Destiny 2’s already massive weapons arsenal got an impressive addition in the shape of Archon’s Thunder. In case you haven’t heard, Archon’s Thunder is one of the latest Iron Banner heavy machine guns added to the game. It is a multi-role weapon that has shown impressive results in PVP and PVE mode. Aside from such impressive weaponry, the new season has bought tons of new armor, missions, and other player activities.
Initially, due to a system error, players struggled to claim Archon’s Thunder but developers addressed the issue and it can be claimed without any glitches. However, to add Archon’s Thunder to your arsenal, you’ll have to complete the Iron Banner quests. In case you have a handful of Iron Banner tokens tucked in your back pocket, you could also use them to redeem the prized weaponry.
Archon’s Thunder: Review
Archon’s Thunder is a commodity that’ll help you with its accurate slow firing rate. Works better with aiming down the sight, the recoil, however, is something that you have to deal with each shot. It is not the most stable heavy machine gun under the Iron Banner category. Yet, Archon’s Thunder is very impactful in a fight. Often, a few landed shots are more than enough to take down the mightiest of the enemies.
A high fire rate of 360 bullets per minute with a magazine that holds up to 44 bullets. Being a heavy machine gun, handling isn’t the best and it does slow you down. In brief words, if you’re planning to go gun-blazing into the enemies’ territory, you might need to switch to a lightweight weapon that will improve dodging and help you evade enemy fire.
A combo of Rangefinder and Iron Grip is a common trait among players who use this gun in Destiny 2 Archons Thunder. Since there’s tons of recoil, the Iron Grip perk reduces the recoil and offers more stability to the weapon, offering you a chance to land a few shots on your target. In case you’re more it raining down hell on your enemies, a combo trait of killing wind coupled with Rangefinder or Iron Grip isn’t a bad choice either.
As for the reload speed, Archon’s Thunder takes approx 5.3s to reload, and in a fast-paced game, it is a bit too much. When compared with other ARs on the market, Archon’s Thunder takes twice as much time to reload. This long reload is the weapon’s biggest vulnerability.
Archon’s Thunder Stats
- Impact: 70
- Range: 68
- Stability: 25
- Handling: 40
- Reload Speed: 40
- Reload Time: 5.31 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 27
- Inventory Size: 41
- Zoom: 16
- Recoil: 76
- Bounce Intensity: 24
- Rounds Per Minute (RPM): 360
- Magazine Size: 44
Looking at the real-time statistics of Archon’s Thunder, the weapon is quite impactful at mid-range with an ideal RPM. And since it is a slow-firing weapon, you won’t be spraying bullets, instead, you can take your time to land the bullets. As for the rest of it, Archon’s Thunder isn’t the most stable weapon since the recoil is through the roof, and the stability of the weapon is also a concern.
Best Loadout for Destiny 2 Archon’s Thunder PVP God Roll
Archon’s Thunder PVP abilities can be further improved by choosing the perks that improve the stats of the machine gun. After experimenting with lots of load-outs, we found this loadout to be the most impactful for Archon’s Thunder PVP God-Rolll:
- Arrowhead Brake – Increasing the handling of the gun by reducing the bounce points by a huge margin.
- Accurized Rounds – Improves the range of the weapon, enabling you to take shots at enemies from a great distance.
- Rangefinder + Rampage or Killing Wind – The ideal combo trait for Archon’s Thunder. Enables you to take down enemies with fewer bullets and increase the damage of each shot fired.
- Range – Further enhances the ability to shoot at enemies from long distances.
- Adept Handling – Improves the handling of the gun and moderately controls recoil. Slightly reduces the range of the weapon but it is well worth it.
Best Loadout for Archon’s Thunder PVE God Roll
In the PVE mode, Archon’s Thunder could also be an excellent asset to your arsenal. Its slow-rate and modified range makes it an excellent option. This weapon is highly regarded for its capabilities in PvP. Yet, it is also a great, underrated choice for PvE. When it is coupled with the right combo traits and perks, it can take out all sorts of enemies. Moving on, here’s the best Archon’s Thunder PVE God-Roll Loadout:
- Arrowhead Brake – Helps improve the handling of the gun, making it easier to land your shots on your targets.
- Tactical Mag – Since the weapon’s reload speed is slightly slow and could cost you precious seconds, having a perk like tactical mag would significantly help the cause. And aside from improving reload speed, the stability and magazine size would also improve.
- Surplus + Killing Wind or – Improves the overall handling and range of the weapon. This makes it ideal for both, PVP and PVE mode. Also offers increased projectile velocity.
- Elemental Capacitor – moderately controls recoil gun, slightly improves range and stability of the weapon.
- Range – Further increase the range of the weapon, making it easier to take down enemies from a long distance.
How to Get Archon’s Thunder ?
In the Splicer season of Destiny 2, Archon’s Thunder along with hoards of other armor and weapons were added to the game’s arsenal. And to unlock the weapons such as Archon’s Thunder, players were required to complete the Iron Banner quest. After finishing the 4th step of the quest, players were able to get their hands on the mighty weapon. Furthermore, completing Iron Banner matches also offers you IBTs which you can redeem for loot packages.
Similarly, IB tokens could be used in exchange for the weapon. At the time of the release, the season update was a bit faulty and didn’t let the players use the Iron Banner tokens to redeem the weapons from Lord Saladin. But, later on, developers addressed the issue and if you want to unlock the weapon, you can use the Iron Banner Tokens.
How to Get Iron Banner Weapons Using Iron Banner Tokens?
Iron Banner Tokens are a vital part of Destiny 2’s economy. These tokens can be used to unlock packages and redeem Iron Banner weapons and armor. Anything from Archon’s Thunder to other Iron Banner weapons can be unlocked using these tokens.
Every day, players will see an Iron Banner quest on their side of the screen and they have to complete the given three challenges within the given time. After completing each of the challenges, you will receive IB Tokens and when you meet with Lord Saladin, he will gift you additional tokens as well.
Coupled with Iron Banner matches and doing daily quests, players can rack up a significant amount of tokens. Having multiple characters in the game, players could get the ideal armor and weaponry for each of the characters using the tokens.
Each loot package requires you to have at least 10 IBTs and if you have tons of these tokens, players can unlock premium armor and weaponry in the game. Destiny 2’s wide economy system lets you be in charge of how you want to spend your time. Whether you’re playing for the fun part or busy with trophy hunting, there are too many opportunities for you in the game and it makes it one of the finest games on the market.
Other Great Weapons in Destiny 2
Archon’s Thunder isn’t the only reputable weapon in the game, there are tons of other impactful weapons that are quite popular with Destiny 2 players.
Witherhoard
Witherhoard, an exotic grenade launcher is all you need to take care of a group of enemies heading your way. It is a high-impact long-range weapon backed by excellent handling and quick reload speed. It is one of the few Destiny 2 weapons that are stellar in both PVE and PVP. Regardless, Aiming rocket launchers at your enemies in the shape of Witherhoard is likely to run off many predators into their home.
The Comedian
The Comedian is a very cool legendary shotgun in Destiny 2. The gun features epic damage, a high fire rate, and automatic ammunition refills after PvE kills.
Suros Regime
One of the short-ranged machine guns that’s rated for its stellar work in PVE mode, Suros Regime is highly regarded as one of the best ARs in the game’s vast weapon arsenal. It may not be the most impactful weapon on the markets, Suros Regime gets the work done by accurately hard blows on the enemy.
Ace of Spades
An ideal piece for both PVP and PVE, Ace of Spades is without a doubt, one of the best weapons in the entire game. It is a highly impactful and long-ranged weapon that’s ideal for all sorts of scenarios. Faster reload speed, limited recoil control, and increased stability makes Ace of Spades a weapon of choice for a number of Destiny 2 players.
