Lately, a particular Destiny 2 Exotic weapon has been making a lot of noise in the Trials of Osiris and larger PvP community. While the Hard Light Assault Rifle was once hated by many for being virtually unusable, the Exotic quickly rose to a new level of infamy, becoming known as the number one deadliest weapon in Trials. After receiving a buff that reduces his screen shake while on fire, he is now despised by those who don't have it and can't stop being killed by him, while those who use him are shamed and perceived as cheap meta-spammers with no real expertise. And while many have rushed to defend those using it, there are many others who have vocally opposed it and asked Bungie to nerf it (after realizing that the buff they previously demanded made the weapon a bit too good).
Whether you think Hard Light is a soul-shattering streak-buster or a necessary tool to become flawless, it doesn't seem likely that Bungie would jump to nerf the weapon so many players wanted to be bettered. One thing's for sure, though: if you can't beat them, join them, and this guide exists to level the playing field for those who haven't but are willing to resist ridicule if it means having a lighthouse shot when the opposing team brings the heat of the hard light.
How to get hard light
1. Play and pray (to the RNG gods)
Hard Light is just one of those exotic weapons that doesn't have a special quest leading to its achievement. Instead, it's mostly found in Exotic Engrams that drop randomly with gameplay. However, those activities that require you to quickly kill loads of enemies with a few powerful enemies sandwiched between them tend to yield better results (though not always). Some of the best activities for this are the Blind Well, hitting Underbelly Chests in the Leviathan Raid, and the following Nightfall: Trial Modes, which usually drop Exotic gear:
- Legend: 1000+ power recommended
- Master: 1030+ Recommended Wattage
- Grand Master: Power 1060+ recommended (opens April 21, 2020)
If these activities aren't quite your speed, any activity or kill, however minor, can trigger an Exotic world drop with a little patience. In other words, go ahead and complete quests you've been neglecting, play bounties for their own rewards such as XP towards your power level and Bright Dust for Eververse cosmetics, or hone your trial skills as you play. to Elimination in the Crucible. Whatever you choose to do, you might as well enjoy it as the RNG gives no guarantees to Guardians who have multiple Exotics left uncollected.
2. Visit Xur
Xur, The Nine's vendor agent, comes carrying Exotic wares every week from Friday 10:00am PT through Tuesday 10:00am PT*. In fact, his schedule is conveniently synced with that of the Trials, so there's a good chance you'll score what you've been looking for just in time for your weekend PvP matches. Xur brings an Exotic Engram, an Exotic Weapon, and three pieces of Exotic Armor, with one for each character class, each time he respawns, anywhere. While I don't see it bringing Hard Light as an Exotic weapon anytime soon, players will have the option to secure the Assault Rifle by purchasing its Exotic Engram.
If you happen to be one of those extremely rare players whose only Exotic weapon left unearned is Hard Light, you are guaranteed to receive it with your next Xur engram purchase. Likewise, if all you need to complete your Exotic weapon collection is Hard Light and you find an Exotic overworld engram in a random drop, that Assault Rifle will almost certainly be the Exotic contained in that engram. , as uncollected Exotic weapons take priority over armor pieces in the Exotic world drop weighting system.
However, if you're not one of the few players who qualifies for the above, know that there are plenty of ways to become flawless and win trials without hard light. It makes no sense to get attached to it.
Good luck, Guardian. And above all, as always, don't forget to have fun.
*Arrival and departure times vary according to daylight saving time.
