How to Get Exotic Ciphers in Destiny 2

Exotic Ciphers are a new rare currency in Destiny 2, letting you unlock powerful Exotics from Xur and Master Rahool. Whether you’re after past season weapons or a second weekly Fated Engram from Xur, knowing how to earn and use these Ciphers is essential for any Guardian. This guide will show you how to get Exotic Ciphers and where to spend them.

Ways of Getting Exotic Ciphers

1. Xur’s Weekly Xenology Quest

One of the most common ways to earn Exotic Ciphers is by completing Xur’s weekly Xenology quest. Every week, Xur offers this quest, which rewards you with an Exotic Cipher upon completion.

• How to Complete the Quest:
  • To complete Xenology, you’ll need to participate in various activities across Destiny 2. Specifically, you need to finish 21 activities in the Vanguard playlist, Gambit, or Crucible.
  • You can only earn one Exotic Cipher from Xur each week, so be sure to check in regularly to grab this opportunity.

2. Reach Level 55 on the Season Pass

As of the current season, reaching level 55 on the free track of the Season Pass will reward you with one Exotic Cipher.

• Details:
  • This reward is a one-time offer per season, and players on both the free and paid Season Pass tracks can claim the Exotic Cipher.
  • Be aware that reaching level 55 will take some time and effort, so plan your activities accordingly to maximize your chances of earning the reward.

3. Triumphs (Special Achievements)

Certain Triumphs offer Exotic Ciphers as rewards. Triumphs are special objectives that you can complete throughout the game. Once you’ve completed the required objectives for a Triumph, you can claim your Exotic Cipher directly from the Triumphs menu.

• Details:
  • These Ciphers may require you to complete specific in-game challenges or tasks. Be on the lookout for Triumphs that mention Exotic Ciphers as a reward to maximize your chances of acquiring them.

4. The Monument to Lost Light (Unlock Past Exotics)

Once you’ve obtained an Exotic Cipher, you can use it in the Monument to Lost Light kiosk located in the Tower. This kiosk allows you to trade your Exotic Ciphers for Exotics from past seasons, giving you a chance to catch up on powerful weapons and armor that you may have missed.

• Details:
  • Along with the Exotic Cipher, you’ll need various materials like Glimmer, Ascendant Shards, and sometimes specific planetary materials or Spoils of Conquest (for Raid-related Exotics).
  • This feature offers a great opportunity to complete your collection of Exotic gear, but keep in mind that the Exotics available are limited to specific past seasons.

5. Master Rahool (Seasonal Exotics)

Master Rahool is another option for trading Exotic Ciphers. If you’re looking to add more Exotic weapons from previous seasons to your collection, Master Rahool is the place to go.

• Details:
  • With Master Rahool, you can trade your Exotic Cipher for weapons and gear from past seasons. However, note that you can only hold one Exotic Cipher in your inventory at any given time.
  • At present, the Exotics available at Master Rahool do not include all past Exotics—so you may need to check back regularly to see if your desired gear is available.

What to Do With Exotic Ciphers in Destiny 2

Exotic Ciphers are not just a collectible item; they have practical uses in the game, mainly revolving around acquiring past Exotics and special items.

1. Use Ciphers for a Fated Engram (Xur)

Once you’ve acquired an Exotic Cipher, you can trade it in with Xur for a second weekly Fated Engram. This Engram is special because it guarantees an Exotic item that you don’t already own. This is a great way to add rare Exotics to your collection or get that one elusive piece you’ve been hunting for.

• Important Note: You can only use one Exotic Cipher per week with Xur, so make sure you’re choosing wisely when you redeem your Cipher.

2. Unlock Exotics from Past Seasons (Monument to Lost Light)

If you’re missing Exotic gear from past seasons, the Monument to Lost Light kiosk is the place to go. Using your Exotic Cipher here, you can unlock powerful Exotics, though you’ll need additional materials like Glimmer and Ascendant Shards. Some exotics can only be unlocked with Spoils of Conquest if they were part of a Raid.

• Pro Tip: Some of the best Exotics, like the Anarchy or The One Thousand Voices, are available from Raids, but you’ll need to get the associated raid materials.

3. Get Exotics from Master Rahool

Master Rahool allows you to exchange Exotic Ciphers for Exotic weapons from past seasons. This can be a great way to catch up on content you missed or acquire useful items for your loadouts.

• Important: Master Rahool’s offerings don’t include all past Exotics, so if you’re looking for something specific, check regularly to see what’s available.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Grinding for Exotic Ciphers?

Exotic Ciphers may not be the easiest currency to acquire, but they are certainly worth the grind if you’re looking to expand your collection of powerful Exotics. Whether you’re after seasonal gear, raid items, or just want a chance to complete your Fated Engram, Exotic Ciphers offer plenty of value.

For now, the primary ways to get Exotic Ciphers are through Xur’s weekly quest, the Season Pass, and Triumphs. Keep an eye out for more methods as Bungie continues to expand the ways players can earn these rare currencies.

Want to dive deeper into Destiny 2? Check out our guides on completing the “Make Bows Not War” quest, participating in the Festival of the Lost, and starting the Xenophage Exotic Quest. These detailed articles will walk you through each activity, helping you earn powerful rewards and enjoy the latest content in the game.

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