Greetings, fellow Guardians! Are you ready to harness the raw power of chaos and electricity in your hands? Look no further than Anarchy, the exotic grenade launcher that has been dominating the Destiny 2 meta since its introduction. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deep into the intricacies of acquiring and mastering this legendary weapon, exploring its unique features, acquisition methods, and why it remains an indispensable tool for both PvE and PvP content.
The Arc-Powered Behemoth: What Makes Anarchy Special
Before we embark on the quest to obtain Anarchy, it's crucial to understand why this exotic has captured the hearts of Guardians across the solar system. Anarchy isn't just another grenade launcher; it's a game-changing weapon that redefines area control and damage over time (DoT) strategies.
The Science of Destruction
At its core, Anarchy fires Arc-infused grenades that stick to surfaces and enemies, creating a web of devastating electricity. This unique mechanism is based on the principle of sustained arc discharge, a concept that Destiny's weapon foundries have been trying to perfect for years. The Fallen, in their technological prowess, managed to crack the code with Anarchy.
When you fire Anarchy, its grenades utilize a proprietary adhesive compound that allows them to stick to virtually any surface. Once attached, they generate a localized electromagnetic field that ionizes the surrounding air, creating conductive pathways for the Arc energy to travel. This results in a continuous discharge of electricity between connected grenades, forming a lethal web of destruction.
Unparalleled Damage Potential
The true genius of Anarchy lies in its damage profile. Unlike traditional weapons that deal burst damage, Anarchy excels in sustained damage output. Each grenade can last up to 10 seconds, dealing consistent tick damage to anything caught in its electrical field. This makes it incredibly ammo efficient, as two well-placed grenades can output damage equivalent to multiple shots from other heavy weapons.
According to data mined by the Destiny community, Anarchy deals approximately 38,000 damage over its full duration in optimal conditions. When you factor in its ability to deal this damage while allowing you to use other weapons, its true DPS potential skyrockets. It's not uncommon to see damage numbers in the millions during raid encounters when Anarchy is paired with precision weapons like sniper rifles.
The Quest for Anarchy: Acquisition Methods
Now that we've established Anarchy's credentials, let's explore the various paths to adding this powerhouse to your arsenal. The journey to obtaining Anarchy has evolved since its initial release, and current Guardians have several options at their disposal.
The Monument to Lost Lights: Your Primary Destination
The most straightforward method to acquire Anarchy is through the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower. This kiosk, introduced with the Beyond Light expansion, serves as a repository for exotic weapons tied to vaulted content. Here's what you'll need to make Anarchy yours:
- 1 Exotic Cipher
- 150,000 Glimmer
- 2 Ascendant Shards
- 240 Spoils of Conquest
Let's break down each of these components and the most efficient ways to obtain them:
Exotic Cipher
Exotic Ciphers are rare items that act as a wildcard for exotic acquisitions. You can obtain one per season by completing Xûr's weekly quest, which typically involves completing activities across various game modes. Additionally, the season pass offers an Exotic Cipher on both the free and paid tracks, usually around level 55.
Glimmer
Glimmer, the programmable matter that serves as Destiny 2's primary currency, is relatively easy to come by. Public events, bounties, and general gameplay will naturally accumulate Glimmer. For a quick boost, visit Spider in the Tangled Shore, who offers Glimmer in exchange for various planetary materials.
Ascendant Shards
These pinnacle masterwork materials are among the rarest in the game. The most reliable sources are:
- Completing Grandmaster Nightfalls, which have a high chance of dropping Ascendant Shards.
- Resetting your Valor (Crucible) or Infamy (Gambit) ranks, which awards one Ascendant Shard per season.
- Purchasing from Banshee-44 using 10 Enhancement Prisms and 50,000 Glimmer.
Spoils of Conquest
Spoils of Conquest are raid-specific currencies introduced to replace older raid tokens. You can earn them by:
- Completing raid encounters in any current raid.
- Opening secret chests in raids, which often require solving puzzles or reaching hidden areas.
- Farming specific raid checkpoints, a strategy often employed by experienced raiders.
Alternative Acquisition Methods
While the Monument to Lost Lights is the most reliable way to obtain Anarchy, there are other, albeit less predictable, methods:
Exotic Engrams
There's always a slim chance that Anarchy could drop from an exotic engram. Sources include:
- Season pass rewards
- Nightfall completions
- Crucible and Gambit match completions
- Xûr's weekly exotic engram
However, the odds of getting Anarchy specifically from an exotic engram are extremely low, especially if you have other exotics yet to collect.
Raid Rewards
Although the Scourge of the Past raid, which originally featured Anarchy as a potential reward, has been vaulted, other raids still offer a chance at exotic drops. While not guaranteed to be Anarchy, completing raids increases your exotic collection and your chances of obtaining this coveted weapon.
Mastering Anarchy: Strategies and Synergies
Once Anarchy is in your hands, it's time to unleash its full potential. Here are some advanced strategies and synergies to elevate your gameplay:
The Two-Grenade Rule
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to empty your entire magazine to maximize Anarchy's damage. Two well-placed grenades are often sufficient to maintain constant damage on a target. This leaves you free to switch to other weapons or focus on mechanics during complex encounters.
Weapon Pairing
Anarchy shines brightest when paired with high-damage precision weapons. Some top-tier combinations include:
- Anarchy + Sniper Rifle: Ideal for boss DPS phases, allowing you to deal Anarchy's DoT while landing critical hits.
- Anarchy + Shotgun: Perfect for major enemies, combining close-range burst damage with Anarchy's sustained damage.
- Anarchy + Fusion Rifle: A versatile loadout for both add clear and major damage, especially with the recent fusion rifle buffs.
Subclass Synergies
While Anarchy is potent with any subclass, certain builds can amplify its effectiveness:
- Arc Subclasses: Benefit from potential Arc damage bonuses and synergize well with abilities that chain lightning.
- Void Hunter: Pair with Omnioculus for enhanced survivability while placing Anarchy traps.
- Well of Radiance Warlock: Provides a safe space to maximize DPS with Anarchy and precision weapons.
Advanced Trap Placement
Mastering Anarchy's trap placement is key to maximizing its potential:
- Boss DPS: Place one grenade on the ground beneath the boss and one directly on the boss for optimal damage.
- Add Control: Create a "kill zone" by placing grenades at choke points or spawn locations.
- PvP Tactics: Use Anarchy to deny areas or set traps around heavy ammo spawns and capture points.
The Future of Anarchy in Destiny 2
As Destiny 2 continues to evolve, so too does the meta surrounding exotic weapons. While Anarchy has seen some balance adjustments since its introduction, it remains a top-tier choice for endgame content. However, Guardians should always be prepared for potential changes.
Bungie's design philosophy often revolves around creating "seasons" for different weapon types and archetypes. While Anarchy has enjoyed a long reign at the top, future updates could see shifts in the meta. Stay informed by regularly checking Bungie's patch notes and keeping an ear to the ground in the Destiny community.
Conclusion: The Power of Chaos in Your Hands
Anarchy represents the pinnacle of exotic design in Destiny 2, combining unique mechanics, versatility, and raw damage potential. Whether you're a seasoned raider, a solo dungeon enthusiast, or a competitive Crucible player, Anarchy has something to offer.
The journey to acquire Anarchy may be challenging, but the rewards are undeniable. As you work towards adding this legendary weapon to your collection, remember that each step brings you closer to wielding one of the most formidable tools in the Guardian arsenal.
So, fellow Guardian, are you ready to harness the power of chaos and leave your mark on the Destiny universe? The path to Anarchy awaits, crackling with Arc energy and the promise of unparalleled destruction. May your aim be true and your grenades stick where they count. Eyes up, Guardian – the Anarchy awaits!
