Destiny 2 players want Trace Rifles buff to offset Double Special nerf

Why Destiny 2’s Trace Rifles need major adjustments after the double special nerf and how players can adapt

The Double Special Nerf Fallout

Destiny 2’s weapon ecosystem experienced a seismic shift when Bungie implemented changes to double special loadouts, leaving Trace Rifle enthusiasts questioning the future viability of their preferred energy weapons.

The Season of the Witch update fundamentally altered special weapon dynamics, with Trace Rifles suffering disproportionately due to their historical reliance on ammo efficiency rather than raw damage output.

From Season 15 through Lightfall, utilizing two special weapons became the dominant strategy for high-level content. This approach leveraged enhanced heavy ammo generation to create sustained damage potential that primary weapons couldn’t match.

Season 22’s balance adjustments removed the heavy ammo bonus from double special configurations, forcing a return to primary weapon usage. This change particularly impacted Trace Rifles, which functioned primarily as ammo-efficient tools rather than burst damage specialists.

The nerf devastated Trace Rifle utility since their core design philosophy centered around sustained damage through excellent ammo conservation. Without the double special ammo economy benefits, these weapons lost their primary competitive advantage.

Community Response and Proposed Solutions

Perplexed by Trace Rifle’s diminished role in the current meta, Destiny 2 community members extensively discussed potential solutions across social platforms and forums.

One representative community post articulated the core dilemma: “The main attraction of Trace Rifles stemmed from double special configurations with optimized ammunition efficiency. Now that dual special loadouts are practically non-viable, I struggle to rationalize selecting Trace Rifles over Fusion Rifles, Shotguns, Grenade Launchers, or Sniper Rifles when already equipped with a primary weapon.”

The original poster suggested introducing new Trace Rifle frameworks: “Perhaps Bungie could implement an ‘Aggressive frame’ trace rifle variant that exchanges ammunition efficiency for enhanced damage potential… I appreciate formidable energy beam weapons.”

The damage enhancement proposal received substantial community support: “Absolutely, Trace Rifles gained significant popularity following Lightfall due to amplified heavy ammo availability, but as a consistent Hunter Trace user since the Gyrfalcon overhaul, their damage output remains severely constrained to match-level or marginally superior content.”

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Damage improvements weren’t the only suggested enhancements: “Not necessarily damage buffs, but perhaps intrinsic special ammo finder capabilities or non-splitting special ammunition pickups with other special weapon types.”

Another community member questioned fundamental Trace Rifle ammunition efficiency: “I perceive Trace Rifle ammunition economy as suboptimal… Alternatively, it might simply be insufficient damage output. Regardless, I experience excessive shooting requirements to eliminate targets, with ammunition reserves depleting rapidly.”

Current Trace Rifle Viability Strategies

Despite the double special loadout limitations introduced in Season of the Witch, determined players can still incorporate Trace Rifles into effective builds with strategic planning and specific gear selections.

Although dual special configurations received significant nerfs, their usage remains technically possible. Contemporary players must now leverage ammunition-enhancing effects such as Special Ammo Finisher, Aeon Swift exotics, Cenotaph Mask, and various Scavenger modifications.

Practical Loadout Recommendations:

• Ammo Generation Synergies: Combine Cenotaph Mask with Special Ammo Finisher for consistent special ammo production in team activities
• Scavenger Mod Stacking: Utilize multiple scavenger mods to maximize ammo pickup efficiency
• Content-Specific Applications: Deploy Trace Rifles in activities with abundant yellow-bar enemies for improved ammo economy
• Weapon Pairing Strategy: Match Trace Rifles with high-damage primary weapons to compensate for their sustained damage nature

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using Trace Rifles without ammo-generating exotics or mods in difficult content
• Expecting Trace Rifles to perform burst damage comparable to other special weapons
• Neglecting to use finishers on combatants when Special Ammo Finisher is equipped
• Overlooking the importance of target priority when ammunition is limited

Advanced Optimization Techniques:

• Coordinate with fireteam members using Aeon Swift for group ammo generation
• Time your special ammo usage around anticipated heavy enemy spawns
• Use Trace Rifles for shield stripping and cleanup while reserving other weapons for major damage phases
• Experiment with different Trace Rifle frames to find the optimal balance for your playstyle

Future Outlook and Developer Considerations

The Destiny 2 community remains hopeful that Bungie will address Trace Rifle viability concerns in future updates, with several logical approaches available for restoring these weapons to competitive status.

Potential Balance Solutions:

• Damage Profile Adjustments: Moderate base damage increases or precision multiplier enhancements
• New Intrinsic Perks: Built-in ammo conservation or generation capabilities
• Archetype Diversification: Introduction of high-damage, low-ammo frames alongside efficient sustained-damage variants
• Exotic Rework Focus: Targeted improvements to underperforming exotic Trace Rifles

Community Feedback Integration:

• Player suggestions for aggressive frame Trace Rifles demonstrate desire for weapon variety
• Ammo economy concerns highlight need for either damage or efficiency improvements
• Current workaround reliance indicates fundamental design issues requiring attention
• Seasonal artifact modifications could temporarily boost Trace Rifle performance

The ongoing dialogue between developers and players will likely shape Trace Rifle’s future, with the community clearly expressing both their concerns and potential solutions. As Destiny 2’s meta continues evolving, these energy beam weapons may yet find their place in the new ammunition economy landscape.

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