With the Warmind expansion, the first exotic weapons will receive their Masterwork versions on May 8, 2018, in Destiny 2. However, the exotic Masterwork system differs fundamentally from the system of legendary weapons. We explain to you how this new mechanic works.
Finally, there is official information about the Masterwork system of exotic weapons, which will be introduced with the release of the Warmind DLC. This will differ significantly from the Masterwork mechanic of legendary weapons.
We will show you what lies behind the Masterworks for exotic weapons in DLC II and how the system works.
The idea behind exotic Masterwork weapons
How do you make exotic weapons actually feel exotic? This question has been, according to Bungie, the driving force behind the exotic Masterwork idea.
On one hand, it is important how the weapon feels while playing. It should be powerful and stand out clearly from the legendary competition – both in design and effectiveness. Bungie attempts to cover this aspect by overhauling many exotic weapons.
On the other hand, it is crucial how it feels to obtain the weapon. Exotic weapons have been very easy to obtain in Destiny 2 so far. Many Guardians may already own most, if not all, exotic weapons. Here, the goal is to cater to players who consider Destiny 2 their hobby and want to link related activities with long-term motivation and effort.
At the same time, they wanted to avoid mistakes from the predecessor. Players should not have to earn every exotic weapon again with DLC 2. Therefore, the new system – that is, the acquisition of exotic Masterworks and Masterwork progress – will also apply to the exotics you have already found. So you do not have to find the desired exotic weapon again to upgrade it to a Masterwork. However, you should at least already have it in your collection.
How to make an exotic weapon a Masterwork
As a result of these ideas and goals, Bungie has now created a Masterwork system for exotic weapons. This will be introduced with the Warmind expansion and is structured as follows:
- There will be an exotic Masterwork for each exotic weapon in Destiny 2.
- To start the Masterwork process, players must find an exotic Masterwork Catalyst. This can only drop once you already own the respective weapon or have at least owned it before.
- When looking at an exotic weapon, you will see a hint of which activities you can find the Catalyst in.
- Not all exotic Masterworks have the same drop rate. Some exotic Masterwork weapons are guaranteed after a certain level of activity participation, while others are earned completely at random.
Once you have the Catalyst, you can immediately apply it. This will initially activate the orb generation on double kills with the respective exotic weapon. Additionally, exotic weapons with a Catalyst will already count the enemies defeated with them.
After activating the Catalyst, bounty-like tasks will be unlocked that must be completed for the weapon to achieve the final Masterwork status. Then, the weapon will receive status and perk bonuses. For example, the Hand Cannon Crimson will gain a range of 100, while the Sleeper Simulant is intended to fire automatically.
On their way to becoming a Masterwork, some exotic weapons only require one thing from you, while others take several steps. These tasks may vary in difficulty and length, but they are not determined by chance.
There will be some exotic Masterworks that require completing challenging activities or achievements in order to obtain the intended Masterwork. Players should thus engage in-depth and long-term with the weapon they want to make a Masterwork.
The following aspects should be noted regarding exotic Masterwork weapons:
- Upgrading an exotic weapon to a Masterwork only needs to be done once per account. The progress will be calculated across characters.
- During the Masterwork process, duplicates of exotic weapons from engrams, milestones, and the exotic collection will begin at your current Masterwork upgrade status.
- The exotic Masterwork process takes place completely in the detail view of the respective weapon. Tasks will not take up inventory space.
- Not all exotic Masterworks will be available right at the start of Season 3. If an exotic weapon does not have a Masterwork slot, then it cannot be made into a Masterwork yet. Bungie will not provide guides or tips on how to obtain the Masterworks. Players are meant to figure this out for themselves.
What do you think of the exotic Masterwork system? Is that enough to keep you entertained for now?
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