Existing ‘Destiny’ Exotics Can Be Upgraded Again, But Will Require A Grind Repeat

The Destiny1.1 update released to PlayStation and Xbox consoles earlier this week is only the first part of a major change to the structure of Exotic and Legendary items in the game. Bungie revealed more changes today that may make you want to hold off on upgrading or purchasing items in-game until The Dark Below expansion releases.

Lern more about how The Dark Below will change the way we all play. http://t.co/jErFv5SpM6 pic.twitter.com/0myT4Iz3yf

— Bungie (@Bungie) December 3, 2014

The need for Ascendant Shards to upgrade Exotic weapons and armor was replaced in the Destiny 1.1 update with Exotic Shards. These can be obtained from Xur for seven Strange Coins each or by dismantling an Exotic item.

However, The Dark Below increases the maximum light level from 30 to 32 and also introduces more powerful Legendary and Exotic gear with higher attack and defense ratings. So that players who don’t dive into the Crota’s End raid don’t get left behind, Bungie will begin selling more powerful Legendary gear from in-game vendors and Exotic items from Xur. Alternatively, players will have the option to upgrade existing Exotics, but at a cost.

• Starting December 9, Xûr will offer players the opportunity to upgrade Exotics to the higher Attack and Defense values
• Upgrading an Exotic in this way will require an Exotic Shard
  • The upgrade will reset the progression invested into the item
  • Each week, Xûr will possess a selection of upgrades for existing Exotics in his inventory

This means that if you want to upgrade your existing Exotic gear to the more powerful gear, you’re better off not spending any money or materials with the current upgrade options in the game. You’ll only be wasting your time and Glimmer.

Community manager David “Deej” Dague provided additional clarification on the Destinysubreddit after some confusion swirled from a Game Informer preview.

“For example, you can upgrade more than one Exotic per week, assuming you have the coins and Xur is packing the gear you want to buff.”

“For another example, the new Legendaries are more powerful, and they will still crave your Ascendant materials for upgrades.”

“These new systems are completely elective. We’re allowing all players in the world of Destiny to level up, and not fall behind. You’ll have new options to acquire better gear. If you choose to bring along your favorite exotic items along for the new ride, there will be options for you to do so.”

Deej later responded to a Reddit poster who lamented that the time he spent upgrading his Exotic Patience and Time sniper rifle is now meaningless since he will have to do it all over again.

“My maxed our Shadowprice will still be my go-to weapon for most engagements. My time spent with it won’t be meaningless. I can hang onto it.”

“For those players that always craze the next leveling challenge, there are new options. For those players who fear being left behind (even those who don’t buy The Dark Below) there are new options.”

Is that answer satisfactory though? Players who picked up their Exotic item and spent hours upgrading it are faced with the choice of spending even more hours to upgrade it again or potentially lag behind. What do you think? Sound off in the comments below.

[Images via Bungie]