Not all Exotics are equally strong in Destiny 2. Our author Philipp Hansen even prefers a true underdog. Read why one of the “worst” weapons has captivated him.
This is the weapon in question: This article focuses on the exotic machine gun Xenophage. This power weapon fires explosive solar rounds. For a machine gun, this piece has a very small magazine of just 13 shots.
Moreover, Xenophage does not behave like its counterparts. For some Guardians, my new favorite weapon is considered the worst Exotic from Shadowkeep.
I want to explore why such mean things are said and share my perspective on the matter.
Much effort for a weak weapon?
What is Xenophage accused of? The tragic story starts for many already at the acquisition of the Exotic. To get this heavy machine gun, a strenuous mission must first be completed.
This takes you deep into the belly of the moon, into the Dungeon Pit of Heresy. When players then tried out their reward, they asked themselves: is Xenophage bugged or just bad? After the tough mission, they hoped for a top Exotic.
I already mentioned the unusually small magazine, and the weapon cannot land critical hits. Headshots are rewarded with the same damage as body shots.
Bungie reacted and tweaked Xenophage a little bit. However, this was far from enough for the Guardians. But I say: The weapon is my favorite in its current state for PvE, and I am more than happy to give up the power and exotic slot for it.
Xenophage is better than its reputation
That’s why I love my Exotic: To put it simply: For me, Xenophage is pure convenience. And I’ll explain why:
The machine gun cannot land critical hits. So I don’t have to aim! Whether I hit the head or the little toe, the damage is always the same. The emphasis here is on high.
Basically, nearly everything is pulverized with one shot. Even Majors are quickly dispatched. With the explosive damage, I also take down the neighbor of the target.
I also don’t have the problem of reloading. I am a committed Warlock main and wear Transversive Steps or Ophidian Aspects. So I reload my fireball thrower while walking.
When do I use Xenophage? With Xenophage, I indulge in exactly the playstyle promoted by Luke Smith. He aptly said, the goal of Destiny is: “shooting aliens in the face while talking about the Oscars with your friends.” Shooting while chatting – that embodies Xenophage for me.
But even the endgame cannot pull me away from my comfy Exotic. Even in the current raid, this heavy machine gun has proven to be a loyal companion. Fortunately, today’s Guardian does not necessarily need an exotic power weapon to deal decent damage.
A sniper with a sharpshooter line, a large magazine, and suitable mods can keep up well with the DPS monsters. Of course, I switch if needed to Izanagi and grenade launchers.
What speaks for the Exotic: I love the powerful sound and the martial design. I simply have fun with Xenophage. Isn’t that more important than perfection?
I can almost feel how the heavy rounds hit with a bang. Every now and then, I catch myself laughing inside. Especially when a little Vex munchkin is “blasted away” by totally exaggerated firepower.
Admittedly, in such situations, the hollow but funny quips of 80s and 90s action heroes play out before my inner eye. For me, this is part of the important power fantasy of Destiny.
Why being different can be good: The fact that Xenophage is different makes it special to me. Shouldn’t Exotics deliver just that, a different, new experience?
And with this weapon, the focus is not on top damage or crazy functions, but on convenience and enjoyment of the simple things. And I particularly like that!
Well then, I stand up to your laughter. Or could I make my point clear? Do you perhaps have an Exotic that is firmly anchored in your inventory for whatever reason?
