Unveiling the Exciting Weapon and Perk Updates in Destiny 2

In Season 22 of Destiny 2, there will be notable alterations to weapon archetypes and perks that will align with the midpoint of the Lightfall expansion. The behavior of weapons in Destiny 2 is determined by the statistics of their archetype and the specific perks they possess. Even the slightest adjustments to either can have a ripple effect on overall performance. Therefore, alongside Season 22, significant changes are on the horizon.

Weapon archetypes encompass the broad category of weapons used by players, and within these archetypes, there can be variations, such as wave frame grenade launchers. On the other hand, perks are the distinct characteristics that a weapon possesses when it is obtained. Each weapon has a selection of perks that it can possess, and certain combinations yield more powerful outcomes.

How are Weapon Archetypes Changing in Season 22?

Hand Cannons:

The reload speed for weapons with a stat total of 0 has been enhanced by 15%.

PvE damage has been boosted against all non-boss enemies, with a 20% increase against Minors and a significant 75% increase against Majors.

A new sub-family with the "Heavy Burst" trait becomes introduced with the arrival of the Warden's Law hand cannon. This sub-family fires a two-bullet burst and has the capability to inflict precision damage, although both shots must hit their target.

Bows:

Hit registration issues caused by arrow velocity have been resolved. A fully-drawn precision bow now offers enhanced speed. Additionally, the reloading animation time has been reduced from 0.5 seconds to 0.3 seconds.

The Lightweight sub-family had velocity at a full draw upped to match precision bows.

SMGs:

A visual bug displaying the incorrect RPM stat has been corrected for Aggressive SMGs. It now accurately shows 720 RPM instead of 750.

Sidearms:

Changes to range values led to aggressive sidearms becoming too dangerous, so body shot damage for aggressive sidearms has reduced to 30 from 32

Pulse Rifles:

The BxR Battler's zoom has been reverted to 20, its original value.

Shotguns:

A visual bug regarding the impact stat was fixed for The Comedian shotgun. No gameplay alterations occurred.

Fusion Rifles:

Previously, Enhanced Intrinsic perks and Adept Masterworks could negatively affect the damage of Fusion Rifles when altering the charge time stat. This is no longer the case.

Heavy Grenade Launchers:

The size and overall self-damaging capabilities of the AOE have been reduced for wave frame heavy grenade launchers.

Swords:

Sword guard energy now charges much faster after being used and is altered by the guard charge rate stat.

Heavy attacks can now be used even when not at full sword energy.

Sword guard damage resistance has increased to 82.5 - 92% in PvE and 52.5 - 65% in PvP.

Guard efficiency is no longer a stat, and receiving damage no longer decreases sword energy.

Guard duration has increased across every sword guard type.

Alterations that augment sword guard now visually affect the charge rate UI element.

Movement speed while blocking has risen to 0.85 from 0.75.

The Exotic sword, The Lament, only receives the aforementioned increased guard damage reduction and duration buffs.

How are Weapon Perks Changing in Season 22?

Each weapon's unique role is defined by its perks, which can vary greatly in function and usability. While certain perks immediately rise to the top as standout choices, others tend to be overlooked due to their narrow applicability or lack of significant advantages compared to alternative options. It is crucial for Bungie to periodically adjust perks in order to maintain the overall balance and fairness in Destiny 2. The upcoming Season 22 will introduce changes to the following perks:

Bipod:

The damage penalty has seen a decline from 40% to 25%.

This perk adds another rocket to Guardian's clip and substantially increases reserves at the cost of a damage reduction.

Envious Assassin:

The time restriction for activating the perk has been eliminated, allowing it to function regardless of whether a weapon is already partially filled, up to 2.5 times its original capacity.

Envious Assassin enables players to rapidly eliminate enemies with various weapons, thereby overflowing a weapon with this perk.

Under-Over:

This perk offers an added advantage of inflicting additional body damage on players who are under the influence of the Woven Mail buff. Moreover, it delivers increased damage against shields, with an even greater impact when these shields originate from Dark Cabal or Lucent Moths.

Under-Over adds extra damage to foes with shields or overshields.

Under Pressure:

The maximum accuracy bonus provided by this perk has been reduced. It is now 0.5, down from 0.75.

Under Pressure substantially increases stability and accuracy when a weapon's clip dwindles.

Shoot to Loot:

The perk has been tuned to interact with splash damage, like the Explosive Payload perk, and an unintended ammo exploit was fixed.

Shoot To Loot allows Guardians to fire at Orbs of Power to claim them and likewise collect plus reload weapons by shooting ammo bricks.

Valiant Charge:

The perk now halts after the triggering Sword attack.

Valiant Charge awards players sword lunge reach after guarding and taking damage.

Ambush:

The perk can no longer deactivate from restoring health, taking damage from a fall, or being shot at by other players.

Ambush increases handling, range, and damage at the start of a fight.

Explosive Light:

Enhanced versions of this perk no longer provide two stacks of the buff for one Orb of Power pickup.

Explosive Light offers additional damage and blast radius if players grab an Orb of Power.

Chill Clip:

The slow stacks applied have reduced to 40 from 60, and the perk no longer benefits from the Gjallarhorn exotic rocket launcher's Wolfpack Rounds.

Chill Clip can slow or freeze enemies with the top half of its magazine.

Destiny 2 is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S