Highlights
- Xur has returned in Destiny 2 with new exotic and legendary gear, including Apotheosis Veil, Young Ahamkara’s Spine, and ACD/0 Feedback Fence.
- Players can find Xur on Nessus by heading to Watcher’s Grave and climbing a tree to reach him.
- Xur’s inventory also includes D.A.R.C.I. sniper rifle, Hawkmoon hand cannon, Dead Man’s Tale scout rifle, and various legendary gear options for purchase.
Xur has returned again to Destiny 2, complete with new exotic and legendary gear for players to check out for a limited time. Players are now a few days away from the end of Season of the Deep, though it’s clear that there is a lot of anticipation for August 22 when Bungie holds their Final Shape showcase which will not only provide insight into what’s coming for the next expansion, but many are expecting to see the general story beats for Season 22 as well.
Surprisingly, fans also got more information than they bargained for when Destiny 2 director Joe Blackburn posted a 15-minute video addressing community concerns from the State of Game blog. Blackburn also made sure to set expectations, while also revealing that Destiny 2 is getting a PvP strike team that will be focused on making updates and changes quicker to the mode while also developing map packs and new game modes.
This weekend, the weekend merchant Xur has made their final return to the world of Destiny 2 in Season 21. Follow this guide for his most current weekend location, news on his exotic cipher quest, as well as a review of all the exotic and legendary gear he’s brought for the weekend of August 18, 2023.
Where is Xur?
This weekend, Destiny 2 players will need to climb a tree to find Xur on Nessus.
From the Director, head to Nessus and load into Watcher’s Grave. Run towards the back of the zone where a massive tree is found. Jump up until players find the huge branch where the merchant is hanging out.
Class Armor and Exotic Cipher
Xur’s role continues to offer the usual weekly quests, exotics, and legendary gear. Not only are these quests required to purchase a second fated engram, but they’re necessary to acquire legacy exotic gear from the Tower kiosk. Players can earn a new cipher by completing strikes and winning crucible or gambit matches. Gain bonus points for playing with clan mates or finishing more challenging activities.
Xur continues to sell even more gear outside his usual content. In addition to his normal exotic gear, Xur now has Legendary Weapons and Armor for sale in exchange for Legendary Shards and Glimmer.
Exotic Armor
Apotheosis Veil – Warlock helmet
Exotic Perk:
Insatiable – Immediately regenerate health, melee, grenade, and Rift energy upon activating your Super. Nearby allies recharge class abilities faster.
While not the most powerful exotic in the game, Apotheosis Veil certainly makes for a good survival or panic piece of gear as players near death can pop their super to be completely restored. The roll is one of the best this week, though the overall stat distribution isn’t terribly balanced with some very high while others are very low.
Stat Values (65 Total):
- Mobility +2
- Resilience +3
- Recovery +29
- Discipline +2
- Intellect +19
- Strength +10
Young Ahamkara’s Spine – Hunter gauntlets
Exotic Perk:
Wish-Dragon Teeth – Increases Tripmine Grenade duration and blast radius. Ability damage grants Tripmine Grenade energy.
This is a hard one to recommend as its incredibly specific to Tripmine Grenades and even still, there are much better exotics out there for Hunters. This one isn’t a required buy.
Stat Values (63 Total):
- Mobility +6
- Resilience +11
- Recovery +16
- Discipline +13
- Intellect +7
- Strength +10
ACD/0 Feedback Fence – Titan gauntlets
Exotic Perk:
Fury Conductors – Melee hits build energy. Being struck by a melee attack reduces incoming damage and unleashes the energy in a devastating explosion.
Just on sale a few weeks ago, the ACD/0 is back in stock and nothing much has changed in the meantime. The roll is a little worse than it was before, and it’s still not a required buy, even if it can be fun to use at times. However, the saving grace here is that Bungie did confirm a total rework for this armor coming in Season 22, so they may be worth a pickup to see how they fare.
Stat Values (65 total):
- Mobility +10
- Resilience +4
- Recovery +19
- Discipline +2
- Intellect +12
- Strength +18
Exotic Weapon
At one time, this sniper was once regarded as one of the best snipers in Destiny 2 alongside Whisper of the Worm with damage output. It’s been a long time since it has been in that category, therefore becoming one of the more forgotten exotics in the game. However, the weapon is still able to put up some big damage numbers against enemies so players who don’t yet have this weapon should feel comfortable about picking it up.
The intrinsic perk known as Personal Assistant gives the player access to critical information like health and distance when the scope is aimed at an enemy. Synchronizing with that is the exotic trait Target Acquired, which activates when Personal Assistant is used. Essentially, it gives the weapon better target acquisition and deals significantly more precision damage.
Weapon perks:
- Extended Barrel
- Extended Mag
- Short Action Stock
Hawkmoon and Dead Man’s Tale Rolls
Since Season 16 removed the Presage and Harbinger exotic missions, Xur is also selling both Hawkmoon and Dead Man’s Tale with randomized rolls. Players should visit him each weekend as he’ll be carrying different rolls.
Hawkmoon Rolls:
- Extended Barrel
- Alloy Magazine
- Moving Target
- SmoothGrip
Dead Man’s Tale Rolls:
- Arrowhead Brake
- Light Mag
- Fourth Time’s The Charm
- Hand-Laid Stock
Here’s the complete rundown of Xur’s exotic stock in Destiny 2 for August 18, 2023:
- Apotheosis Veil (Warlock helmet) – 23 Legendary Shards
- Young Ahamkara’s Spine (Hunter gauntlets) – 23 Legendary Shards
- ACD/0 Feedback Fence (Titan gauntlets) – 23 Legendary Shards
- D.A.R.C.I. (Sniper Rifle) – 29 Legendary Shards
- Hawkmoon (Hand Cannon) – 125,000 Glimmer, 200 Legendary Shards, 1 Exotic Cipher, 1 Ascendant Shard
- Dead Man’s Tale (Scout Rifle) – 125,000 Glimmer, 200 Legendary Shards, 1 Exotic Cipher, 1 Ascendant Shard
- Exotic Engram – 97 Legendary Shards/1 Exotic Cipher
- A Question – Exotic Cipher Quest
Legendary Gear
Xur’s Set of Legendary Armor and Weapons. All gear costs 50 Legendary Shards and 1000 Glimmer.
- Whispering Slab (Kinetic Combat Bow)
- Enigma’s Draw (Kinetic Sidearm)
- Gnawing Hunger (Energy Auto Rifle)
- Tripwire Canary (Energy Combat Bow)
- Gridskipper (Energy Submachine Gun)
- IKELOS SR v1.0.3 (Energy Sniper Rifle)
- Recurrent Impact (Heavy Machine Gun)
- Tusked Allegiance Armor Set
Destiny 2 is now available PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.