Destiny 2 has been at the forefront of FPSRPGs for a long time, shifting its foundations to more build-orientated gameplay. Destiny 2 has also introduced Seasonal Artifact Mods to give Guardians an edge in the game (though subscribing too much to the Meta can actually harm a player's performance). Along with a power boost as the player advances through the current Season Ranks, the Artifact provides unique Mods that are invaluable in Destiny 2's sandbox, both inside PVE and PVP. While the game's PVP scene leaves something to be desired for some players, these Mods definitely spice things up.
These Mods' effects range from aiding the player in keeping their weapon loaded to substantially buffing a weapon or ability's damage by meeting simple requirements. Destiny 2 is currently on its 15th Season; with it comes a new chapter in Destiny's story and a new batch of Mods with powerful effects that have shaken up the experience. Here are some of the very strongest.
10 Anti-Barrier AutoRifle: A Trusty Way To Counter Pesky Enemy Buffs
The Autorifle is a long-time staple in the Destiny community. It is a dependable option when facing a horde of Dregs or Thralls, especially when taking on one of Destiny 2's most challenging activities: Nightfalls. These feature empowered creatures called Champions with varying buffs, one of which is a barrier that shields them from damage while they heal.
Having a weapon that ignores this buff is a boon few can afford to overlook. Anti-Barrier Autorifle can be found in the first tree of the Artifact Mod. While it's a staple in many Guardians' builds, Anti-Barrier Autorifle lacks the overall effectiveness of some other options.
9 Pyretic Embrace: Using A Class Ability For A Full Heal
Things can get quite dicey when dropping into Vanguard Strikes, Gambit, or braving the House of Glass Raid. Whether it is Minotaurs or Hive Knights chasing a Guardian down, being able to activate your Super (hopefully these devastating powers will get Stasis alternates) and be healed back to full health really can be a game-changer.
Pyretic Embrace gets players back in the fight while causing a ton of damage in the process. Unfortunately, while it can be beneficial, a player's Super is still locked down to its Cooldown, making this Mod great but not top-shelf. Pyretic Embrace can be found in the final tree of the Artifact Mod.
8 Thermoclastic Blooming: A Quicker Way To Max Super Energy
Supers level the playing field in Destiny 2. With the Subclasses changes, making sure your Guardians can get their Super Energy to max quickly is more important than ever. Thermoclastic Blooming aids this process by providing those all-important Orbs Of Power whenever a combatant is defeated with a Solar or Stasis Melee Ability.
The key is keeping those Throwing Knives and Shiver Strikes ready and going for glory. Guardians beware, though: standing within melee range can be a frightening proposition when facing an Overload Champion. That's one major thing holding back this Mod's potential. Thermoclastic Blooming can be found in the final tree of the Artifact Mod.
7 Disrupting Blade: Cutting Through Enemy Defenses
Swords were a groundbreaking addition to Destiny from the start. Crown Splitter recently returned from being Sunset and, with the right build, it can dish out some amazing damage. Up-close combat can be hazardous, though.
With the combination of Tempered Edge and Whirlwind Blade, paired with the Artifact Mod Disrupting Blade (which stuns and debuffs Overload Champions), Nightfalls will be a breeze. Everything melts away as the Fireteam cuts them down to size. This Mod is powerful, but swords aren't every Guardian's forte, so Disrupting Blade has its limitations. It can be found in the first tree of the Artifact Mod.
6 Withering Heat: Turn Up The Heat And Sap Champions' Strength
The advantage of weakening an Overload Champion while tearing through a Nightfall is just something Guardians can't pass up, possibly being the difference-maker on the last stretch between Players and victory. When slotted into gear, Withering Heat weakens Champions when they're damaged using a Solar Ability.
This is a Mod most players should be running while grinding for that perfect palindrome or PLUG ONE. Versatility and combo potential makes this Mod one of the best. Withering Heat can be found in the fourth tree of the Artifact Mod.
5 Thermoclastic Strike: Packing A Powerful Punch To Immobilize Threats
Remember the advantage of weakening Champions inside a Nightfall? While some of the best tools to bring these brutes down are Exotic Weapons, this Mod is equally useful. Thermoclastic Strike takes debuffing Overload Champions even further. When Guardians use Melee Abilities against an Overload Champion with a Solar or Stasis Subclass equipped, they can disrupt and stun the Champion, making it a sitting duck for more damage.
That's not all. Thermoclastic Strike also delays their Regeneration, lowers their damage output, and refreshes the Melee Ability of fellow Guardians. The added effects of this Mod alone warrant its place among the best. Thermoclastic Strike can be found in the fourth tree of the Artifact Mod.
4 Fusion Scavenger: Keep That Weapon Loaded And Ready
The meta change of Season 15 is no secret. Fusion Rifles and Linear Fusion Rifle use are at an all-time high, with some even being best-in-slot. With these weapons doing more damage more efficiently, Guardians must make sure they have some charge for their pocket laser.
Fusion Scavenger makes sure that players always have some gas in the tank to let some bolts fly. This Mod is a fantastic one to combine with other Mods higher on the list. Fusion Scavenger can be found in the third tree of the Artifact Mod.
3 Linear Fusion Rifle Targeting: Keep Every Target In Sight
Just as important as keeping a weapon loaded, players also have to hit what they're aiming at. Linear Fusion Rifle Targeting provides a sizable buff to the Accuracy, Aim Down Sight time, and Target Acquisition of your chosen Linear Fusion Rifle. This Mod carries weight in both PVE and PVP (which may be to some Guardians' detriment), as the time to fire on your target is vital in coming out on top.
This Mod, along with the recent buff Linear Fusion Rifles received this Season, has a great impact, as a shot from point A to B becomes that much easier. Linear Fusion Rifle Targeting is limited only by its rather unexciting effect. It can be found in the second tree of the Artifact Mod.
2 Unstoppable Fusion: Turn Champions Into Pin-Cushions
The Unstoppable Fusion Rifle Mod makes it so that when you aim down the site of your Fusion or Linear Fusion Rifle, the next shot is a high-impact round that will Stagger the next unshielded target hit. It's instrumental against Overload Champions and Bosses, after they've been Debuffed or Stunned.
True teamwork will see a Champion fall before they even know what hit them, through a combination of this Mod and Thermoclastic Strike. It's available in the fourth tree of the Artifact Mod, and only one other Artifact Mod really tops it.
1 Particle Deconstruction: The Boss-Melting Must-Have
Out of all the Mods available in Season 15, one of the most unforeseen newcomers has almost single-handedly defined the current Meta. Particle Deconstruction gives Fusion Rifles a leg up, providing a stacking damage bonus after the weapon is fired and deals damage.
This Mod is a true game-changer for melting tanky Nightfall Bosses and Guardians alike. It's devastatingly effective. Pair Particle Deconstruction with a PLUG ONE or the new Lorentz Driver Exotic Linear Fusion Rifle (a far better Exotic than some), and everything at the end of that barrel is in for a world of pain. The very finest Artifact Mod of Season 15. Particle Deconstruction can be found in the final tree of the Artifact Mod.
Destiny 2 is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One with Game Pass. Preorders for its next expansion, The Witch Queen (which releases February 22nd, 2022), are available now.