Understanding Gambit Weapons
Gambit weapons are a distinct category of armaments earned by participating in Destiny 2's Gambit playlist. These weapons are primarily acquired as end-of-match rewards, through rank-up packages from the Drifter, and via focused decoding of Gambit Engrams. They often possess unique perk combinations that can be highly effective in both the PvE and PvP aspects of Gambit, as well as general PvE content.
Key Characteristics
- Thematic Design: Gambit weapons frequently showcase an aesthetic inspired by the Drifter, often appearing rugged or incorporating elements related to the Darkness or Taken.
- Curated Perk Pools: Many Gambit weapons feature perk pools specifically tailored to enhance performance within the Gambit environment. This can include perks beneficial for clearing waves of enemies, damaging Primevals, or engaging invading/invaded Guardians.
- Versatility: While designed with Gambit in mind, numerous Gambit weapons have proven to be top-tier options for various PvE activities due to their strong archetypes and effective perk combinations.
Notable Gambit Weapon Examples & Archetypes
Over Destiny 2's lifespan, several Gambit weapons have become highly sought after. While specific weapon availability and meta relevance can shift with new seasons and updates, some archetypes and iconic weapons include:
- Aggressive Hand Cannons: Weapons like the Bottom Dollar have been popular for their high damage output, often rolling with perks suitable for both PvE ad-clear and PvP dueling.
- Rapid-Fire Pulse Rifles: Historically, pulse rifles from Gambit, such as Bygones in its era, have been strong contenders, offering a good balance of range and rate of fire.
- Adaptive/Aggressive Submachine Guns: SMGs such as Borrowed Time can excel in close-quarters combat, especially with perks that enhance damage or reload speed after kills, crucial for Gambit's ad-dense encounters.
- Scout Rifles: Weapons like Servant Leader have provided reliable long-range options, particularly useful on larger Gambit maps or for taking down specific enemy types from a safe distance.
- Special Ammunition Weapons: Fusion Rifles and Shotguns from Gambit often come with perk combinations that allow for significant burst damage against blockers or high-value targets.
Acquisition and Optimization
Players can increase their chances of obtaining desired Gambit weapons and rolls by regularly playing Gambit to earn Engrams. The Drifter, the Gambit vendor, typically offers options to focus these engrams into specific weapons from the current loot pool. Optimizing these weapons involves seeking out perk combinations that synergize well with a player's build and intended use, whether for efficient ad clearing, sustained boss damage, or potent PvP engagements during invasions.
Important Note: The active loot pool for Gambit weapons rotates seasonally or with major expansions, so specific availability can change. Always check the current season's offerings at the Drifter.
