Destiny 2: The Frustrating Journey to Obtain New Exotic Armor
2024-11-18
Author: Lok
Destiny 2 players are feeling the pain once again as they grapple with the baffling new process of acquiring Exotic armor. Having covered the game for nearly a decade, it’s disheartening to see how the latest changes have left players—both newcomers and veterans—feeling disgruntled and overwhelmed.
In previous seasons, players embarked on fights through Expert and Master Lost Sectors, where they had a chance to earn Exotic armor as their very first drop, provided they already possessed the other exotics within that category. Sure, it took some grinding, but players generally felt satisfied with the rewards. However, the transition to the current system feels like a giant step backward.
Now, players must grind through Master Rahool’s elusive "rank" system, requiring players to decrypt engrams to progress. Unfortunately, both Prime and standard Exotic engrams contribute minimal progress in this system, leading to frustrations. The only way to efficiently engage with this new mechanic is by using high-tier materials to focus engrams, making the process feel more like a chore than an exciting adventure.
For new players, the confusion is compounded by the lack of clear guidance within the game. The pathway to unlock the newest Exotic armor is shrouded in mystery, buried under layers of menus and vendor options that aren't well explained. Newcomers often don’t know where to hunt for these valuable engrams or how to maximize their chances of success without sufficient resources to progress efficiently.
Veteran players are not escaping the frustration either. Most have already collected the previous exotics, leaving them with a pile of unwanted engrams that feel wasted rather than valuable. Instead of focusing on the latest gear, many find themselves compelled to expend resources on older items, leading to dissatisfaction and burnout.
What can be done to alleviate this grind? An initial suggestion would be to revert the distribution method back to Lost Sectors—while not perfect, it at least had the potential to engage players in meaningful gameplay. Bungie could explore allowing Exotics to decrypt randomly through turn-ins, or introduce a drop chance tied to the completion of various activities, similar to how exotic catalysts work.
Ultimately, the current "Rahool rank" system feels like one of the least favorable options at the team's disposal. Players should not be burdened with excessive farming and grinding just to earn a few pieces of armor that are crucial for gameplay. There are numerous approaches the developers could take, and it’s high time Bungie innovate their systems to meet the community's evolving expectations.
As the game is continually evolving, one can only hope that Bungie is listening and willing to revise this cumbersome experience for the sake of their loyal player base. For official updates, tips, and commentary, stay connected through social media platforms like Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky, and Instagram.