As per the latest Developer Insight by Bungie, severalDestiny 2Exotic weapons and archetypes are set to receive significant buffs in the upcoming mid-season balance patch. Usually, major updates to weapon functionality and archetypes are reserved for the annual expansions or the beginning of a season. For a while, however,Bungie has begun rolling out a mid-season patch forDestiny 2, addressing any game-breaking bugs and glitches, underperforming weapons and Exotics, and much more to benefit player experience.
Part ofDestiny 2’s prolonged success as a looter shooter title can be attributed to the game’s incredible combat system, seamlessly mixing gunplay and ability-based gameplay. From projectile weapons to energy cannons and bladed swords,Destiny 2’s massive arsenal offers playersa ludicrous amount of choice when picking a favorite weapon. Exotic weapons hold a special place inDestiny 2’s combat landscape, coming equipped with special perks that are either perpetually active or triggered by completing specific actions, granting the weapon increased lethality, functionality, and synergy with other mechanics. While these weapons are quite capable on their own, the true potential is only realized when incorporated by players into thematic builds.
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Graviton Lance is one such Exotic Pulse Rifle that has remained relatively unchanged since the launch ofDestiny 2, save for receiving a facelift with the Void 3.0 verbs added to its capabilities. In the latest Developer Insight, Bungie has stated that Graviton Lance will receive an additional 67% buff against PvE targets to balance its lethality compared to other Exotic Pulse Rifles. It’s not all buffs, however, as the damage from the Cosmology explosions has been decreased by 40% in PvP only, as well as removing the aim assist from the catalyst. As for other Exotics, the No Time To Explain Pulse Rifle has received a nerf to its effective range, and Fighting Lion’s Exotic perk has been restored to its full functionality.
The mid-season patch has several changes in store for many weapon archetypes to compensate forthe ever-changing meta ofDestiny 2. Pulse Rifles, especially the High-Impact subfamily, will receive a boost in their auto-aim angle at lower aim assist ranges. The effective range for Lightweight Bows has been increased at all tiers, alongside a buff to final accuracy by nearly 10%. The dynamic reticle for Submachine Guns has been reworked to offer players more visual clarity during combat. Finally, Lightweight Shotguns will have tighter pellet spread in longer ranges, increasing the lethality in PvP. Post-patch, the Gutshot Straight and Slickdraw perks will have reduced auto-aim penalty, while the infamous Target Lock perk will only offer a 25% damage boost in PvP instead of the current 40%.
These upcoming changes reflect the changes coming toDestiny 2’s weapons, but the developers have promised that changes to other aspects are in the works for the mid-season patch. The Developer Insight states that these changes will help Bungie bring moresignificant changes toDestiny 2in the future.
Destiny 2is currently available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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