Veterans of Destiny likely have fond memories of some of the series' classic exotics. While Destiny 2 has been slowly reintroducing some fan-favorites, there are quite a few Destiny exotics that could be difficult to add into the game. Recent changes to the way primary ammo works in Destiny 2, however, have opened the door for two classic special weapons to return: Ice Breaker and Invective.
The Ice Breaker sniper rifle and Invective shotgun were must-haves in the first Destiny game. As solar special weapons, they were key for Solar Burn PvE activities, and their exotic perks made them powerhouses in PvP. While having special weapons that constantly replenish ammo isn’t something that would fit into the sandbox of Destiny 2, and would likely ruin the Trials of Osiris, there are some alternative options for reintroducing both weapons.
Reprising Ice Breaker and Invective in Destiny 2
Because both Ice Breaker and Invective could replenish their ammo, adding them as they were isn’t the ideal way for them to be approached in Destiny 2. Reprised content isn’t the exact same in Destiny 2 when it is readded, though, making plenty of room for changes to these weapons. Still, making these changes too extensive could mean scorning fans and introducing a weapon that is more inspired by the original than anything else.
Infinite primary ammo in Destiny 2 has meant some major changes to the sandbox, though. While not common, weapon types aren’t immune from being in differing classifications, and adding Ice Breaker and Invective into Destiny 2 as primaries is a viable option. This would address these guns’ near infinite ammo problem through the use of creative solutions. By reducing their overall damage, or effectiveness on opposing Guardians, Ice Breaker and Invective have the potential to be balanced additions to the Destiny 2 sandbox.
With the chance that Destiny 2 might be getting Ice Breaker back already being a hot topic, it seems like considerations on these weapons’ viability in the sandbox have already been made. Bringing them back would likely go over well with long-time players and help to push Destiny 2 forward. A lot of weapons from the past have been requested, and iconic options like the Vex Mythoclast and Hawkmoon have already been reprised.
With everything that comes in the Deluxe Edition 30 Anniversary Bundle, Gjallarhorn will soon make its Destiny 2 debut as well. A weapon that has long been wished for but ultimately considered too powerful being added points to the possibility that similar weapons from the first Destiny game could also return. It might seem like a stretch, but the continuation of this trend and the constant flux that the game goes through doesn’t mean it’s impossible, and fans could see Ice Breaker and Invective return to the Destiny franchise sooner than they might expect.
How to Get Classic Exotic Weapons in Destiny 2
How classic weapons like Ice Breaker or Invective would be added to Destiny 2 is still a subject of concern, though. Other weapons have come back through exclusive missions or content like the Vault of Glass raid. But as December gets close, some fans wonder if the 30 Anniversary content is worth the asking price in Destiny 2. With fans consistently trying to figure out if a new expansion or season is worth paying for, locking more classic exotic weapons behind paywalls could become a divisive situation. While Destiny 2 does need to continue to generate revenue, especially if it’s going to operate with a free-to-play model, forcing players to purchase content that might otherwise feel lacking isn’t necessarily the answer.
One option is to continue to introduce classic weapons through seasonal activities. The Harbinger mission is challenging but enjoyed by fans, and with the current dungeon debacle in Destiny 2, more unique seasonal activities would be greatly appreciated. This could also help to flesh out more lore for the Destiny universe.
Many of the most iconic exotic weapons come from specific forges or makers. An example is the Black Armory and the exotic weapons that were a part of Niobe Labs. Building out similar events and missions to introduce weapons like Season of the Forge did could help players feel like seasonal content is worth the price while also reintroducing fan-favorites like Ice Breaker and Invective.
Other options feel a bit more limited, but could make sense in the long run. Bringing back classic exotic weapons like Ice Breaker and Invective could be done as part of expansion content. The content in The Witch Queen expansion will change Destiny 2 with the introduction of weapon crafting and Hive that can wield the Light. Future expansions could build on this and include reprised weapons and the origins of those weapons through missions or narrative content.
This could help flesh out story content and show players that Destiny 2 is committed to developing a unified experience. This is something that could benefit the community beyond the addition of exotic weapons as well. Some players have pointed out that Destiny 2 isn’t welcoming to newcomers and can be complicated to get into, as navigating available story content or simply catching up on obtaining weapons that make PvE easier can be difficult. By working around these problems and bringing back classic weapons through expansion content and missions, new players would have clear avenues when it comes to developing their arsenal and getting the best player experience possible for their Guardian.
Destiny 2 is now available on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.