Destiny 2, the sprawling galaxy-hopping epic from Bungie, comprises not just an expansive story and a universe teeming with lore, but also a complex economy. Guardians venturing into the myriad of activities, be it obliterating foes in the Crucible, delving deep into dungeons, or tackling towering raid bosses, will find themselves accruing a variety of currencies. Understanding these currencies is crucial for both novices and veterans alike, as they play a pivotal role in enhancing your arsenal, decking out your Guardian with the latest fashion, and securing coveted gear. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll decrypt the intricacies of Destiny 2’s economy, offering insights into the various currencies and proffering advice on managing them effectively.
Glimmer: The Basic Currency
Glimmer is, without a doubt, the lifeblood of a Guardian’s economy. As the most basic yet fundamental currency, it is amassed through virtually every in-game activity. From dispatching adversaries and completing missions to dismantling unwanted gear, Glimmer flows into your reserves, consistently fueling your day-to-day expenditures. Despite its ubiquity, Guardians mustn’t fall into the trap of undervaluing Glimmer. Its uses are manifold - purchasing bounties, which are essential for leveling up and unlocking gear; acquiring resources from vendors; and even infusing weapons to enhance their power level. However, with its cap set at 250,000, Guardians are encouraged to spend wisely, ensuring they have sufficient reserves for pivotal upgrades and transactions.
Legendary Shards and Their Uses
In the echelons of Destiny 2’s currency hierarchy, Legendary Shards take a prominent spot. These shards are the remnants of dismantled legendary (purple) and exotic (yellow) gear. Their value cannot be overstated as they serve as a key ingredient in several high-value transactions within the game. Xûr, the weekend exotic gear merchant, accepts nothing but Legendary Shards in exchange for his rare wares. Moreover, they are indispensable for infusing gear (a process of leveling up your favorite weapons or armor by sacrificing higher-level gear), purchasing upgrade modules, and even rerolling stats on exotic gear via the exotic cipher. Managing your Legendary Shards efficiently becomes a balancing act between keeping enough in reserve for key purchases and investing in upgrading your arsenal.
Enhancement Prisms and Ascendant Shards
As Guardians progress and dive into the endgame content, the desire for maximizing gear stats and acquiring masterworks becomes prevalent. This is where Enhancement Prisms and Ascendant Shards come into the picture—currency forms that are rarer and significantly more valuable. Enhancement Prisms are often used in the latter stages of gear enhancement, chiefly in bringing gear to a masterwork level, which maxes out its stats and unlocks additional bonuses. Ascendant Shards, on the other hand, are the zenith of gear investment, required for the final masterwork step on legendary and exotic gear. Both these currencies can be obtained through high-level activities such as Nightfall strikes, seasonal activities, and the Trials of Osiris. Given their scarcity and the grind required to obtain them, prioritizing which pieces of gear to invest in becomes a strategic decision every Guardian must ponder.
Bright Dust and Silver: The Premium Currencies
Destiny 2 also features currencies that cater specifically to the cosmetic aficionados within its community—Bright Dust and Silver. Bright Dust is obtainable through in-game activities, primarily weekly bounties, seasonal challenges, and the seasonal pass, allowing Guardians to acquire cosmetics without spending real money. Silver, conversely, is Destiny 2’s premium currency, purchased with real-world currency. Both can be used in the Eververse Store, a digital marketplace for emotes, Sparrows, ships, and a plethora of cosmetic items meant to personalize your Guardian’s appearance. While Silver guarantees access to the latest cosmetics, judiciously accruing and spending Bright Dust can yield a stylish look without denting your wallet.
Effective Currency Management Tips
Navigating Destiny 2’s economy demands strategic acumen, especially when juggling multiple currencies. Here are some quintessential tips for effective currency management:
Maximize Glimmer Earnings: Regularly complete bounties, especially those that can be progressed simultaneously, to keep your Glimmer reserves healthy. Investing in Ghost shells with the Glimmer Scavenger perk can also amplify your earnings.
Spend Wisely: Before burning through your Legendary Shards or Glimmer on enticing upgrades or purchases, consider the long-term benefits. Prioritize spending on gear that significantly enhances your power level or overall gameplay experience.
Hoarding vs. Investing: While it’s tempting to hoard Enhancement Prisms and Ascendant Shards for a rainy day, they’re better served upgrading gear that’ll enhance your effectiveness in high-level activities. Nonetheless, always keep a small reserve for unexpected needs.
Bright Dust Strategy: Focus on completing weekly bounties from Zavala, Shaxx, and the Drifter, as they’re Bright Dust goldmines. Also, keep an eye on the Eververse’s seasonal offerings, planning your Bright Dust expenditures around items you truly desire.
Silver & The Art of Patience: If you’re inclined to spend real money on Silver, consider waiting for sales or special bundles that offer additional value. Additionally, certain cosmetic items rotate into the Bright Dust store, allowing patient Guardians to snag them without opening their wallets.
Destiny 2’s economy is as deep and complex as the lore that underpins its universe. Understanding the nuances of its currency system not only enhances your gameplay experience but also unlocks the full potential of your Guardian. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, mastering the intricacies of Glimmer, Legendary Shards, and the premium currencies will set you on a path to becoming a legend. As you venture forth, remember that every currency spent is an investment in your Guardian’s legacy. May your coffers always overflow, and your gear always be mighty.