Is Sunshot a Good Exotic in Destiny 2?
Sunshot, a popular exotic Hand Cannon in Destiny 2, has been a cornerstone of many players’ armories since its release in 2017. But is it still worth using in 2023? In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of Sunshot and highlight its strengths and weaknesses, so you can decide if it’s still a valuable addition to your arsenal.
PvE Versatility
One of the biggest advantages of Sunshot is its versatility in PvE content. Its explosiveness and range make it a great option for cleaning up groups of enemies quickly and efficiently. With its chained explosions, Sunshot excels at clearing out smaller areas and can be quite effective in tight spaces, such as Lost Sectors and Strikes.
Combining with Solar Subclasses
Sunshot’s built-in Explosive Payload buff works wonders when combined with Solar subclasses, like Devour and Focused Blaze. These perks amplify its explosive damage and make the most of Sunshot’s capabilities. In PvE, this combination can deliver a significant increase in clearing speed and effectiveness.
PvP Performance
In PvP, Sunshot’s fast rate of fire and decent accuracy make it a viable option for solo play and flanking moves. Its 150 RPM speed allows it to pick off enemies quickly, taking advantage of the brief Window of Opportunity to get shots off before opponents can escape or reposition. As a result, Sunshot is particularly effective in lower-rank play and scrims.
Expansive Payload Perk Benefits
Sunshot’s original perk, Explosive Payload, deals a significant chunk of damage to enemies close to the target, stuns Unstoppable Champions, and also applies burns to affected foes. Later patch notes further improved Expanding Payload to increase burn damage and effectiveness against special enemies. These buffs allow Sunshot to maintain high effectiveness even with the many updates and nerfs handed down over the years.
Comparative Analysis and Rivals
Compared to other exotic Hand Cannons, Sunshot occupies a unique spot in PvE, exceling primarily in areas where its slow-mo’d explosions generate more damage and crowd clearance. However, in some scenarios, like boss fights, Sunshot might struggle behind faster-firing options.
Some notable alternatives include Eater of Worlds, Outlaw Interceptors, or perhaps the highly sought after Masterwork MIDA/Swarm. Each offering different strengths, such as Outlaw Interceptors having the ability to generate Exodia and gain increased aim assistance, and Eater of Worlds exceling on certain bosses and in challenging content.
Conclusion – Worth It?
Taking everything into consideration, the Sunshot Hand Cannon proves itself a worthwhile exotic considering its unique role in many scenarios. The combination with Solar subclasses amplifies this Hand Cannon’s capabilities within PvE. While struggling against certain content, players seeking a Hand Cannon optimized for group clears and areas where slow, explosive ammo drops can devastate opposition may find Sunshot serves as a trusty mainstay.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Versatility in PvE | PvP effectiveness is mediocre |
| Effective in combination with Solar subclasses | Less effective at long ranges |
| Explosion and burn damage | Niche use case in High-end PvE |
| Increased crowd control | Weaknesses in certain challenges |
In summary, yes, Sunshot is a good exotic worthy of consideration, especially where explosive payload, crowd-clearing, and Solar fusion benefits shine. Keep in mind, however, that when playing at the highest rank or tackling very specific strategies, Sunshot might fade in importance or be displaced by other more specialized offerings.
Feel free to continue your journey and experiment to discover which Hand Cannon setup works best for you as the meta shifts and expands!