Destiny: New Trend Weapon in PvP – the 3 best Pulse Rifles

In Destiny, the last patch has made a previously overlooked weapon type suddenly popular. Especially in PvP, after the nerfs to other weapons, pulse rifles with relatively high penetration like Red Death, three little words, or the “Stranger’s Rifle” are now in vogue.

The patch 1.1.1 has significantly adjusted the balance. Previously, it was often said “Either you take the Suros in PvP or you’re doing it wrong.” But automatic rifles were nerfed. Even the popular hand cannons like the stylish “The Last Word” or the efficient Hawkmoon have suffered slight losses after balance changes, while still being deadly in the hands of skilled players.

This gallery showcases the former stars of PvP:

Another weapon type benefited enormously from the last patch: The pulse rifles. The damage was simply increased by 9.7%. And the previously almost overlooked weapons (only 2% used them in PvP at all) are now performing at their best. Especially pulse rifles, which already have relatively high penetration, are shining. One could say: If shotguns are the big winners in PvE, then pulse rifles are the new stars in the Crucible. And in mixed use, both weapons work great together – just like bacon and eggs.

Pulse rifles are supposed to shine as mid-range weapons and especially be ready to use quickly without requiring much aiming. For everything that comes into close range, you prefer a shotgun; for anything that is too far away, a sniper rifle is better. However, the pulse rifle also works at longer ranges. Many players therefore run with a combination of pulse rifle and shotgun.

The best pulse rifles in the Crucible and how to get them

Red Death: With Healing Effect

Leading the pack is “Red Death,” an exotic pulse rifle that was already in demand before the patch due to its healing effect. Players sought it for the hard mode of Crota. It counts in that sense, even though it has low penetration (26), it is considered one of the powerful pulse rifles since the “impact” value for that weapon type is naturally so low.

The weapon was already decent before, with 9.7% more damage, it kills with two shots in the Crucible, if aimed well.

As an exotic weapon, you need a bit of luck to get it, Xur hasn’t had it available for ages. In the fourth week, it was available. Here it helps to open chests in the raids, diligently complete the Nightfall, and… well, engaging in very strange rituals certainly doesn’t hurt.

Three Little Words: I Kill You

The “three little words” (normally this means in English: I love you) is a pulse rifle that is much easier to obtain than Red Death. The three little words can be found at the Crucible Quartermaster for 150 Crucible tokens and one Crucible commendation.

The three little words were already considered an underrated Crucible weapon. Before the patch, you needed three bursts to clear opponents from the way. This has further reduced with 1.1.1., and the “time to kill” is now very low.

One could say: You really don’t want to hear these three little words.

The Stranger’s Rifle: Basic Equipment

It is even easier to obtain the “Stranger’s Rifle.” This is a quest reward that everyone should eventually receive; it’s just a matter of whether they kept it. The Stranger’s Rifle is a pulse rifle and has a penetration of 30. As the “pure stats” don’t matter in the Crucible and get normalized, this thing hits like a horse. And it is currently considered a real hidden gem.

http://youtu.be/pf4ueMtGCQw
No one expected that such a seemingly standard weapon could have such an impact. And those who discovered it first can feel like pioneers and pat themselves on the back for keeping it for so long.

And what other pulse rifles are in Destiny?

Also useful is the “Oversoul’s Lament,” but like other raid weapons, it shines more in PvE. In PvP, some of its attributes are useless. Useful, but somewhat outside the theme of “high penetration” is the exotic “Bad Juju.” It requires more bursts for kills, but it also charges up the super faster. The weapon requires and encourages a different playstyle.

One could say that Bungie succeeded with 1.1.1 in transforming the unloved Cinderella pulse rifle into a little princess. Players have already started training this very special weapon type again. And even if it may not really be dominant and some lament their automatic rifle or hand cannon, the patch did bring some movement into the somewhat stagnant Destiny, and that’s a good thing.

What is your favorite pulse rifle in PvP?