Thorn, one of Destiny 2’s most iconic hand cannons, has finally received its long-awaited Catalyst-transforming it from a formidable weapon into a true game-changer. But how do you get this coveted upgrade? Whether you’re diving into Strikes, Gambit, or the Crucible, the Thorn Catalyst drops randomly from these core activities, promising a thrilling grind for players eager to unleash its full potential. Ready to turn Thorn into your ultimate weapon? Here’s everything you need to know to track down and unlock the Catalyst fast.
In this Destiny 2: Season of the Wish guide, we’ll help you pick up the Thorn Catalyst for yourself so you can trick out one of the game’s most iconic weapons.
How to get the Thorn Catalyst in Destiny 2
To get the Thorn Catalyst in Destiny 2, you need to participate in core playlist activities such as Vanguard Strikes, Gambit, or Crucible matches, where the catalyst can randomly drop at the end of these activities. There is no guaranteed drop, so it may require some grinding across these modes. Additionally, you can check Xur’s inventory on weekends, as he sometimes sells the Thorn Catalyst for 71 Strange Coins. Once obtained, you must get 500 kills with Thorn to unlock the catalyst’s benefits, which include increased range, stability, and a special perk that boosts mobility and handling after kills or absorbing remnants. Efficient farming methods include running strikes or specific raid checkpoints to speed up the kill count.
If you’ve been keeping up with Destiny 2 recently, you know Bungie has been adding new Catalysts for old Exotics and chucking them into the ritual playlists. Unfortunately, the Thorn Catalyst is no different, meaning it’s going to be a pretty big pain in the ass to get.
In the Catalyst collection menu, you’ll see that the Thorn Catalyst comes from Strikes, Gambit, or the Crucible. Grab some bounties – as well as maybe a few friends – and get ready for a grind. Essentially, you’ll need to just run one of these activities until the Thorn Catalyst drops for you. It could take one or two matches or runs, or it could take 10 hours, so mentally prepare yourself for a long journey.
As for which activity is fastest, they’re all pretty close. Gambit matches can be pretty quick these days, but Crucible probably wins out in pure efficiency. Personally, I prefer to run Strikes to get my Catalysts each season, as I don’t want to spend that much time in either of the other two activities and I know I’ll be able to finish off my Vanguard reputation grind once Grandmaster Nightfalls come around later in the season.
What does the Thorn Catalyst do in Destiny 2?
The Thorn Catalyst in Destiny 2 significantly enhances the iconic Thorn hand cannon by boosting its stats and adding a powerful new perk. Once obtained, the catalyst grants +15 range, +5 stability, and +5 airborne effectiveness, making the weapon more accurate and easier to handle. Additionally, it introduces the Exotic perk “Refined Soul,” which temporarily increases weapon range, mobility, and handling after dealing a final blow or absorbing a Remnant. This makes Thorn even deadlier, especially in PvP, where its poison damage-over-time effect and debuff on enemy health regeneration are already highly effective. To unlock these benefits, players must obtain the catalyst as a random drop from core activities like Crucible, Gambit, or Vanguard strikes and then achieve 500 kills with Thorn.
If you’re primarily a PvE player and have been praying for Thorn to get a PvE-focused Catalyst, I have bad news and amazing news. The bad news is that Thorn’s Catalyst is entirely PvP-focused, but the amazing news is that Thorn received a PvE buff in Season of the Wish that doesn’t require the Catalyst at all. As of this season, picking up a Remnant overflows the magazine, meaning you essentially never have to reload in PvE.
As for the Catalyst, it grants you bonus range and stability. After you pick up a Remnant, you’ll increase that range bonus further and buff up your mobility and handling. This Catalyst essentially just makes a very strong PvP weapon even stronger, and solves one of Thorn’s biggest problems in the Crucible: range. If you’re a Thorn fan and a Trials lover, this is a must-have Catalyst.
What secret strategies can speed up Thorn Catalyst drops in Destiny 2
Secret Strategies to Speed Up Thorn Catalyst Drops in Destiny 2
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Focus on Crucible Matches: The fastest way to get the Thorn Catalyst is by playing Crucible matches, as they are generally quicker to complete compared to Vanguard Strikes or Gambit. More matches mean more chances for the Catalyst to drop randomly at the end of a match.
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Keep Thorn in Your Inventory: While you don’t necessarily need to have Thorn equipped, having it in your inventory is required for the Catalyst to drop. Some players suggest equipping it might help, but the key is to own the weapon during your activity runs.
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Complete Other Catalysts First: Anecdotal advice from players suggests that completing other Exotic Catalysts before focusing on Thorn might increase your chances, though this is not officially confirmed and should be taken lightly.
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Play Regularly and Consistently: Since the Catalyst drop is random, the best “secret” is simply to keep playing Vanguard, Crucible, or Gambit activities consistently to maximize your drop opportunities.
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Level Up Existing Catalysts: Some players believe that leveling up other Catalysts you have might influence drop rates positively, though this is speculative and not officially verified.
In summary, the most effective known strategy is to grind Crucible matches frequently while having Thorn in your inventory, as this offers the quickest and most consistent opportunities for the Catalyst to drop.
Can focusing on specific activities increase Thorn Catalyst drop rates
Focusing on specific activities like Crucible, Gambit, or Vanguard Strikes does not officially increase the Thorn Catalyst drop rates, as the drop is random across these core playlist activities. While some players speculate that Nightfall Strikes might have a slightly higher chance of dropping the Catalyst, this is unconfirmed and not generally recommended due to the longer completion times. Community consensus and developer statements indicate that no particular activity reliably boosts Catalyst drop rates, making the best approach to consistently play any of these playlists to maximize your chances.
