If you missed some weapon exotics from previous seasons in Destiny 2, you can catch up now – with the Exotic Cipher. But which weapon is the most worth using the code on? And what else should be considered?
What is the deal with the exotic code? Due to the seasonal model of Destiny 2, there are several exotic weapons that were only available during a specific season – after that, they are no longer obtainable.
With Season 11, this has changed to the delight of some players – thanks to the exotic code (Exotic Cipher) from the current Season Pass (at Level 55). Because in the Season of Arrival, you have the chance to secure at least one of the 5 seasonal exotics retroactively with the code.
Some may wonder now: How does this even work? And which of the 5 or which of the missing exotic weapons should I get? You will find out here.
What exactly can you do with the Exotic Cipher? Basically, there are 2 things:
- You can trade the code along with some other resources for one of 5 seasonal exotics from previous seasons with the Tower cryptarch Master Rahool.
- With it, you can also draw another Fate Engram from Xur, which contains (missing) exotics from the regular exo pool.
Which seasonal exotic is the most worth using the Exotic Code on?
How expensive are the 5 exotics? So far, it seems there is only one exotic code available per season. Other sources outside of the Season Pass are currently unknown.
Each of the 5 exotics requires an exotic pass for purchase. Currently, you can only buy one of them per season – even if you should be missing all 5.
Additionally to the Exotic Cipher, the following costs apply per exotic:
- 100,000 Glimmer
- some planetary resources
- 3 enhancement prisms
Which weapon exotic is the most worth using the code on? If you are missing all or some of the exotics, refer to this list. Position 1 is the most worthwhile, and position 5 is the least.
- 1. Hand Cannon Eriana’s Vow: the hybrid of a hand cannon and sniper is probably the best choice of all 5 exotics when it comes to endgame content. Essentially, it’s almost a must-have all-rounder when you encounter champions.
- 2. Hand Cannon The Devil’s Ruin: A very strong hand cannon and simply a monster against unstoppable champions. Especially in Season 11, many powerful builds are possible with it.
- 3. Fusion Rifle Bastion: A strong fusion rifle that, in the right hands, can really shine in PvP. Unfortunately, it’s not very helpful against champions in PvE.
- 4. Heavy Bow Leviathan’s Breath: A fun bow, although there are several better alternatives in the heavy or exotic slot for its strengths against champions.
- 5. Scout Rifle Symmetry: The weapon is not bad, but of all 5 exotics, it is certainly the weakest option – unless you are a die-hard scout rifle fan.
Keep in mind: The order may certainly look different according to individual preferences for some.
Therefore, you might want to wait with the code
For some players, it might also be worthwhile to save the exotic code until the next season and the big autumn expansion Beyond Light. But why?
Locations are disappearing – what about the exotics? In Destiny 2, with the new expansion this autumn, several locations and their associated content will temporarily disappear into the Destiny Content Vault. And with that, Destiny 2 has to rethink its approach to up to 18 previous weapon exotics, as they are tied to corresponding activities.
It is entirely conceivable that starting next season, some more exotics could expand the offering from Master Rahool, for which you would need another exotic code. So if you already own all 5 currently offered exotics or do not necessarily need the missing specimens, it might be worthwhile to save the code for now and possibly redeem it in Season 12.
I have already obtained all seasonal exotics – and now? In autumn, new exotics will most likely enrich the game as well. If they belong to the regular exotic loot pool, which is very likely for armor, then they will also be available through Xur and his Fate Engram.
Consequently, you would have, thanks to the Cipher Codes, double the chance for a new world drop exotic from the Fate Engram in the first week of the new content with Xur.
By the way, since swords are currently very popular in the power slot, the selection of strong exotics is relatively limited. Here you can find the best 4 exotic weapons for the other slots: The best 4 weapon exotics to try in Season 11
