In the MMO shooter Destiny , the auto rifle Monte Carlo is one of the exotic weapons. What can the weapon do and why do so many players who love close combat play with it?
The Monte Carlo has been there since the beginning of Destiny, was a PlayStation-exclusive weapon in Year 1, and at that time was usually overshadowed by the SUROS Regime, which was suitable for every playstyle. The Monte Carlo does not do that, it only works with a close-combat-oriented playstyle. Those who want to use it like a “normal weapon” will notice little of its advantages.
Where can you find the Monte Carlo in Destiny?
In Year 2, Monte Carlo is available in exotic primary weapon engrams, from Year 2 activities like the raid or the Nightfall, and recently also from Xur.
The name “Monte Carlo” refers to a scientific method, where difficult problems are solved by running a vast number of random experiments. In other words: Instead of calculating mathematically how likely it is to roll a pair with two dice, you simply roll it 50,000 times and count the pairs.
What makes the Monte Carlo special in Destiny?
In terms of base stats, the Monte Carlo falls into the medium-speed auto rifles, but it is not among the super-fast pea shooters. In terms of fire rate and impact, it resembles weapons like the Zhalo Supercell, the Zarinea-D, or the Ari-41.
However, Monte Carlo can score with strong stability, very high range, and quick reload times. However, many shots must find their target and ideally land headshots, so that the Monte Carlo can quickly take down enemies. Auto rifles are simply not that strong currently.
The actual joke of the weapon lies in the perk “Monte Carlo Method”, which is also reflected in the bayonet attached to the weapon. Damage with the auto rifle reduces the melee cooldown of the holder. With melee kills, there is a chance that the melee attack is fully reloaded.
Hip fire assists when shooting from the hip, but is not really an ideal perk; one should still aim. Recommended perks include Outlaw for range and precision, as well as Drift Control.
The idea of the weapon is clear: shoot and strike at the same time.
How good is the Monte Carlo in PvE and PvP?
The Monte Carlo is a useful weapon in both PvP and PvE, when it fits a melee-heavy playstyle. The weapon’s abilities only come into play if the melee cooldown is actually used and consumed regularly. If not, other weapons are better suited.
Ideally, one should try to achieve precision hits with the Monte Carlo at medium range, which is easily possible due to high range and good handling, especially with Drift Control. With the melee attack, additional DPS should be achievable.
Due to this peculiarity, players should try to shape the whole concept of their guardian towards melee combat. The Sealed Ahamkara Grips of the Hunter or the Claws of Ahamkara for the Warlock, for example, can serve as “supportive armor pieces”. Item configurations that focus on throwing knives or smoke grenades can also benefit from the Monte Carlo.
However, players in PvP must be careful not to be driven into a close combat situation by their own weapon that does not end well.
Overall, the Monte Carlo is a solid weapon that does not work “right out of the box” but one has to adjust to it to bring out its full performance. In PvE it is somewhat stronger than in PvP, where the surprise attack can play a bigger role.
Opinions on the weapon tend to vary widely. One really has to commit to it; otherwise, one quickly stashes it away and thinks: What do they all see in this thing?
What do you think about the Monte Carlo?
