In Destiny 2 it will soon be time, as Season 18 is about to start. To perfectly prepare you for the upcoming “Arc 3.0” update, we have listed some Exotics that will likely benefit from it.
What is Arc 3.0? In Season 18, Bungie could implement the revamped version of the Arc subclass for all classes. New aspects, fragments, and various grenade options will allow you to tailor your Arc element more to your playstyle. Just like the Solar and Void 3.0 changes before it.
When does Season 18 start? The new Season 18 will start on August 23rd with the weekly reset at 7 PM. A preliminary downtime is to be expected. In the new season, Guardians will have
- a new story,
- a legendary raid,
- and a new season pass that they can level up.
To avoid having to think about a suitable Exotic at the last moment, we have selected five Exotics that you should definitely keep an eye on when Season 18 starts.
5 Exotics you should get for Season 18
We will list a total of one armor Exotic for each class and also two weapon Exotics that could prove useful in Season 18. Please note that this is our assessment and Bungie could shake up the meta through season mods. However, we are giving you a rough direction of what might be good.
Titan – Starfarer Helm (Chest Armor)
Why is this Exotic interesting? The Thundercrash super of the Arc Titan couldn’t really make an impact at its release. The damage was abysmal and barely enough to defeat a Major. With this chest armor, however, the meta changed, and many Titans began to fly like Superman through Strikes, PvP matches, or Gambit, as this Exotic greatly increased your Thundercrash impact damage.
With Arc 3.0, some nuances might ensure that you gain your super more often or even trigger broader Arc chain reactions. Definitely the first choice Titans should pick with Arc 3.0.
Where can I get it? This Exotic can only be unlocked in lost sectors. After the first drop, you can also obtain it from random Exotic Engrams.
Hunter – Blight Ranger (Helmet)
Why is this Exotic interesting? This particularly effective Hunter helmet disappointed many Guardians. When equipped, projectiles deflected by the Arc Staff were thrown back at your enemies. The damage from these projectiles was significantly increased, but that wasn’t enough for the Hunters, and they banished the helmet to their vault.
With Arc 3.0, the helmet could gain strength through suitable aspects and fragments, earning its place on a worthy Guardian’s head. So if you do not yet own the helmet, now would be a good time to get it.
Where can I get it? From lost sectors where you can obtain an Exotic helmet. Also upon completing the “Witch Queen” story on the “Legendary” difficulty level. However, we recommend trying it in the sectors when helmets are active. You will continue to receive the Exotic through the campaign but with a poor overall armor rating.
Warlock – Escape Artist (Arms)
Why is this Exotic interesting? The Escape Artist Exotic of the Warlocks has often been used by Guardians for ad-clear or PvP. The small Arc soul is good but not dominant enough. For endgame, other Exotics are used instead. However, with Arc 3.0, the little extra turret on your shoulder could gain power and maybe also trigger Arc chain reactions when enemies stand close enough to each other.
Where can I get it? From Xur or as a random drop from Exotic Engrams. Lost sectors where you can farm gauntlets would also be a reliable source for this Exotic.
Thunderlord – Exotic Machine Gun
Why is this Exotic interesting? The Thunderlord is known for its Arc lightning that rains down from above upon kills. But the MG can do more. If you hold down the trigger, the rate of fire and precision are increased. With continuous damage, such as on a boss, lightning is even generated more often.
If aspects and fragments benefit from lightning and also amplify it, the Thunderlord would be a solid option for your build and for the heavy weapon slot. Perhaps Bungie will add a few more rounds to the magazine, then this machine gun could be one of the top Exotics.
Where can I get it? As a random drop from Exotic Engrams. With a bit of luck, Xur could also offer this MG in his weekly shop. You just need to purchase the weapon. The Exotic Engram offered by Xur might also contain the MG. So try your luck. It could also be that Bungie brings the “Thunderlord” back as a playable Exotic weapon at the Halloween event.
Risky Business – Exotic Submachine Gun
Why is this Exotic interesting? Risky Business has always been a useful SMG in areas where Arc may harm you. While you have the weapon equipped and are powered by Arc, you gain an Arc Shield and can take more damage.
Additionally, your subsequent fired shots are continuously regenerated, so you don’t have to reload when the perk “Arc Conduit” is active. On top of that, your shots have a chance to chain and pass on damage to untargeted enemies.
With the right aspects and fragments, you could definitely buff your Guardian and provide some bonuses.
Where can I get it? To obtain the Exotic, you must complete the quest “A Spark of Hope”. After that, you will receive this SMG as a reward for free.
These were our top 5 Exotics that you should keep an eye on when Arc 3.0 launches. Do you perhaps have other items that we didn’t list but might still be important? Then feel free to let us know in the comments and tell us why it could be your choice for Arc 3.0.
