Destiny 2 is expected to receive a new and yet-to-be-revealed Exotic in Season 13, according to the “Hammer Theory,” which we all already have in our inventory.
In Season 13, the Season of the Chosen, Guardians have only been able to get their hands on two new Exotic weapons so far:
- the fiery bow Ticuus’s Divination
- the Scout Rifle Tale of a Dead Man, which must be salvaged from a ghost spaceship
However, another exotic gem is expected to arrive by May 2021. Essentially, you are already using the weapon.
This is expected to be the new Exotic: The Hammer of Proving is set to be added as a new exotic power weapon. This would then be the next melee toy for the Guardians to swing from the third person, alongside swords.
We have been carrying the oversized Hammer of Proving in our quest inventory throughout Season 13 but have not yet used it as an Exotic weapon. According to Forbes, that should change soon.
The Exotic Hammer Theory from Season 13
Three factors support this: the story, hints from Bungie, and the fact that the quest item already has its own combat animations.
The theory about the new Exotic was proposed by Forbes on March 10. Author Paul Tassi has made a name for himself as a Destiny expert over the years. Even though he hasn’t always been right with his predictions, this theory is interesting, and we want to delve deeper into it.
This is how we already use the hammer: Season 13 introduced the Battlegrounds as a new activity. After completion, Guardians can earn extra loot by smashing chests – which can be done with the Hammer of Proving. Bungie has even created an animation specifically for the hammer swing and rendered it in 3D.
Basically, it is a quest item that can be equipped with runes like all comparable items, impacting seasonal loot. Unlike, for example, the Chalice of Opulence or the Talisman from Season 12, we’re actually using the hammer and not just clicking around in menus.
It seems plausible that the effort put into the animation was not done simply for show but is intended for future use. It could, for instance, relate to the heavy attack where the player slams down with force.
Bungie itself and the story of Season 13 support this
This is how the weapon could exist: According to Forbes, it fits perfectly with the story and lore of Season 13 that the grim Cabals Empress Caiatl gives the Guardians the hammer. So, as an exotic weapon, she hands it over, since we have already received the hammer as a quest item.
- Throughout the entire season, it revolves around honor and proving to the Cabal that we are worthy and can pass all trials.
- The Empress is not in open war with us but rather tests us, and weekly we prove to her that her strongest warriors stand no chance against us.
- The new strike, going live on March 16, is called “Proving Grounds” and should challenge us once more. This is promised by the official roadmap.
- And all this because Zavala did not want to kneel before the turtle princess. That’s why he’s now also on the hit list.
Essentially, the Guardians are expected to prove themselves worthy by the end of the season and receive the Hammer of Proving as a permanent gift. Then, it won’t be to smash chests but rather unworthy foes.
The hammer is supposed to be equipped like an exotic sword, require power ammo, and represent a new weapon class.
What has Bungie hinted at? Just before the start of Season 13, Community Manager Cozmo from Bungie commented on third-person weapons (via Twitter).
He mentioned “swords and all potential future third-person weapons.” The topic was previously the PvP issue where players gain a visibility advantage with these weapons and emotes by breaking out of the limited first-person perspective.
That Bungie might have hinted at a new weapon class in third-person, we also speculated here on MeinMMO on February 1: Destiny 2 talks about a fix for annoying PvP phenomenon, hinting at new weapons.
What do you think? Will we soon be able to choose between swords and hammers? Or do you find a completely new weapon class in Season 13 questionable? After all, when bows were introduced with Forsaken (2018), it was a major expansion.
If you’re wondering whether Forsaken might end up in the content vault: Yes, Bungie will eventually remove the best expansion from Destiny 2
