With the April update of Destiny, the hand cannon Hawkmoon has been upgraded. Is it worth purchasing it from Xur?
Currently, Xur, the mysterious exotic vendor in Destiny, has some really delicious items on offer. In addition to the Ram, ATS/8 Arachnid, and the long-awaited Dawnblade Garrison of the Titan, Xur also offers the Hawkmoon. This has been upgraded with the April update. We ask the question: Is it worth it to purchase the Hawkmoon this weekend?
This is how the Hawkmoon stands after the April update
Unfortunately, one must say in advance: The Hawkmoon has not regained its dominant position after the April update, which the exotic, formerly PlayStation-exclusive hand cannon held in Year 1. Xbox users will still not experience the phenomenon “Hawkmoon” after the latest update.
These upgrades were made to the Hawkmoon in April:
- The weapon received a base range increase of 10.
- The inventory capacity of hand cannon ammunition, including that of the Hawkmoon, has been increased.
In the previous Year 2 of Destiny, the low reserve ammunition was considered a frustrating drawback of hand cannons. Now the problem is being addressed, but many Guardians still report that they often run out of ammunition with the Hawkmoon. They then have to bite through hordes of enemies to find some rounds for the primary weapon. This ammo intervention by Bungie went in the right direction; however, it apparently was not bold enough.
The increase in range really benefits the Hawkmoon: For hand cannons, range is one of the most important values, allowing you to deal high damage to more distant enemies. Therefore, it’s worth focusing on Hammer Forged perks for Hawkmoon, which enhance range and precision. Additionally, choose Field Choke or Enhanced Ballistics to increase range and impact.
Is it worth getting the Hawkmoon?
Besides the attractive design, Guardians are excited about two powerful perks on the Hawkmoon: With Lucky Rounds and Two for One, three out of eleven rounds in a magazine deal significant bonus damage. This allows you to dispatch Guardians in PvP with just two shots. This power has not diminished for the Hawkmoon over the months.
The Hawkmoon feels exotic, both in power and appearance. Thus, the recommendation to all Guardians who do not yet own a Hawkmoon is:
Yes, go for it!
In PvE, it deals devastating damage – as long as you find enough ammunition for it. In PvP, it can ruin the mood of enemy Guardians when you send them to their demise with just a few shots. Even if other weapons are currently trending in the Crucible, the Hawkmoon remains an excellent alternative. It is simply fun to roam through the Destiny universe with it.
The Hawkmoon cannot reach its former glory days from Year 1, this realization remains. However, its lethality still flickers now and then.
One more tip: For precise shots – especially from a distance – you should not fire the Hawkmoon as quickly as it allows you. Let it return to the starting position after each shot before pulling the trigger again, as the rounds will otherwise fly wildly towards your enemies. It’s better to wait a few fractions of a second longer to handle the weapon with deadly precision.
Since Xur will disappear from the Tower tomorrow, May 1st, at 11 a.m., you should not delay your purchasing decision too long.
In this article, we thoroughly present the Hawkmoon in Year 2 of Destiny .
