While we eagerly anticipate the Annual Pass reveal for the Black Armory DLC, Bungie has started to lift the veil on some details for season 5. Namely in regards to pinnacle weapons. Season 5 will see the introduction of pinnacle weapons from the Vanguard and Gambit.
That being said, let’s talk about what pinnacle weapons are, why they’re so important, and my thoughts on the weapons themselves and process to get them. The positive note in regards to seasonal content, is that it does not require the ownership of the Annual pass. This means that all of the following information applies to all owners of Destiny 2: Forsaken.
What are Pinnacle Weapons?
Pinnacle weapons were first introduced in the Warmind expansion over the summer. It was a very special weapon that required you to reach a high rank in competitive crucible play. The weapon was called Redrix’s Claymore and it was one hell of a weapon. The perks made it feel like an exotic without it being one, and that’s key. On top of that, the weapon would only be available during Season 3. This means that if you didn’t get the weapon during that time, you would never be able to get it again.
In year 1 of Destiny 1, raid primary weapons had elements. If you’re a player of Destiny 2, this would be like having an energy weapon that you could equip in your kinetic slot. While meaningless in PvP, it gave you a serious advantage in PvE. You could load yourself out with all 3 elements, giving you a distinct and notable advantage against various enemies.
The idea of elemental primaries was so overpowered that Bungie discontinued them in subsequent years. They were left in a pool of “year 1” weapons that could not be brought forward in power. Fatebringer, along with a good number of other endgame weapons brought players the sense that they had something special. Something that broke the game. It was almost like having an exotic weapon that was mislabeled as legendary, allowing you to still equip another exotic weapon.
This feeling carried over with Redrix’s Claymore. It was vital for Bungie to not make this weapon an exotic. Player’s needed to feel like that had something extraordinary, without making those who can’t attain it feel like they’re missing out. The Claymore was by all accounts a success. Although it only required a mid-rank achievement, the weapon was only acquired by just under 9000 people.
PINNACLE V2
Although the Claymore was a hit with players, it was made clear that Bungie wanted the weapon to be earned by more players. Forsaken brought the start of season 4, and with that, the expectation for a new pinnacle weapon for the crucible. In a surprising turn of events, Bungie revealed the new pinnacle weapon an identical weapon to the Claymore, called Redrix’s Broadsword. The idea being that new players could strive for it, while keeping the Claymore as a trophy for those who attained it in season 3.
Now for better or worse, the Broadsword became more of a causal pursuit, not requiring any specific competitive ranks. Instead it required players to complete a long quest that was aimed more at a casual experience. The good news is that the Broadsword was complemented with another weapon Luna’s Howl. This weapon is arguably better than the Broadsword in kill potential. It retained its true pinnacle nature by requiring high competitive ranks in addition to several other quest steps designed to show off your combat prowess in the crucible.
For season 5, the Crucible is receiving yet another incredible sounding pinnacle weapon; a kinetic breech grenade launcher. It can only be described as a mini rocket launcher. The shots have no drop and explode on impact. The weapon doesn’t require competitive prowess, making it much simpler to attain. It remains to be seen how balanced this weapon is when everyone and their mom is using it in the crucible.
The Mountaintop – Season 5 Pinnacle Weapon
Pinnacle’s for Every Activity
Gambit is certainly one of my favorite new additions in Forsaken, but the mode missed the distinct sense of purpose the crucible now has. The Malfeasance quest was a good stop-gap, but it is highly reliant on luck, and less about proving your worthiness in the game mode. Gambit is new, and an evolution to Gambit has been guaranteed through the second Annual Pass DLC Joker’s Wild.
Breakneck – Season 5 Pinnacle Weapon
Gambit is receiving auto rifle which features perks very similar in nature to the Claymore and Broadsword. It features Rampage, however the second perk makes the weapon’s rate of fire increase with every stack of Rampage you collect. The weapon was described by the developers as a “workhorse weapon” designed to help quickly take out gambit enemy combatants.
Loaded Question – Season 5 Pinnacle Weapon
The Vanguard is receiving a fusion rifle that will deliver an increased damage burst when the battery is full, which will also cause enemies to explode on death. The weapon is designed to help quickly remove shields from powerful enemies, while still providing utility towards low level combatants with the explosion effect.
Progress Is Progress
While these weapons sound incredible, the quests to attain them leave much to be desired by not requiring much skill or time. Each of these quests are 3-4 steps each and center around simple event participation. They’re more akin to completing a series of simple bounties, rather than an actual quest line. It may be too early to tell, but acquiring these weapons will likely not make the weapons feel as special as the crucible weapons do.
When you run into someone with a Redrix’s Claymore or a Luna’s Howl, you know what that person went through to attain it. It serves as a sort of warning system as to what you might be up against. When I’m using my Gambit pinnacle weapon, other players should be instantly alerted to my skill in the mode. The Gambit and Vanguard weapons will likely not provide this sense. However, the inclusion of them in the first place is a step in the right direction.
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