Bungie should consider introducing one to enhance its utility. Another aspect that detracts from the weapon’s feel is the slight delay in firing regular shots, which occurs because the laser activates by holding down the trigger. Addressing this minor but impactful issue could significantly improve the weapon’s overall experience.
Dead Messenger: A Better Wave Frame
Dead Messenger stands out with its unique The Fundamentals perk, which allows players to swap the weapon’s elemental type and grants a 30 percent damage buff when an elemental keyword matches the selected damage type. While this perk is a nice touch, it doesn’t provide enough reason to choose Dead Messenger over more straightforward Legendary grenade launchers like Forbearance or Martyr’s Retribution. These Legends, equipped with AoE perks like Incandescent or Chain Reaction, can achieve similar effects, freeing up the Exotic slot for other powerful weapons.
To make Dead Messenger more compelling, a buff to its blast radius or the addition of an AoE perk, replacing Turnabout in its Catalyst, could be beneficial. The primary role of a Wave Frame is to clear adds, and these changes would better align with that purpose. Enhancing its damage output and area of effect would make Dead Messenger a more attractive and practical choice for players.
Traveler’s Chosen: Champion of the Traveler
Traveler’s Chosen has a solid base function, but it struggles to find a consistent use outside of PvP. In PvE, players can often achieve high ability regeneration through other means, making the weapon’s primary benefit redundant. Additionally, when it comes to sidearms in PvP, options like Peacebond or Heliocentric QSc often outshine Traveler’s Chosen.
With the introduction of the Prismatic subclass in The Final Shape, it would be fitting for Traveler’s Chosen to have a synergistic interaction with this subclass. For example, the weapon could increase Transcendence energy gains or grant a buff depending on the equipped Super. Such an interaction would give Traveler’s Chosen a unique and valuable role in both PvP and PvE, making it a more appealing and versatile choice for players.
Hierarchy of Needs: A Dungeon and Raid Relic
Hierarchy of Needs is one of the least used dungeon and raid Exotics in Destiny 2. While it can perform well in certain scenarios, very few activities in the game can consistently take advantage of its Guidance Ring. The weapon’s potential is evident, but it often remains underutilized due to the limited opportunities to maximize its benefits.
To revitalize Hierarchy of Needs, a simple damage buff to arrows shot through the Guidance Ring could help. Additionally, introducing more AoE damage would make the weapon more versatile and useful in a broader range of activities. Hierarchy of Needs once had a secret interaction with Warmind Cells, which were removed in Lightfall. Bringing back a similar mechanic, potentially integrated into the bow’s kit, could add a new layer of depth and utility to the weapon, making it more appealing for players in both dungeons and raids.
Conclusion: Bringing Exotic Weapons to the Forefront
The Episode Heresy brings significant changes to Exotic weapons and armor, making it an opportune time to reassess and rejuvenate underused Exotic weapons in Destiny 2. Weapons like Centrifuse, Devil’s Ruin, Dead Messenger, Traveler’s Chosen, and Hierarchy of Needs each have unique qualities that, with the right tweaks and reworks, could make them more engaging and practical. By addressing their current limitations, Bungie can create a more balanced and enjoyable sandbox for players, ensuring that every Exotic weapon feels like a valuable addition to their arsenal.
