In Destiny 2, catalysts provide the certain polish when it comes to the uniqueness of Exotics. Catalysts grant you new perks or status bonuses that benefit you. We at MeinMMO will show you which catalysts fans are still missing and whether you can still expect a return.
Which catalysts are meant? Back in 2020, Bungie promised to bring back several old catalysts (via Bungie.net). Many of them have already appeared, but 3 weapon catalysts are still missing:
- Whisper of the Worm
- Perfected Outbreak
- The Fourth Horseman
Unfortunately, these are currently not accessible. Many catalysts can be obtained either by completing specific tasks, while others can be easily earned by finishing activities like Strikes, Crucible, but also the hard Nightfall. However, these 3 are still in the “vault.”
Bungie mentioned that the catalysts “should come out of the vault in an upcoming season.” Since the announcement in August last year, however, 4 more seasons have started – and still, the Whisper, the Outbreak, and the Horseman are missing. When will they come?
Guardians demand new catalysts
This is what the fans say: Many Guardians may have missed one or the other Exotic. In the case of the “Whisper of the Worm” and the “Perfected Outbreak,” the weapon and catalyst could only be obtained during their respective secret missions.
This means: Even when the weapons were live, not everyone managed to get them. And since then, there has been no way to obtain them.
On reddit, Guardians are wondering where the promised catalysts are. Many are also discussing how strong the individual weapons are thanks to their catalysts. One user writes that only the Perfected Outbreak has helped him during a big challenge:
Anti-Barrier and Perfected Outbreak are what carried me through the Glassway. I just tore through the Hobgoblins and the bosses’ shields. The ability to deal solid DPS with the Primary helps immensely when you run out of ammo for Special or Heavy. […]
Commented str8-l3th4l on reddit
According to some other users, now would actually be the ideal time to introduce the catalysts. The Perfected Outbreak fits excellently into a season with the Champion mod for pulse rifles – making them a really strong option.
Balancing between Hardcore and Casual
Why is this taking so long? Bungie has not yet provided a reason why the catalysts are not in the game.
Destiny 2 could have considered many ways to implement these catalysts. In Season 15, we have an Unstoppable mod for pulse rifles. The catalyst for the “Perfected Outbreak” would certainly have fit well. Nevertheless, the catalysts are still nowhere to be found.
This is a possible reason: It is hard to point to a concrete reason. However, the catalysts used to involve a lot of effort, which could now result in veterans feeling alienated – or the developers scaring away new Guardians:
- Some catalysts are hard to access and are therefore meant for players who really engage with the content of Destiny 2.
- If Bungie introduces the catalysts into the freely accessible loot pool, hardcore players will be furious.
- However, if the requirements to obtain the catalysts are as difficult as before, players will complain about why Bungie only makes the catalysts available to certain players again.
In the TWAB, it was already mentioned that the catalysts would be made available “with new goals (if necessary).” Whether the ones mentioned here fall under that, we do not know for sure – but it could explain the delay.
At the moment, however, the team is conducting experiments in Trials and seems to be making an effort to try new things. Perhaps the 3 catalysts will come this season – just later.
What do you think about Bungie’s decision not to release the catalysts to us yet? Do you find it unfortunate and wish to slap one of these gems on your favorite weapon to give it that finishing touch? Let us know in the comments!
