Destiny's year 2 DLC called The Taken King includes a brand new collection of Exotic weapons; around 12 exotics in total which is half as many exotics as the entire first year combined! In this post I'm going to list all of the new exotic weapons in The Taken King together with details for unlocking each of them, weapon stats and of course their rating on the battlefield.
Before I start, a warning that this post will change over time; right up til the DLC launches and also afterwards as Bungie nerfs and balances weapons in the game. Therefore, expect the rating to change from time to time, but other than that the way you unlock each of the exotics should remain the same.
New "Railgun" Weapon Type
Sleeper Simulant exotic weapon
Better image coming soon
The first of it's kind in Destiny, the Railgun weapon type is actually a Fusion Rifle which occupies the heavy weapon slot. As you probably know, the heavy slot is shared by other weapons such as Machine Guns and Rocket Launchers - all of which offer substantial impact ratings but low fire rates.
Fusion Rifles are your typical charge and release weapon, where players use good timing to unleash a directed laser blast at enemies. The Heavy weapon version of the Fusion Rifle is similar in some ways to a classic Fusion Rifle but far more devastating than the original.
Here's why: Players can hold down the charge trigger, which takes slightly longer to charge, and then at the right moment unleash a powerful energy blast that both over penetrates and also ricochets off walls. This makes it the ideal weapon for groups of oncoming enemies or those that are huddled together. The ricochet effect works well in enclosed rooms where the bounce effect can immediately impact other enemies in the vicinity (particularly useful round corners in PvP).
The name of the first Railgun weapon in TTK is called the Sleeper Simulant, and its only available through Banshee's Exotic bounty quest (see below for more information).
Exotic Weapons List
Sleeper Simulant
Sleeper Simulant exotic weapon
Unique Perk: Over-penetrates enemies and ricochets off walls.
A heavy weapon Fusion Rifle that offers players a high intensity lazer blast which over penetrates and also bounces off walls. Players can upgrade the Sleeper Simulant prototype (by visiting Banshee) to increase the bounce rate and intensity of the weapon.
How to get it
The Taken King
The Sleeper Simulant weapon is locked behind a series of quests (Exotic bounty) that players must acquire from Banshee. These quests take players deeper into the Dreadnaught to uncover hidden relics from the Golden Age that help unlock the prototype weapons true potential.
Relics are hard to find but by listening carefully for audio clues and tactically using your Ghost, you'll be able to uncover each of the hidden locations. It's not going to be easy though, so expect many high level fights as you work through the new patrol areas on the Dreadnaught.
Upgrades (Perk Slots)
Barrel choices
CQB Ballistics - Bonus to Stability.
Linear Compensator - Bonus to Range, straighter recoil, bonus to Impact. Reduced Stability.
Accurized Ballistics - Bonus to Range, bonus to Impact. Better Target Acquisition. Reduced Stability.
Stability Perk:
Just a Scratch - Reduces flinch on incoming rounds while you're aiming with the weapon. Helps you stay on target while you wait for the full charge.
Regular Perks
Speed Reload - faster reload speed.
Perfect Balance - Better Stability.
Single Point Sling - Ready the weapon faster, and faster move speed while aiming.
Exotic Perk
Name Unknown - Increases bounce rate of projectiles to 5.
In-game Images
Sleeper Simulant exotic weapon - in-game image
Rating
Yet to be determined, but judging by the characteristics this weapon may be the new Gjallarhorn. A slow but strong weapon, ideal for Strikes, Raids and encounters where enemy numbers are high.
It's slow charge rate requires caution and good protection from behind to avoid unwanted surprises. Armour perks that increase heavy weapon ammo drops are favourable, in addition to any perks that offer an active radar while ADS.
The Chaperone
The Chaperone exotic weapon
Unique Perk: Precision kills will grant a brief increase to Handling, Range, Rate of Fire, and Stability for this weapon.
The Chaperone is an exotic shotgun which fires a single slug shot and provides the player with an Agility boost when equipped - much like MIDA multi tool.
Telesto
Telesto exotic weapon
Unique Perk: Sticky void projectiles that explode after a short delay.
Whoa, now we've got a real beauty here!! The Telesto is an exotic fusion Rifle that attaches projectiles to enemies that detonate with a delayed Void blast. Kind of like a sticky grenade launcher and lazer in one. Gaining multikills with this weapon will also drop Orbs for your allies to pick up.
The Telesto is a sleek looking weapon too with clean cut metallic edges. You can bet that this weapon is going to be really hard to come by...certainly no Xur sales here.
No Time to Explain
No Time to Explain exotic weapon
Unique Perk: Precision hits will refill the mag (similar to Black Hammer).
This weapon is an exotic version of the Stranger's Rifle (a primary Pulse Rifle).
History Lesson
"No Time to Explain" is a classic line from Destiny's story, which has since been used repeatedly in forums and on reddit to mock a particular explanation. The actual Stranger's Rifle weapon is a rare Pulse Rifle, received as a quest reward from the Exo Stranger.
In early 2015 this weapon received a buff which accounted for it's overwhelming use in PvP and the suggestion from Destiny fans that the Strangers Rifle should have been an exotic from the start. Looks like the time has come now!
Rating
Pulse rifles are currently more effective than auto rifles, but less favourable than scout rifles and hand cannons. Primary weapons also come with an abundance of ammo and it's not usually something you worry about. Therefore, it's hard to tell how effective No Time to Explain is going to be considering it's unique perk is ammo refill..
Unnamed Auto Rifle (AK47 style)
Taken King exotic Auto Rifle
Unique Perk: Fires chained lightning, similar to the Warlocks Stormcaller subclass.
This Arc damage auto rifle is small in appearance, looking similar to a typical AK47. It has a massive ammo count (300+, see image) a clip size of 32 and a very high rate of fire.
Its unique perk offers chain damage by bouncing off nearby enemies.
Apart from these base stats, not much is known about this exotic auto rifle and in particular we don't know how to obtain it as yet.
Rating
Coming soon...
Unnamed Sniper Rifle
Sniper Rifle
Actual image will be changed once revealed
Unique Perk: Blinds nearby enemies following precision hits.
This exotic Sniper Rifle is going to cause all sorts of problems, both in PvP and PvE. With a Helm of Saint 14 type effect, players can easily blind groups of enemies for their teammates to swoop in and clean up.
It's possible that this Sniper Rifle will be compensated by a low fire rate to avoid an overpowered tactical monster.
Rating
It's certainly early days but I'm going to guess that this Sniper Rifle will be among the best weapons in The Taken King. Certainly not favourable for the single player or solo nightfalls, but when used in a team this weapon could cause considerable mayhem.
This post will be continually updated as new exotics are revealed and rated...
Link accelerated-ideas.com
