In the MMO shooter Destiny , the Exalted is a classic among exotic weapons. What can the fully automatic shotgun do in Year 2?
In Year 1, the Exalted was intermittently popular, but without a scope and Sardine can, it did not have the same impact on PvP as the feared Year 1 shotguns, foremost Fellwinter’s Lie. The most popular shotguns were impressive with high range. By now, these “sniper shotguns” have been removed. How strong is the Exalted now?
How to get the Exalted?
In the first year, the Exalted was available through an exotic bounty in Destiny. Thus, it is no longer available in Year 2. Players can pull it from their collections if they have a Year 1 variant. Or guardians receive the Exalted as a random reward in Year 2 activities (using Three of Coins increases the chance). Possible locations include the King’s Fall raid, the Nightfall strike, or PvP. This week, Xur is even selling it.
What makes the Exalted special in Destiny?
The Exalted is essentially the “ultimate, classic” shotgun, which blasts enemies at close range through a combination of relatively high fire rate and fully automatic capabilities, even when they are in their super. The weapon deals solar damage.
The key perks are:
- Exalted – This weapon regenerates ammunition – a magazine of 4 shots every 30 seconds
- Fully automatic – A double-edged sword, on one side, with 4 shots in the magazine, in a shooting frenzy, you can waste single shots, on the other, it increases the chance to quickly kill with follow-up shots in typical situations of “enemy right in front of me” – and if the enemy is dead a half second earlier, they will stop shooting back a half second earlier. Good deal!
- Last Round – The last round of each magazine deals bonus precision damage
- Sent – Increased range and precision, harder to handle. Decreased ammo carry capacity
- Field Choke – Higher range and impact. Increased recoil.
The idea behind the weapon is to get as close to enemies as possible to then blow them away: Shotgun shells should fly through their minds, not silly ideas.
The thing deals proper damage with all perks, but has enormous recoil. Don’t engage in those “I’m packing this at mid-distance” experiments.
Shotguns are like real estate: It comes down to three things. Location, location, location. If you position the Exalted correctly, it’ll do the job (as the cool kids on the street say). But first, the weapon needs to be brought to that point – that’s your job. Shotguns are for players who enjoy a fast, dynamic playstyle and flank and overwhelm the enemy.
Is the weapon worth it in PvE and PvP?
In PvE, the Exalted can hardly be recommended. At least not for guardians who have a wide selection of weapons. In the top league, other weapons like Zhalo Supercell, Black Spindle, or the Sword.
The natural environment for the weapon is the Crucible. Here the Exalted has earned a reputation as a killer weapon. It’s not the best reputation because shotgun players aren’t particularly popular among their victims. But the weapon is effective, and you can have strong rounds if you know how to get close to the enemies.
Especially on “small maps,” like those found in the Trials of Osiris, the Exalted is a force. Those who appreciate this “Up close and personal” playstyle in the Crucible should definitely get it.
What do you think of the Exalted?
