Unveiling Destiny 2: Xur Exotic Armory, Weaponry, and Top Picks for July 21st

Highlights

Various players have expressed disappointment with the Solstice event's lack of updates, leading prominent figures like Datto to advocate for taking a break from the game.

Xur is back in Destiny 2 with a fresh selection of exotic armor and weapons for players to explore. This week's offerings include Warlock gauntlets, Titan gauntlets, Hunter leg armor, and the powerful Black Talon heavy sword. The annual summer event Solstice is now underway, reintroducing the thrilling European Aerial Zone and Bonfire Bash activity. Alongside these familiar activities, players can also enjoy new armor, an Event Card, and the debut of The Crowning Duologue, a Strand-based rocket launcher.

Regrettably, there is a growing sense of disappointment within the community regarding the reappearance of Solstice, primarily due to its familiarity. With minimal changes, many are struggling to find motivation to login, leading influential figures like Datto to release videos encouraging people to take a break. Consequently, while some may login to obtain the new content, the lack of strong synergy in the rocket launcher perks makes it less compelling to grind for an extended period.

Meanwhile, the weekend merchant Xur has returned to the world of Destiny 2. Refer to this guide for his current weekend location, updates on his exotic cipher quest, and a review of all the exotic and legendary gear he has brought for the weekend of July 21, 2023.

Where is Xur?

This weekend, players should visit the Hangar inside of the Tower to find Xur.

To find Xur, follow the usual routine of fast traveling to the main Tower location. From there, make your way to the Hangar area by turning left. Once you're in the Hangar, continue left and pass the Dead Orbit section until you come across a metal staircase. Ascend the stairs and you'll spot Xur standing on a platform, gazing out at the majestic mountain range in the distance.

Class Armor and Exotic Cipher

Xur continues to perform his usual duties by offering weekly quests, exotics, and legendary gear. These quests are not only essential for purchasing a second fated engram, but they are also required to obtain legacy exotic gear from the Tower kiosk. In order to earn a new cipher, players must complete strikes and emerge victorious in crucible or gambit matches. Additional points can be gained by playing alongside clan mates or by tackling more challenging activities.

Xur expands his offerings beyond his typical selection, now offering not only his usual exotic gear but also a range of Legendary Weapons and Armor. These coveted items can be acquired by exchanging Legendary Shards and Glimmer.

Exotic Armor

Getaway Artist - Warlock gauntlets

Exotic Perk:

Dynamic Duo - Convert the Arc grenade into a Arc Soul and become amplified. The Arc Soul functions as an autonomous turret.

Warlocks have the most balanced stat rolls this week, which perfectly suit the requirements for an effective class. However, these exotics are only decent, enjoyable to experiment with, but unlikely to surpass the current top-tier options in the Destiny 2 meta.

Distribution of Stat Values (Total: 64):

Mobility +6

Resilience +21

Recovery +8

Discipline +15

Intellect +12

Strength +2

Lucky Pants - Hunter leg armor

Exotic Perk:

Illicitly Modified Holster - When players equip a fully loaded Hand Cannon that inflicts Kinetic damage or matches the subclass energy type, each successful hit with the Hand Cannon increases the damage of the next shot against a combatant for a brief duration. Additionally, Hand Cannons have improved readiness speed and accuracy when swapped to. This perk also grants a slight boost to the effectiveness of airborne attacks with Hand Cannons while the damage buff is active.

These content fragment needs to be rewritten in a more concise and clear way. Please find the result below:

For Hunters who don't use hand cannons, these can be skipped easily since they heavily rely on them. Additionally, the roll on these is decent at 63, but there have been higher rolls available lately. Considering they are not top-tier exotics, they can be safely overlooked.

Stat Values (Total: 63):

Mobility +11

Resilience +3

Recovery +18

Discipline +11

Intellect +10

Strength +10

Synthoceps - Titan gauntlets

Exotic Perk:

Biotic Enhancements - Increased melee lunge range. Improved melee and Super damage when you're surrounded.

The roll's stat values are quite impressive at 70, but it leans heavily towards Mobility, which may not be ideal for Titans. While it is a better roll compared to most collection ones, picking them up is not mandatory.

Stat Breakdown (Total: 70):

Mobility +22

Resilience +11

Recovery +3

Discipline +12

Intellect +2

Strength +20

Exotic Weapon

Returning from its previous appearance in April, the Black Talon heavy sword has resurfaced in Xur's inventory and continues to be a highly recommended choice. This outstanding weapon stands out due to its exceptional ability to unleash projectiles while also overwhelming enemies in close-quarters combat. With the coveted Crow's Wing perk, users can execute a powerful cross combo projectile by seamlessly combining swinging motions. Additionally, the secondary perk, Tireless Blade, generously rewards ammo for each successful powered sword kill.

Utilizing this projectile gives the Black Talon a unique edge compared to other swords by allowing the player to maintain a safe distance while still achieving kills. Moreover, Titan players may find it particularly effective when combined with the Stronghold exotic, resulting in a powerful synergy.

Weapon perks:

Tempered Edge

Heavy Guard

Hawkmoon and Dead Man's Tale Rolls

Since the removal of the Presage and Harbinger exotic missions in Season 16, Xur is now offering both Hawkmoon and Dead Man's Tale with randomized rolls. It is recommended for players to visit him every weekend as he will have new rolls available.

Hawkmoon Rolls:

Chambered Compensator

Alloy Magazine

Moving Target

Textured Grip

Dead Man's Tale Rolls:

Extended Barrel

Flared Magwell

Snapshot Sights

Short-Action Stock

Here's the complete rundown of Xur's exotic stock in Destiny 2 for July 21, 2023:

Getaway Artist (Warlock gauntlets) – 23 Legendary Shards

Lucky Pants (Hunter leg armor) – 23 Legendary Shards

Synthoceps (Titan gauntlets) – 23 Legendary Shards

Black Talon (Heavy Sword) - 29 Legendary Shards

Hawkmoon (Hand Cannon) can be obtained with 125,000 Glimmer, 200 Legendary Shards, 1 Exotic Cipher, and 1 Ascendant Shard.

To acquire the Dead Man's Tale (Scout Rifle), you will need 125,000 Glimmer, 200 Legendary Shards, 1 Exotic Cipher, and 1 Ascendant Shard.

Exotic Engram - 97 Legendary Shards/1 Exotic Cipher

A Question - Exotic Cipher Quest

Legendary Gear

Xur's Set of Legendary Armor and Weapons. All gear costs 50 Legendary Shards and 1000 Glimmer.

Disparity (Kinetic Pulse Rifle)

Tears of Contrition (Kinetic Scout Rifle)

Iota Draconis (Energy Fusion Rifle)

Nature of the Beast (Energy Hand Cannon)

Seventh Seraph CQC-12 (Energy Shotgun)

Threaded Needle (Heavy Linear Fusion Rifle)

Quickfang (Heavy Sword)

Tusked Allegiance Armor Set

Destiny 2 is now available PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.