Bungie nerfs popular Still Hunt and Celestial Nighthawk damage combo in Destiny 2

Still Hunt and Celestial Nighthawk (Image via Bungie)

The popular damage combination of Still Hunt and Celestial Nighthawk will be nerfed in Destiny 2. Players have been actively using the new Exotic Sniper Rifle with Hunter's popular Exotic Helmet for significantly increased damage in all game modes. Still Hunt, the weapon in question here, acts as a mini Golden Gun for all classes regardless of the armor piece equipped.

Since Bungie enabled a synergy between Still Hunt's Golden Gun and the Celestial Nighthawk, the weapon became more than just a mini Golden Gun. This led to almost everyone trying the combination out in every endgame activity, as it granted the most damage output with the least effort.

Hence, Bungie has seemingly put this loadout to rest, prompting players to give the other classes a chance. The nerf has been scheduled for a Hotfix coming in early August 2024.

Still Hunt x Celestial Nighthawk combo nerfed in Destiny 2

The combination of Still Hunt and Celestial Nighthawk has skyrocketed the usage rage of Hunters in Destiny 2 The Final Shape PvE. Be it an LFG group, or a fireteam of friends, having a Hunter is necessary for more damage on any boss.

To balance this out, Bungie is providing Artifact perks associated with Sniper Rifles, and nerfing the damage boost of Still Hunt x Celestial Nighthawk to incentivize players into using other weapons.

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This was Bungie's official statement regarding the nerf:

"We’ll be reducing Still Hunt's Golden Gun shot damage when paired with Celestial Nighthawk by 25%. Since launch, we’ve been monitoring the potency of this Exotic and felt it needed a slight adjustment."

Highlighting how this move will reduce the damage disparity between classes, Bungie stated:

"While Hunters have the opportunity for some thematic tie-ins between Celestial Nighthawk, Golden Gun, and Still Hunt, this should help to reduce a bit of damage disparity between each class (and between what should be viable weapon alternatives). "

The statement also sheds light on Whisper of the Worm:

"Whisper of the Worm has a bit more opportunity to outshine this special Exotic with upcoming Artifact perks after these changes, and we’ll be looking out for whatever fun boss-melting clips you come up with."

The overall sentiment of the community is positive regarding this change, as many Destiny 2 players already expected this update following the ridiculous damage numbers.

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Edited by Sijo Samuel Paul