In Season 7, Destiny 2 will nerf two of its strongest and most popular PvP weapons. A huge discussion around this upcoming nerf has erupted in the community. Here’s what fans think.
Which weapons will be nerfed? The two top hand cannons Luna’s Howl and Not Forgotten are about to be nerfed. As Bungie stated in their developer blog, these two weapons will be nerfed during Season 7.
You can read how exactly the changes will be here: How Destiny 2 plans to nerf two of its best PvP weapons soon
Why is this such a big deal?
Nerfs and buffs occur regularly in Destiny 2. However, few nerfs have sparked as many and as controversial discussions recently as the upcoming nerf of these two top weapons. But why? Particularly these four aspects are hotly debated:
The weapons are hard to earn: Firstly, these are two top PvP weapons. Both are tied to lengthy and challenging quests in PvP and are difficult for most Guardians to obtain. Nevertheless, many players try for them, some for several seasons.
Some have just earned these weapons or are currently close to doing so. Others will never earn them. Yet others are still struggling with them but are determined to see it through. Until now.
The weapons are too strong for many: The two hand cannons are dominant in the Crucible due to their perks. Their TTK is so short with the right playstyle that in the eyes of fans, few other primary weapons can keep up.
The meta is significantly shaped by both weapons. According to fans, there are hardly any alternatives if one wants to be competitive. While some expect exactly that from a top weapon and consider it a worthy reward, numerous other fans demand a nerf.
The weapons represent achievement: For many who have already earned one or both hand cannons, they have become a status symbol that says: “I busted my butt and completed this mammoth task. This is now my well-deserved reward.”
Most players spent a lot of time, blood, and sweat to earn these weapons. The effort is now deemed worthless in the eyes of many fans, even though Bungie continually emphasizes that they want to respect the players’ invested time.
The weapons also represent paid services: This is a major source of frustration for many fans: the two weapons symbolize so-called “Paid Carries” or “Boosting Services.”
Many who cannot earn the weapons themselves – whether due to lack of time or skill – pay third-party providers to fully earn the weapon or assist them on their way to this coveted prize. The demand has exploded until now. Up to 800 € or more could be spent (depending on progress) for both weapons – although it has become somewhat cheaper lately.
Many wished that Bungie would punish such players. But nothing has happened. Now some Guardians are taking satisfaction in the consequences of the nerf for the affected “cheaters”.
What do fans think about this nerf?
Just as there were various viewpoints in the discussions leading up to it, there are differing reactions and divided opinions after the announcement of the nerf. Here at MeinMMO, it was evident in the over 400 comments. On Reddit, the mood is not much different.
Some see the nerf calmly: Some, like user Sleeping-Ex, view the nerf calmly: “It’s actually a slap in the face for those who earned the weapon. On the other hand, the players who earned this weapon themselves are still strong in the Crucible and the ones who had to use a carry service to be able to use Luna still remain cannon fodder. So probably not much will change.”
Others are frustrated about the nerf: But there are also numerous players who cannot understand this nerf – whether they have the weapons or not.
For example, Alfalfa86 writes: “I don’t have either weapon. But I feel bad for everyone who has earned the guns legitimately or is still trying. They are the hardest weapons to get in the game, and they should be very strong and remain so.”
User Bakerman says: “This is unacceptable. I have spent a lot of hours on Luna and now it’s going to be nerfed. It’s just really frustrating.”
Some support the nerf: Conversely, some are looking forward to the nerf or consider it justified – like our reader Andreas Straub: “It’s about time! Such obviously overpowered weapons ruin the PvP.”
Marcel Brattig says: “I got Luna’s Howl last week, and it doesn’t really bother me. Quite the opposite. Playing the weapon myself reminded me how OP it is.”
Some fans would have preferred a different solution: Some believe a change is necessary but would have preferred a different form. Antester writes: “It’s true, the weapons are pretty powerful and dominant, and are actually more exotic than legendary, but why not counter weapons that everyone could get or a general adjustment of existing weapons?”
Some have lost motivation: Other Guardians lost all motivation or drive due to the nerf. User Matumba writes: “What’s the point? You take a long road to at least get Luna, and the team can’t find a better way than to nerf.”
The reader Psycheater sums up the attitude of many players well: “A top weapon should dominate. Otherwise, it’s just as effective as any other. Why should you bust your butt to get it when you can play any other HC?”
And for some, the schadenfreude outweighs: Some Guardians take schadenfreude towards players who spent a lot of money on these weapons – like our user Kcee Kay: “… the people who cheated or bought through Comp, I totally wish them the nerf. This bunch doesn’t deserve to run around with the NF.”
Share your opinion in our survey
To give us and the fans a better overview of the community’s opinion, we have prepared a survey on this topic for you.
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