Destiny 2: Heresy May Be Off to a Rocky Start

Will the Lack of New Exotic Armor Hurt the Episode’s Reception?

With the imminent launch of Episode Heresy, Destiny 2 has a chance to bounce back from the lukewarm reception of Revenant. Bungie appears to be taking player feedback seriously, introducing significant changes that could reinvigorate the game. However, not all of these adjustments are being met with enthusiasm. The shift away from weapon crafting is making it more difficult to chase seasonal god rolls, and despite a major meta shift favoring Arc subclasses, the absence of new Exotic armor for all three classes could dampen the excitement surrounding the update.

Arc Subclasses Take Center Stage

Destiny 2’s Arc subclasses are set to dominate the Heresy meta, thanks to widespread buffs and a focus on Artifact perks built around Arc keywords and the new Bolt Charge verb. Warlocks and Titans are receiving new Arc Aspects, and multiple Exotic armor pieces with Arc-related effects are being reworked to enhance build diversity. These changes are a welcome step forward, but the lack of brand-new Exotic armor pieces could leave some players underwhelmed.

The Impact of No New Exotic Armor

Exotic armor is often a key highlight of new Destiny 2 content, providing players with exciting incentives to grind and experiment with new builds. Unlocking Exotic gear is already a time-consuming process, requiring players to reset their Reputation Rank with Master Rahool using a significant number of Exotic Engrams. While revamped Exotics can certainly shake up the meta, fresh additions tend to generate more community engagement, encouraging theorycrafting and content creation that keeps the game’s ecosystem thriving.

At a time when Destiny 2 desperately needs a win, skipping new Exotic armor could be a misstep. The community often reacts negatively to such omissions, as these items serve as powerful tools for buildcrafting. While Heresy brings major changes to existing Exotics, nothing quite compares to the excitement of discovering and mastering brand-new gear.

Is Bungie Making the Right Call?

There is an argument to be made that skipping new Exotic armor might not be a dealbreaker. Resetting Master Rahool’s Reputation Track each season can be tedious, especially given the limited availability of Exotic Engrams. Additionally, the extensive changes to existing Exotics could serve as a suitable alternative. For instance, the updated Sealed Ahamkara’s Grasp for Hunters now functions in a fundamentally different way, making it feel almost like a brand-new Exotic.

Similarly, Arc Warlocks are receiving a significant buff to Geomag Stabilizers, making them a powerhouse in all activities. The enhancements to Stormcallers and Chaos Reach could reshape the meta without the need for brand-new gear. While it would have been ideal to receive both reworks and fresh Exotics, at least players can look forward to mechanically refreshed items that introduce new playstyles.

The real test will be in how players respond once Heresy launches. Bungie’s decision will only be fully judged in hindsight, but for now, Guardians hoping for new Exotic armor will have to wait until the arrival of Frontiers.