Xur has seen plenty of changes sinceDestiny 2’s Final Shape DLC, namely, becoming a permanent vendor at the tower complete with a reputation track, and more recently, allowing players to outright purchase Exotic Class items instead of grinding for them the original way. Overall,Xur’s recent reworks inDestiny 2have been a great improvement for a character whose services slowly became outdated throughout the franchise’s lifecycle. Despite all the good changes Xur has gone through, though, one of this character’s recent antics has developed into quite the controversy forDestiny 2.
Xur is finally selling the famous Gjallarhorn Exotic again, this time inDestiny 2. However, what should have been a cause for celebration has turned into the opposite, with plenty of players upset by Bungie’s decision to fork over one of the most iconic Exotic weapons in theDestinyfranchise for a measly 23 Strange Coins, whereas normally, this Exotic would cost players $24.99.
Destiny’s 10th Anniversary Recreates a Famous Destiny 1 Meme
In the firstDestiny, Xur selling the Gjallarhorn was a highly celebrated occasion, since to this day the Gjallarhorn is considered one of the strongestExotics from the originalDestiny. So, the one time Xur ever sold this weapon, which also happened to be the first week of the game’s release back in 2014, was an important part of the franchise’s history, marking both the franchise’s launch and the legacy of the Gjallarhorn, which eventually made a return appearance inDestiny 2.
Buying the Gjallarhorn from Xur isn’t the only way to earn this Exotic in the original Destiny, though the chances of obtaining it naturally are incredibly low, especially considering that Exotics were much less plentiful compared toDestiny 2’s more generous loot system.
Flash forward to the current state ofDestiny 2, September 2024 marks over ten years since the originalDestinywas released – and ten years since Xur last sold the Gjallarhorn. Consequently, Xur selling the Gjallarhorn inDestiny 2is a clever way to celebrate theDestinyfranchise’s 10th anniversaryby recreating one of the biggestDestinymemes.
However, what was supposed to be a clever throwback has turned out to be quite the controversy, with fans unhappy thatDestiny 2is giving players a weapon that could otherwise only be obtained by purchasing it in a DLC bundle. Specifically, players would normally have to spend $24.99 to get the Gjallarhorn via theBungie’s 30th Anniversary Pack forDestiny 2, whereas the weapon is currently available for only 23 Strange Coins without the need to buy any DLCs.
While players can currently get the Gjallarhorn from Xur without owning the Bungie’s 30th Anniversary Pack, players won’t be able to obtain the Gjallarhorn’s Exotic Catalyst without owning the DLC.
There’s still other content included in the Bungie’s 30th Anniversary Pack that requires players to purchase the DLC, but the Gjallarhorn was a big selling point of the pack.Destiny 2’s meta may have shifted over the years thanks to new weapon types and other buildcrafting tools that weren’t present in the original game, but the Gjallarhorn is still very much atop-tier Exotic weapon inDestiny 2.
What makes things especially troublesome is thatDestiny 2already has a history of DLCs shrouded by controversy before the new Gjallarhorn situation.Destiny 2’s store page on Steam currently has a mixed review ratingfor the past 30 days, with some of the most popular negative reviews mentioning howDestiny 2’s Content Vault removed paid DLCs from the game without any notice or compensation for players who owned these DLCs. The Gjallarhorn controversy is a separate, unrelated issue, but overall, having a negative reputation regarding the game’s paid DLCs is a bad look for the future of theDestinyfranchise.
Destiny 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Dive into the world of Destiny 2 to explore the mysteries of the solar system and experience responsive first-person shooter combat. Unlock powerful elemental abilities and collect unique gear to customize your Guardian’s look and playstyle. Enjoy Destiny 2’s cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of PvP modes alone or with friends. Download for free today and write your legend in the stars.An Immersive StoryYou are a Guardian, defender of the Last City of humanity in a solar system under siege by infamous villains. Look to the stars and stand against the darkness. Your legend begins now.Guardian ClassesChoose from the armored Titan, mystic Warlock, or swift Hunter.
