Destiny 2 Delicate Tomb
In the ever-evolving world of Destiny 2, exotic weapons often define a Guardian’s playstyle. One such weapon, the Delicate Tomb, made its debut in Season of Plunder and quickly stood out due to its unique design and potent Arc-based mechanics. This fusion rifle not only offered a visually distinctive frame but introduced new possibilities for crowd control and energy regeneration, particularly within the Arc 3.0 ecosystem. For players who seek synergy between their subclass and weapons, Delicate Tomb presents an intriguing and rewarding option that thrives in both PvE and PvP environments.
What is the Delicate Tomb in Destiny 2?
Overview and Weapon Type
Delicate Tomb is an Arc exotic fusion rifle introduced during Destiny 2’s Season 18, Season of Plunder. Unlike most traditional fusion rifles, this weapon fires a wide horizontal burst rather than a vertical or pinpoint shot. This makes it especially effective at clearing out groups of enemies in front of the player. It belongs to the energy weapon slot and uses Special ammo.
Exotic Perks and Traits
The Delicate Tomb’s standout trait is its unique firing behavior, but it also features two key perks that define its functionality:
- Traitor’s Vessel: Final blows with this weapon have a chance to generate Ionic Traces. Powerful foes and precision final blows always generate Ionic Traces.
- Tempest Cascade: Collecting an Ionic Trace overcharges the next shot, making it jolt targets on impact.
These perks allow for strong synergy with Arc 3.0 subclass builds, especially those relying on the Amplified state, Ionic Trace generation, and chain-lightning effects.
How to Get the Delicate Tomb
Season Pass Reward
Initially, Delicate Tomb was available as an instant unlock for owners of the Season of Plunder Season Pass. Players who reached Rank 1 of the premium track received the weapon immediately. For those on the free track, the exotic became available at Rank 35. This method is no longer accessible after the season ended, but there are still ways to obtain it.
Monument to Lost Lights
Following the season’s conclusion, Delicate Tomb was added to the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower. Guardians can now acquire it by spending a combination of:
- 1 Exotic Cipher
- 100,000 Glimmer
- 200 Legendary Shards
- 1 Ascendant Shard
This system allows returning or new players to catch up on powerful exotic weapons they may have missed.
Performance and Best Use Cases
In PvE Activities
Delicate Tomb shines in PvE content, especially in environments where enemies group tightly together. The wide burst makes clearing red bar enemies efficient, and the generation of Ionic Traces fuels grenade and melee abilities rapidly. It pairs well with Warlocks using the Arc Soul or Titans using Storm Grenades for maximum effect. The jolting effect from overcharged shots can stun Overload Champions when using the correct seasonal mods.
In PvP Combat
While less dominant in PvP compared to meta weapons, Delicate Tomb can still surprise opponents. The wide spread of its Arc blast allows it to hit opponents around corners or those trying to evade. However, its slower charge rate and reliance on short range make it situational. It performs best in smaller maps or control points where multiple enemies funnel through tight spaces.
Synergy with Arc 3.0 Builds
Warlock Synergy
Warlocks benefit greatly from Delicate Tomb thanks to the ability to create and consume Ionic Traces through aspects like Electrostatic Mind and Arc Soul. By consistently generating traces through weapon kills, Warlocks can enhance their survivability and ability uptime.
Titan Synergy
With Touch of Thunder and Storm Grenade builds, Titans using Delicate Tomb can maintain high energy levels while triggering jolts and explosive chain reactions. The weapon helps keep ability cooldowns low and amplifies damage output during Arc surges.
Hunter Synergy
Hunters with Lethal Current and Flow State can utilize the jolting effect to trigger chain lightning, increasing area damage and controlling battlefield chaos. Delicate Tomb fits naturally into aggressive Arc Hunter builds, enabling hit-and-run playstyles supported by grenade and dodge energy regeneration.
Weapon Mods and Perks
Recommended Mods
- Backup Mag: Increases magazine size for sustained engagement.
- Targeting Adjuster: Helps increase aim assist, important for PvP use.
- Counterbalance Stock: Reduces recoil and improves accuracy on follow-up shots.
Armor Mod Synergies
- Arc Siphon: Rapid Arc kills generate Orbs of Power.
- Elemental Ordnance + Elemental Charge: Use grenade kills alongside Delicate Tomb to spawn Arc wells and become Charged with Light.
- Well of Ions: Boosts melee damage after picking up an Arc elemental well.
Masterwork and Catalyst
Unlocking the Catalyst
Delicate Tomb has an exotic catalyst that enhances its functionality. The catalyst increases the chances of generating Ionic Traces and slightly improves stability and reload speed. It was originally unlocked by completing a series of seasonal activities and bounties. If unavailable, Bungie may reintroduce it via future seasonal events or exotic quests.
Is the Catalyst Worth It?
Yes. The catalyst makes the weapon feel more consistent and efficient, especially during intense PvE encounters. Faster reloads reduce downtime, and more Ionic Traces means more overcharged shots. It’s a natural extension of what the weapon already does well.
Tips for Using Delicate Tomb Effectively
- Aim at enemy groups, not just single targets the horizontal burst maximizes its damage when enemies are clustered.
- Pair with Arc grenade launchers or melee-based exotics like the Liar’s Handshake or Heart of Inmost Light.
- Keep moving Delicate Tomb encourages fast-paced gameplay that matches the Arc 3.0 playstyle.
- Look for Ionic Traces and route yourself toward them to trigger Tempest Cascade more often.
- Use in activities with Arc burns or modifiers for maximum effectiveness.
Delicate Tomb is more than just a flashy exotic weapon it’s a core part of the Arc 3.0 experience in Destiny 2. Its design encourages aggressive, movement-heavy gameplay while rewarding those who learn to chain abilities and maintain pressure on their enemies. Whether you’re clearing adds in a Nightfall strike or experimenting with new subclass builds, this fusion rifle delivers a satisfying and thematic performance. As future seasons evolve and power shifts, Delicate Tomb remains a fun and capable choice for Arc-focused Guardians looking to electrify the battlefield.