Introduction
Destiny 2, the acclaimed free-to-play first-person shooter developed by Bungie, has captivated players with its immersive storytelling, diverse gameplay modes, and vast array of powerful weapons. Among these weapons, Exotic gear holds a special place in the hearts of Guardians, offering unique abilities and playstyles. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the world of the Monte Carlo Exotic auto rifle, exploring its rich history, technical specifications, and the process of unlocking its full potential by obtaining and utilizing its catalyst.
The Legacy of Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo is a weapon steeped in Destiny lore, first appearing in the original Destiny game as a powerful Exotic auto rifle. According to the weapon‘s in-game description, it was "crafted by the Tex Mechanica foundry in the image of a 20th-century weapon." The Monte Carlo quickly became a favorite among Guardians due to its unique perk, "Monte Carlo Method," which granted a chance to fully recharge the player‘s melee ability with each kill.
In Destiny 2, the Monte Carlo returned as part of the Season of the Undying in 2019, bringing with it a sense of nostalgia and renewed power. The weapon‘s popularity soared, as both veteran and new players alike sought to add it to their collections.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The Monte Carlo is a rapid-fire Exotic auto rifle that excels in close to medium-range combat. Let‘s take a closer look at its base stats and how they compare to other auto rifles in its class:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Impact | 21 |
| Range | 46 |
| Stability | 46 |
| Handling | 66 |
| Reload Speed | 46 |
| Rounds Per Minute (RPM) | 600 |
| Magazine Size | 41 |
The Monte Carlo‘s high RPM and magazine size allow it to dish out consistent damage, while its handling stat ensures smooth target acquisition and aiming. When compared to other 600 RPM auto rifles, such as the Gnawing Hunger or the Galliard-42, the Monte Carlo trades some range for better handling and reload speed.
However, the true strength of the Monte Carlo lies in its unique perk, "Monte Carlo Method." This perk grants a chance to fully recharge your melee ability with each kill, making it an ideal choice for Guardians who rely heavily on their melee abilities. The perk‘s proc chance is estimated to be around 25%, making it a reliable and consistent tool in combat.
The Monte Carlo Catalyst: Taking the Weapon to New Heights
To further enhance the capabilities of Exotic weapons, Bungie introduced the concept of catalysts. Catalysts are unique upgrades that can be applied to Exotic weapons, granting them additional perks, increased stats, or even entirely new functionalities.
The Monte Carlo Catalyst, introduced in Season of the Worthy, takes this already formidable weapon to new heights by granting it the "Bayonet" attachment. When equipped, the Bayonet increases the weapon‘s lunge distance when using melee attacks after dealing damage with Monte Carlo. This synergizes perfectly with the weapon‘s existing perk, allowing Guardians to chain melee attacks and eliminate targets with unparalleled efficiency.
Destiny 2 content creator and expert player, Aztecross, praised the Monte Carlo Catalyst in one of his weapon reviews, stating, "The Monte Carlo with its catalyst is an absolute beast in PvE and PvP alike. The synergy between the weapon‘s perk and the Bayonet attachment is unmatched, making it a top-tier choice for any Guardian looking to dominate in close-quarters combat."
Obtaining the Monte Carlo Catalyst
To unlock the true potential of the Monte Carlo, Guardians must first acquire its catalyst. As of 2024, the process for obtaining the Monte Carlo Catalyst remains unchanged from its original introduction. The catalyst is a random drop that can be obtained by completing various playlist activities, such as Strikes, Gambit, or Crucible matches.
While the drop chance for the catalyst is relatively low, estimated to be around 1-2%, there are ways to increase your odds of obtaining it. Guardians can utilize Ghost Shells with the "Prosperity" mod, which increases the chances of receiving bonus rewards at the end of playlist activities. Additionally, during certain in-game events or seasons, Bungie may introduce increased drop rates for specific catalysts, so keep an eye out for these opportunities.
Upgrading and Utilizing the Monte Carlo Catalyst
Once you have obtained the Monte Carlo Catalyst, you will need to upgrade it to unlock its full potential. This is done by defeating enemies with the Monte Carlo equipped, which will gradually fill the catalyst‘s progress bar. The total number of kills required to fully upgrade the catalyst is 400, which can be achieved through consistent use of the weapon in various activities.
After fully upgrading the catalyst, the Bayonet attachment will be unlocked, granting the Monte Carlo its enhanced melee capabilities. To make the most of this upgrade, Guardians should focus on building their playstyle around close-quarters combat and frequent melee attacks.
In PvE content, the Monte Carlo with its catalyst excels at clearing out hordes of enemies, especially when paired with a subclass that has strong melee synergy. For example, a Titan running the Code of the Juggernaut subclass with the Monte Carlo can become a nearly unstoppable force, chaining melee kills and constantly recharging their melee ability.
In PvP scenarios, the Monte Carlo catalyst provides Guardians with a valuable tool for closing the gap on opponents and securing melee kills. The increased lunge distance can catch enemies off-guard, allowing for quick and decisive eliminations. However, it is crucial to master the timing and positioning required to effectively utilize the Bayonet attachment, as reckless charges can leave you vulnerable to counterattacks.
The Monte Carlo in the Current Meta
As of 2024, the Monte Carlo remains a viable and popular choice in both PvE and PvP content. Its unique perk and catalyst make it a standout option among other Exotic auto rifles, such as the Hard Light or the Cerberus+1.
In PvE, the Monte Carlo shines in activities where melee abilities are crucial, such as the Vanguard playlist or certain Nightmare Hunts. The weapon‘s ability to constantly recharge melee abilities allows Guardians to take on hordes of enemies without relying on their grenade or Super.
In PvP, the Monte Carlo finds its niche in close-quarters maps and game modes, such as Control or Elimination. The weapon‘s high RPM and melee synergy make it a formidable choice for aggressive playstyles and Guardians who enjoy getting up close and personal with their opponents.
Conclusion
The Monte Carlo Exotic auto rifle is a weapon with a rich history and a bright future in Destiny 2. With its unique perk and game-changing catalyst, it offers Guardians a playstyle that revolves around mastery of close-quarters combat and melee abilities.
By following this comprehensive guide and dedicating time to obtaining and upgrading the Monte Carlo Catalyst, you will unlock a new dimension of gameplay that will set you apart from your fellow Guardians. Remember to stay persistent in your pursuit of the catalyst, experiment with different builds and subclasses, and always be ready to adapt your strategy to the ever-evolving Destiny 2 meta.
As you embark on your journey to becoming a Monte Carlo master, keep in mind the words of Destiny 2 community manager, dmg04, who once said, "The beauty of Destiny 2 is that there‘s always something new to chase, whether it‘s a powerful weapon, a rare catalyst, or a coveted title. The Monte Carlo and its catalyst represent the pinnacle of this pursuit, offering Guardians a truly unique and rewarding experience."
So, grab your Monte Carlo, unlock its catalyst, and get ready to dominate the battlefield with the power of unparalleled melee combat. The destiny of the universe is in your hands, Guardian.
