Introduction: The Niche and Underused Exotic Bow
In the ever-evolving landscape of Destiny 2, Bungie has been reworking various Exotic weapons and armor to enhance player experience. With the release of Episode Heresy, the focus has been on balancing and improving these highly sought-after items. However, as players delved into the changes, they quickly noticed a glaring omission: the Exotic bow known as Hierarchy of Needs. This bows’ rarity and underuse have made it a prime candidate for a significant buff.
The Rarity of Hierarchy of Needs
Hierarchy of Needs is an Exotic bow obtained from the Spire of the Watcher dungeon. According to data from Destiny Tracker, this weapon holds the dubious honor of being one of the least used Exotics in the game, with a usage rate of just 0.00915 percent in Player versus Environment (PvE) activities. To put this into perspective, the Tyranny of Heaven Legendary bow from the Last Wish raid has a 0.0146 percent usage rate, and the Heartshadow Exotic sword from the Duality dungeon has a 0.0514 percent usage rate. This stark underutilization is unusual for an Exotic item, especially one from a raid or dungeon, which typically boasts unique and powerful features.
The Unique Yet Niche Playstyle
The Hierarchy of Needs has a distinctive Exotic trait that sets it apart: the Guidance Ring. When you shoot an arrow through this ring, it spawns seeking projectiles that deal more damage the farther they travel. This mechanic is both intriguing and challenging. The primary issue is that there are very few activities in Destiny 2 where players can remain stationary for an extended period to consistently utilize the Guidance Ring. Grandmaster Nightfalls can be an exception, but even in these high-stakes activities, the Ticuu’s Divination Exotic bow outperforms Hierarchy of Needs due to its simpler setup and more consistent damage output. This makes Hierarchy of Needs a less favorable choice for many players, despite its unique potential.
Player Feedback and Suggested Buffs
Players have not remained silent about the underperformance of Hierarchy of Needs. In a Reddit thread from March 2, one player expressed their love for the bow, acknowledging its uniqueness and potential strength. However, they noted that the Exotic perk, which deals more damage the farther the projectiles travel, hasn’t been effective for a long time. They also suggested that the bow needs Solar subclass verbs to generate more subclass energy, a critical resource in Destiny 2. Another player proposed a more personalized approach, highlighting the old interaction between this bow and the Warmind Cells, which allowed for the creation of a larger Guidance Ring. This interaction could potentially be reintegrated to enhance the bow’s effectiveness in dealing both high area-of-effect (AoE) and single-target damage.
Potential Buffs and Enhancements
Bungie has several options to buff Hierarchy of Needs and make it more viable for players. A straightforward approach would be to increase the damage output of the Guidance Ring mechanics, allowing players to make the most out of it even if they use it for a shorter duration. Another suggestion is to introduce Solar subclass verbs, which would create more subclass energy and make the bow more versatile. However, a more innovative and personalized approach could involve reviving the old interaction with Warmind Cells. This could allow players to spawn a larger Guidance Ring, enhancing the bow’s AoE and single-target damage capabilities. Although reintroducing Warmind Cells to Warmind-themed weapons might be ambitious, it could significantly boost the bow’s appeal and usability.
Conclusion: A Case for Hierarchy of Needs
The underutilization of Hierarchy of Needs in Destiny 2 is a clear indication that the bow needs a well-thought-out buff to bring it in line with other Exotics. With its unique Guidance Ring mechanic, the potential for high damage is undeniable. By addressing the current limitations and enhancing its playstyle, Bungie can breathe new life into this Exotic bow, making it a more attractive and viable option for players in various activities. The community’s feedback and suggestions provide a solid foundation for the developers to consider, ensuring that the Hierarchy of Needs finds its rightful place in the hands of Guardians.
