Recently, in Destiny 2, the new weapon exotic Ruinous Effigy can be earned. However, the weapon can do more than is immediately apparent to many. We explain its special mechanics.
What is the new weapon exotic about? The leaks were right. With the Weekly Reset on July 7th. not only did the Triumph Moments 2020 start in Destiny 2, but a new weapon quest also went live – for the exotic Trace Rifle Ruinous Effigy. Thus, both the new weapon exotic and its associated Masterwork can now be earned.
How you can obtain the weapon is explained here: Get the new exotic Ruinous Effigy – Here’s how the quest “Growth” works
What’s this about? And although already many Guardians are using the new exotic weapon and engaging in various activities with it, it is clear that not everyone is familiar with the innovative mechanics of the weapon – whether as a wielder or a teammate. That’s why we wanted to clarify the most important aspects explicitly here.
All you need to know about the exotic mechanics of Ruinous Effigy
What makes this exotic special? With Ruinous Effigy, Destiny 2 once again offers a truly exotic weapon specimen after a long time. This new Trace Rifle deals Void damage, is carried in the energy slot, and requires special ammunition.
Here are the exotic perks:
- Transmutation: Kills with this weapon cause their victims to collapse into Void Transmutation Orbs.
- Evolution: Orbs created by you can be picked up and used as weapons by you or your allies.
In short: You eliminate an enemy with the weapon’s laser beam, converting them into an orb. This can be picked up by you or your allies and used like a Relic weapon. You can perform a light and a heavy attack, as well as a block.
What does the Masterwork Catalyst do? The catalyst adds a new perk to the weapon. Enemies damaged by Ruinous Effigy Orbs take increased damage from the weapon’s beam (about 30%).
Coolest mechanic neglected by some: Before we get to the details of the mechanics – one thing in advance. Few users of Ruinous Effigy that I have come across (and there have been quite a few) utilize the truly coolest feature of the weapon – namely the block. However, this is very useful and makes the weapon truly special, and significantly more effective as a Masterwork.
So don’t only focus on shooting with the weapon and attacking with the Orbs, but also make sure to utilize the block.
General information about Ruinous Effigy’s Orb mechanics:
- A new orb can be generated every 5 seconds. If you use an orb, it consumes the energy of the orb, not the weapon’s regular ammunition.
- Orbs must be actively picked up, meaning you need to press a button. Not just the creator – any allied Guardian can pick them up and use them.
- Whether you use the light or heavy attack – when you hit an enemy, they are suppressed (if they don’t die). This means they cannot use abilities for a while, cannot shoot (AI enemies), and are blinded. The same applies to the area affected by the block.
- With a light attack, you keep the orb in hand and perform a melee attack. You can do this until the energy/ammo runs out (up to 29 light attacks possible).
- With a heavy attack, you perform a kind of dunk. The orb is consumed, so it is a one-time attack. But you deal significantly more damage.
- The block creates a kind of shield around the wielder. This shield reduces incoming damage for the wielder by 3.25 times, suppresses all enemies within the bubble, and deals damage over time to them (slightly less DPS than the light attack, which itself is comparable between a primary and a special weapon).
- The Void bubble disappears as soon as you release the block.
What not everyone recognizes immediately:
- It doesn’t matter whether you perform the heavy attack with full or 1x ammo – the orb is completely consumed and the damage of the heavy attack remains the same. Depending on the situation, it can therefore be advisable to first use light attacks or the block and then to use the dunk at the end.
- If you perform a block and reach 1 ammo, the force field will still be maintained and you will still deal damage, but you will also take damage yourself, which will increase. If you don’t stop blocking, you will definitely die. Even a Well of Radiance will not save you.
- The block makes the wielder resistant to boss stomping mechanics.
- Additionally, the block heals you slowly when you deal damage to enemies. You apparently siphon their life force and heal yourself with it.
- The damage reduction from the bubble only applies to the wielder, not to other players in the bubble – even in PvP. However, the wielder can survive 2 headshots from a sniper or a shotgun blast at close range in the Crucible.
- The damage that enemies take within the protective bubble “marks” them just like a heavy or light attack. If you are using a Masterwork version of Ruinous Effigy, all enemies in the bubble take 30% more damage from the weapon’s beam. This makes the exotic very effective, especially against groups.
Ruinous Effigy in detail: A detailed analysis of the weapon, including exact damage numbers and more, can be found in this YouTube video by Destiny expert Ehroar:
PvE or PvP? Situationally, the weapon can shine in both areas of the game.
In PvP, 2 light attacks with an orb are enough for one opponent. A heavy attack can also pulverize entire enemy groups (it doesn’t even have to be directly on target). However, a heavy attack is not sufficient for an active super. The block is also worthwhile in PvP as a spontaneous protection against snipers or shotgun rushers, which you can excellently counter with a fully leveled catalyst.
In PvE, Ruinous Effigy is a versatile weapon that is great for group clearing, can take a significant portion of a major or boss’s health, and can keep you alive very well. However, it is not a DPS monster and thus not the first choice for bosses, but definitely a good option for certain situations in a variety of PvE activities.
What have your experiences been with this new exotic? Do you have any more tips for its use or other nuances that we may have overlooked? By the way, something everyone should know: Destiny 2 breathes new life into 5 old raids, making them truly worthwhile.
