As part of a major cover story on Destiny 2: Forsaken, Game Informer has introduced an exotic auto rifle that can fire four barrels simultaneously. Sounds absurd? But it is.
When it comes to the design of exotic weapons in Destiny, Bungie always proves creative. The weapons look very different from legendary representatives of the weapon class and bring unique visual effects with them.
However, aesthetics alone are not decisive for the use of an exotic weapon or armor – their abilities and perks must also convince. One criticism that Bungie faced especially at the launch of Destiny 2 was the unsatisfactory effectiveness of exotic weapons. Too boring, too interchangeable was the general credo.
Exotics should be worth it again: Various exotic weapons have been revised and buffed. In the future, they want to ensure that the exotics feel unique and superior – the Guardians should again face the difficult choice of which exotic equipment they want to use.
Now details about an exotic auto rifle have emerged which at least on paper appears outstanding: The Cerberus+1 – an auto rifle for the kinetic slot with four barrels that fire simultaneously.
Who built the Cerberus+1? A Guardian named Jeza “Jeopardy” Verlayn, who used a mysterious energy resource to make the four barrels of the weapon functional – the Photonic Heart. After a crash landing in the Wirrbucht, Verlayn cobbled the weapon together from debris to protect herself from the locals.
This also reflects the appearance of the weapon, which screams “function over form”. The four barrels are bound together, and the Photonic Heart is prominently mounted on the side.
The Perks of the Cerberus+1 – The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing?
Cerberus+1 is for shotgun enthusiasts: The perks of the Cerberus+1 illustrate one thing above all – the weapon is effective at multiple ranges. This is ensured by the various perks that act “mixed up” like the weapon itself and only affect the barrels of the weapon:
- Spread Shot Package – The spread of the projectiles is reduced when aiming with the weapon. It strongly resembles the perk Sardine Can from Destiny 1, which significantly improved shotguns.
- Rifled Barrel – increases the range at the cost of reload speed. The reinforced barrel was also a fantastic perk for shotguns in Destiny 1.
- Fluted Barrel – Easier target acquisition handling
- Full Bore – Increases range at the cost of stability and handling of the weapon
Destiny veterans will immediately remember: Sardine Can, Reinforced Barrel, and Smallbore were popular attributes on shotguns in Destiny 1. Particularly deadly were these perks on the shotgun Party Crasher+1. Just a coincidence? Or are we seeing a shotgun disguised as an auto rifle?
The perks show: Cerberus can do close and long-range. When you aim with the Cerberus+1, the spread is reduced, allowing you to shoot at individual and more distant enemies. If you find yourself amidst a horde of enemies, you can hit multiple foes at once with hip-fire. Cerberus+1 is thus suitable for thick bosses with large crit spots, like Servitors, as well as for larger groups of enemies.
Will the Cerberus+1 dominate the Crucible? This question can be answered clearly with no. At greater distances, you will land very few shots with the weapon, as the hitbox of opposing Guardians is too small. Additionally, opposing teams rarely tend to stand together in larger groups.
At close ranges, submachine guns will still be the better choice. The focus of the Cerberus+1 is clearly on the PvE content of Destiny 2.
Fun fact about the magazine: Since the weapon fires four barrels simultaneously, it also inherently has four magazines that get emptied at the same time. However, as only one magazine can be displayed in the HUD, you will receive very confusing numbers when firing the weapon.
Fortunately, you do not have to reload all four barrels separately. With a reload action, all ammunition supplies in the weapon are replenished.
Cerberus+1 could become the epitome of the pea shooter: The first testers of the weapon report a staccato of damage numbers flashing across the screen, which is said to feel satisfying.
At times, the colleagues at Game Informer even forgot that they were still carrying an energy and power weapon.
How will one earn the exotic weapon? Unfortunately, it is still unknown. It would be desirable for an exotic questline in which the Guardians must follow the tracks of Jeza Verlayn in order to ultimately receive the weapon as a reward. However, it is also not excluded that the noodle-faced Xur will simply sell it.
Until we can finally get our hands on it, we will have to be patient: The first major expansion for Destiny 2, Forsaken, will be released on September 4, 2018, on PC, Xbox One, and Playstation 4.
What do you think of the Cerberus+1? Does it have the potential to become a real hit?
