Still, it’s been a big week for Destiny 2 news as Bungie has started to pull the curtain back on a few things that players can expect. While the developer detailed upcoming weapon and sandbox changes, this week finally confirmed the various Arc 3.0 subclass updates and how each will be impacted. Titans get new mobility movements, Hunters get a second super called Gathering Storm, and Warlocks will be a supercharged lightning shaman. Aspects, debuffs, and fragments were also revealed, though fans will have to tune in to the August 23 showcase to see everything in motion.
RELATED: Bungie Reveals All Destiny 2 Season 18 Artifact and Champion Mods
With one final appearance inside Season of the Haunted, the weekend merchant Xur is back inside of Destiny 2. Follow this guide for his most current weekend location, news on his exotic cipher quest, as well as a review of all the exotic and legendary gear he’s brought for the weekend of August 19, 2022.
Where is Xur?
This weekend, players should head to Nessus where Xur is hanging out on his massive tree in Watcher’s Grave.
From the Director, head to Nessus and load into Watcher’s Grave. Run towards the back of the zone where a massive tree is found. Jump up until players find the huge branch where the merchant is hanging out.
Class Armor and Exotic Cipher
Xur’s role continues to offer the usual weekly quests, exotics, and legendary gear. Not only are these quests required to purchase a second fated engram, but they’re necessary to acquire legacy exotic gear from the Tower kiosk. Players can earn a new cipher by completing strikes and winning crucible or gambit matches. Gain bonus points for playing with clan mates or finishing more challenging activities.
Xur continues to sell even more gear outside his usual content. In addition to his normal exotic gear, Xur now has Legendary Weapons and Armor for sale in exchange for Legendary Shards and Glimmer.
Exotic Armor
Crown of Tempests - Warlock helmet
For Warlocks that like to get their Emperor Palpatine on, the Crown of Tempests remains one of the best exotics for Stormtrance. It remains a top option thanks to the exotic perk Conduction Tines. With this item, any arc ability kills increases the recharge rate of Arc abilities and extends the duration of Stormtrance.
This is an item that all Warlocks should have as it’s one of best exotics to use with Stormcaller as it can quickly regenerate abilities for Warlocks. While the roll is not where near as good as it was the last time Xur had this item, it’s still valuable enough with the upcoming Arc 3.0 changes that players may want to pick it up now if they don’t have a better version available.
Arc Enhanced. Stat Values:
Mobility +13 Resilience +9 Recovery +7 Discipline +12 Intellect +9 Strength +8
Gemini Jester - Hunter leg armor
Less than a month later, the Gemini Jester exotics are back in stock and unfortunately, they don’t quite hit high marks again. The intrinsic perk Misdirection causes nearby enemies to become disoriented and temporarily removes their radar after the Hunter dodges near them.
While this isn’t a top tier exotic, though they can be fun to use in PvP against other players. The range of its Misdirection effect is larger than many think and could very easily mess other players up who are not ready for it or perhaps on the other side of a wall even. Keep in mind that this perk can also be a liability as it will trigger the Titan’s One-Eyed Mask perk Vengeance. The roll is solid, if a little unspectacular for an exotic that probably isn’t high on most player’s lists anyway.
Arc Enhanced. Stat Values:
Mobility +14 Resilience +2 Recovery +16 Discipline +9 Intellect +10 Strength +12
Eternal Warrior - Titan helmet
The unique looking Eternal Warrior helm is back in stock again with Xur. From a gameplay perspective, it’s specifically aimed at Striker Titans as its intrinsic perk Resolute gives the player an overshield after Fists of Havoc is activated. While a cool looking exotic item, it’s ability just really isn’t as impactful as others available to Titans. An overshield is always helpful but it’s not likely going to turn the tide in any significant way.
After weeks of getting the lowest roll of the three exotics, Titans finally have the highlight roll coming in at a 69 total. While the roll isn’t very Titan friendly, with extremely high Mobility and Intellect, this is still likely a better roll than what most players have. Also keep in mind that mobility is likely tied to the new Arc movement effect called Amplified, so this roll may work out better than intended.
Arc Enhanced. Stat Values:
Mobility +22 Resilience +12 Recovery +2 Discipline +10 Intellect +21 Strength +2
Exotic Weapon
Not seen in quite a while, Xur has brought back the burst-fire hand cannon, Crimson. Styled after the Destiny 1 exotic Red Death, the Crimson hand cannon is unique compared to other weapons in this class. The reason is due to its intrinsic perk known as Banned Weapon as it gives the gun a three round burst. It’s unique perk, Cruel Remedy, heals the player after killing an enemy while a precision kill refills the magazine.
Hand cannons remain a very strong weapon type in Destiny 2, even if there are better options currently available outside of Crimson. Still, the healing effect alone makes this gun worth it, especially in modes with lots of enemies to help trigger the effect. The weapon only gets better with the catalyst so for those who do not yet have this, pick it up.
Additional perks:
Smallbore Accurized Rounds Heavy Grip
Hawkmoon and Dead Man’s Tale Rolls
Since Season 16 removed the Presage and Harbinger exotic missions, Xur is also selling both Hawkmoon and Dead Man’s Tale with randomized rolls. Players should visit him each weekend as he’ll be carrying different rolls.
Hawkmoon Rolls:
Fluted Barrel Alloy Magazine Snapshot Sights Textured Grip
Dead Man’s Tale
Hammer-Forged Rifling Flared Magwell Vorpal Weapon Short-Action Stock
Here’s the complete rundown of Xur’s exotic stock in Destiny 2 for August 19, 2022:
Crown of Tempests (Warlock helmet) – 23 Legendary Shards Gemini Jester (Hunter leg armor) – 23 Legendary Shards Eternal Warrior (Titan helmet) – 23 Legendary Shards Crimson (Hand Cannon) - 29 Legendary Shards Hawkmoon (Hand Cannon) - 125,000 Glimmer, 200 Legendary Shards, 1 Exotic Cipher, 1 Ascendant Shard Dead Man’s Tale (Scout Rifle) - 125,000 Glimmer, 200 Legendary Shards, 1 Exotic Cipher, 1 Ascendant Shard Exotic Engram - 97 Legendary Shards/1 Exotic Cipher A Question - Exotic Cipher Quest
Legendary Gear
As previously mentioned, Xur now sells Legendary Armor and Weapons. All gear costs 50 Legendary Shards and 1000 Glimmer.
Whispering Slab (Kinetic Combat Bow) The Last Dance (Energy Sidearm) Nature of the Beast (Energy Hand Cannon) First In, Last Out (Energy Shotgun) The Keening (Energy Sidearm) Sorrow’s Verse (Energy Auto Rifle) Honor’s Edge (Heavy Sword) Wild Hunt Armor Set
Destiny 2 is now available PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE: Destiny 2 Weekly Reset: New Nightfall, Challenges, and Rewards
