Destiny 2 has undergone a remarkable transformation with the arrival of its latest expansion, The Final Shape. One of the most significant changes pertains to the acquisition of Exotic armor, a critical aspect for players seeking to enhance their Guardian’s capabilities. As the game evolves, so do the mechanics behind unlocking these coveted armor pieces. In this article, we will delve into the new ways to obtain Exotic armor in Destiny 2, focusing on the fresh reputation system introduced by Rahool, the Tower Cryptarch. This guide will outline the methods to rank up, the new tier of focusing available, and tips to streamline your grind for Exotic gear.

Chapter 1: A Shift in Armor Acquisition

As Destiny 2 continues to expand its rich universe, The Final Shape introduces two additional Exotic armor pieces for each Guardian class. Unlike before, where players would grind through daily rotating Lost Sectors to chase specific armor types, the approach has shifted dramatically. While engaging with these Lost Sectors is still possible, the days of directly obtaining a specific type of Exotic armor via this method have come to an end.

The previous strategy involved identifying the daily Lost Sector offering the desired armor piece, such as a helmet or chest armor. Guardians would meticulously plan their gameplay around these rotations, often leading to frustrating playthroughs when the desired drop didn’t occur. Players can still participate in Legend and Master Lost Sectors to accumulate high-end materials and Exotic engrams, but the direct link to specific Exotic armor pieces has been severed.

Chapter 2: Rahool, Your New Exotic Armor Source

With the elimination of the old method, Rahool steps into the limelight as the primary vendor for Exotic armor pieces. As the one who decrypts your Engrams in the Tower, he is instrumental in the new process. Now, a reputation system shapes your experience with him. Engaging with him frequently allows you to earn reputation points, unlocking exclusive rewards along the way.

Rahool previously offered a focusing service for a limited selection of Exotic armor based on player needs. This service has evolved into a more intricate system with the introduction of Tier 3 Focusing. This new system enables players to acquire novel Exotic armor pieces for their collections—allowing for a more curated experience. However, this comes at a cost that includes both an Exotic Engram and an Exotic Cipher, which can be obtained through ranking up with Rahool or completing special quests from Xur, a merchant known for his presence on weekends.

Chapter 3: Mastering the Art of Focusing

The road to obtaining new Exotic armor revolves around understanding and mastering the focusing system. Each tier of focusing has its own requirements and rewards. Previously, players had options for decryption based on their willingness to spend resources, choosing between random drops and more targeted options. Now, with the introduction of Tier 3 Focusing, you'll need to meet specific criteria to unlock these coveted pieces.

To initiate Tier 3 Focusing, players must reach Rank 17 with Rahool. This requirement adds an element of progression to the game, as players must engage with his services consistently to access the new gear. Earning reputation points becomes the cornerstone of your efforts in this new landscape. The more Engrams you decrypt, particularly through Tier 2 decryption methods, the faster you can climb the ranks.

Chapter 4: Climbing the Ranks with Rahool

Increasing your rank with Rahool is straightforward but demands dedication. Your primary task is decrypting Engrams. Each type of Engram carries a distinct reputation value. Tier 2 decryptions yield the most significant return at 500 points, while lower tiers offer reduced rewards. For those eager to advance quickly, it is advisable to prioritize Tier 2 decryptions. Although they can be resource-intensive, they facilitate faster rank progression, allowing you to reach the required levels in much less time.

Once you achieve the highest reputation ranks with Rahool, the unlocking of Tier 3 Focusing for all characters becomes available. At this stage, players can purchase new Exotic armors, including pieces newly released in The Final Shape, as long as they have the required Engrams and Exotic Ciphers in their inventory. This newfound accessibility to armor can significantly enhance your gaming experience and overall performance in high-level content.

Chapter 5: The Value of Exotic Ciphers

Exotic Ciphers play a pivotal role in the new armor acquisition process. These valuable items can be earned in several ways, providing essential materials necessary for accessing Tier 3 Focusing. Xur, the enigmatic merchant who appears on weekends, offers quests that can lead to obtaining Exotic Ciphers, in addition to rewards for resetting his reputation rank. Additionally, select Ciphers are available as rewards through the Season Pass, ensuring that players can accumulate these items over time.

Exotic Ciphers are limited in inventory, with a maximum of five that a player can hold at any given time. Therefore, managing these resources effectively is crucial, allowing you to maximize your ability to purchase new Exotic armors from Rahool and maintain flexibility in your loadout options.

Chapter 6: Conclusion and Ongoing Engagement

The Final Shape has redefined the quest for acquiring Exotic armor in Destiny 2, shifting the focus from Lost Sectors to a new reputation-based system with Rahool. Understanding how to leverage this system will be essential for players eager to get their hands on the latest equipment. As you dive into this new era, consider engaging with both Rahool and Xur frequently, making sure to decrypt your Engrams wisely to climb the ranks efficiently.

With the right strategies in place, the rewards will follow, and soon you'll be equipped with some of the most stylish and powerful Exotic armor available in the game. For further insights and detailed guides on The Final Shape, make sure to explore dedicated resources to enhance your Destiny 2 experience.