The new event exotic from Destiny 2 (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia) came in April 2020 and packs quite a punch. We take a closer look at Heir Apparent and compare it to the current top exotic Xenophage.
This weapon is about: In Destiny 2 there is a new weapon exotic named Heir Apparent. The heavy machine gun is used in the power slot and deals solar damage.
The power weapon stands out with its massive magazine of 200 rounds and high rate of fire of 900 RPM. However, the most interesting aspects are the two exotic abilities:
- Heavy projectile launcher: The weapon must be spun up – This weapon can only be fired when fully revved up.
- Colossus Armor: When at full health, you will be protected by an Arc shield while spinning up this weapon.
Heir Apparent must be spun up briefly before firing; only then can you unleash the devastating hail of bullets.
It is important to know that you operate the weapon almost from the hip. When aimed, you do not look through the sight – a small red dot appears, however, to provide some guidance.
Additionally, the MG offers:
- Aim Assist: 90/100
- Recoil control: 75/100 + 20 (from combat grip)
- A very generous hitbox
This ensures that the bullet spewer feels excellent while shooting, and you can easily hit enemies with continuous fire, even with a controller.
This is how the special shield works: One of the coolest features of Heir Apparent is the Colossus Armor. With this perk, you get an Arc shield that completely envelops you and protects you from all sides.
Here’s what you need to know about the Arc shield:
- After about 1.5 seconds of spinning up, the shield appears.
- You receive about one-third extra energy (80 hit points), and the shield heals itself automatically.
- Arc damage breaks the shield fairly quickly and triggers an Arc explosion (like against PvE enemies).
- Kinetic, solar, and void damage are reduced – kinetic damage significantly (50%).
- You cannot suffer critical hits while using the shield.
Exotic appearance is now available through the event, later randomly
This is how you can obtain Heir Apparent: If you want to get your hands on this special exotic, you currently need to play the Guardian Games event. As a reward for 7 mastered event triumphs, you will receive the MG from Eva Levante in the Tower.
If you do not want or cannot participate in the competitions, do not worry. Like previous event weapons (e.g., Arbalest), Heir Apparent will eventually also move into the regular exotic loot pool.
For all medal hunters who want to get the new power weapon as quickly as possible, we have written a guide to the Guardian Games 2020:
How strong is the new exotic in PvE and PvP?
This is how the exotic MG performs in PvE: In Destiny 2’s PvE, Heir Apparent makes a good impression. With its massive magazine, you can mow down enemies by the dozen. The interesting shield always provides you with cover.
However, be mindful if the enemies in strikes, for example, tend to deal Arc damage. In this case, your protection can quickly become a trap.
Even against boss enemies, the relatively high damage can be utilized well, but it is not the strongest exotic for taking down bosses. A major advantage is the ammunition reserves of 500 rounds. In one second, you can unleash about 15 shots at enemies.
Another important factor is the fun. In tests, it is often praised how great it feels to roam around with your terminator Gatling. The weapon has a refreshing playstyle, and the shield provides the necessary support for the action movie fantasy.
This is how the exotic MG performs in PvP: When you play in the Crucible, you can achieve decent kill streaks with Heir Apparent. With the MG, you likely have the best time to kill (TTK) of all category representatives. This is made possible by the fast rate of fire and good damage:
- 33 per headshot (0.33 seconds TTK)
- 28 per body shot (0.4 seconds TTK)
Keep in mind that you must let the power weapon spin up first. However, as a trade-off, you get a proud 68 shots when you loot the power ammo. This is enough, even with body shots, for approximately 9 defeated Guardians.
Thanks to the unique shield, you can absorb sniper hits and benefit enormously from the fact that enemies cannot land critical hits on you.
Two negative aspects do affect Heir Apparent in PvP:
- You are relatively slow with the heavy weapon, which makes jumps impossible while spinning up.
- Against Arc damage, you have no chance – The shield explosion inflicts devastating hits on your health and quickly turns you from the hunter into the hunted.
Heir Apparent vs. Xenophage – Which exotic is stronger?
In the current Season 10, every exotic in the power slot must measure up to Xenophage. Coincidentally, both weapons belong to the category of heavy, exotic MGs and deal solar damage.
Everything you need to know about Xenophage can be found here:
This is what Xenophage can do:
Xenophage shines mainly against the biggest bosses. In fights against weaker enemies and groups of adds, a shot is basically too valuable, despite the area damage.
Besides the insane damage, Guardians appreciate the simple and fun handling of Xenophage. No critical hits are needed to achieve maximum effectiveness.
This is what Heir Apparent can do:
It is striking: Aside from the category and damage type, the similarities between the two exotic guns almost end. Heir Apparent shreds everything except bosses – Xenophage roasts through majors and shows its full potential against strong bosses.
Fast rate of fire and shielded as a frontline fighter or devastating single shots from a distance like a tank howitzer. Both exotics have their place in Destiny 2 and come highly recommended.
One thing both power weapons have in common: Both provide a lot of fun and fulfill cool power fantasies. Whether Heir Apparent will be my new favorite exotic remains to be seen; currently, that spot is still filled by Xenophage.
