In Destiny 2, an exotic was considered virtually unusable for a long time. Read why that was the case and how the update affected Hard Light.
This weapon is about: Hard Light is in the energy slot and requires primary ammo. In terms of stats, Hard Light is impressive across the board.
For an auto rifle, its handling is extremely quick, and the stability stat is excellent. With the exotic catalyst, you can achieve maximum stability. The hidden values for recoil direction and aim assist are also maxed out.
The special feature of this futuristic auto rifle is its two exotic perks:
- Volatile Light – Your projectiles do not suffer damage drop-off and penetrate targets. Additionally, shots bounce off surfaces, increasing bullet damage.
- The Basics – If you hold reload, you can change your damage type (alternating: Solar, Void, Arc).
What was the problem with Hard Light? Solid stats, the ability to change the element as needed, and bouncing bullets on steroids – all of this sounds good. The issue with Hard Light was the firing animation.
Especially under sustained fire, the so-called screen shake (the shaking of the screen) and the gaudy animations became too much for the Guardians. In PvP, it was nearly impossible to keep an enemy in the crosshairs. In PvE, some players even felt physically ill.
Hard Light literally makes me nauseous […] I’m not joking. The screen shake from Hard Light has made me vomit twice, without exaggeration.
D1eThx via Reddit
The problematic update also brought some good
This change came with the update: The yesterday’s update caused quite a stir. Amid the whole commotion about lost resources and emergency maintenance, the actual patch notes were somewhat overlooked.
Regarding Hard Light, there was only a minor adjustment: “Scope feedback and camera shake when firing Hard Light have been adjusted.” But the effects are anything but minor.
As PvP expert Aztecross reports, the difference is immediately noticeable. Especially after a few shots, it becomes clear that the weapon feels good, stable, and calm. This finally matches the strong stats.
Whether with mouse or controller, the auto rifle sits calmly in your hand. The fact that Hard Light has no damage drop-off compared to all other auto rifles sets it apart from its peers.
And after a long wait, the bullets now also hit where they are supposed to. Guardians can now easily unload the generous magazine of 49 shots into other players or NPC enemies – without worrying about their own health.
What does the community say about this? Among the players of Destiny 2, the change has been positively received. Some Guardians joke that after 6 long years, Hard Light is finally how it should be.
For some, the weapon has always been a hidden gem. Its capabilities can impress in both PvP and PvE. Especially the noble, futuristic design appeals to the players.
Since the beginning of Destiny 1, I think Hard Light looks the best of all weapons.
u/ch4_meleon_ via Reddit
Therefore, players requested dozens of times from Bungie: Please take care of this auto rifle. Bungie also responded and buffed the weapon, but the firing animation has not been adjusted until recently.
Have you tried Hard Light yet? Did the shaking and flickering of the weapon annoy you too, or was aiming never a problem for you?
