I was grinding through Destiny 2's latest expansion, The Edge of Fate, just last week when I stumbled upon a weapon that's been the talk of the Guardian community: the Third Iteration Exotic Scout Rifle. As a casual player who's always on the lookout for overpowered gear before Bungie inevitably nerfs it, this discovery felt like striking gold. The sheer thrill of unleashing its glitched damage had me hooked, and I knew I had to share my adventure with fellow Guardians. But let me tell you, acquiring it wasn't a walk in the park—it took some strategic planning and late-night sessions to unlock its full potential. Now, with the expansion in full swing, I've seen how this bugged gun can turn the tide in any battle, making it a must-have for anyone looking to dominate before the fix hits.

How to Get Third Iteration in Destiny 2

As I navigated the Season: Reclamation pass, I realized that getting the Third Iteration is surprisingly accessible. If you've splurged on The Edge of Fate expansion, like I did, you can grab it right away from the paid track's first tier reward in the Rewards Pass tab. But here's the kicker: you don't need to spend a dime on the expansion to wield this beast. All you have to do is grind your way to Level 70 in the season pass, and bam—it's yours as a free reward. I remember hitting that milestone after a few intense Strikes, and the moment I equipped it, I felt unstoppable. This scout rifle packs a punch with its Void energy projectiles, and setting it up was a breeze. Many players wonder: How can you maximize this without buying the expansion? Well, focus on seasonal bounties and public events—they're your best bet. my-journey-with-third-iteration-destiny-2-s-broken-exotic-scout-rifle-in-2025-image-0

Unlocking and Activating the Catalyst

Once I had the Third Iteration in my hands, I couldn't resist pursuing its catalyst to amplify its power. To my delight, unlocking it is a free-for-all affair—no expansion purchase required. You just need to climb to Level 90 in the Season: Reclamation pass, which I achieved by dedicating weekends to Crucible matches. It took some effort, but the payoff was immense. After unlocking it, I equipped the catalyst directly from the weapon preview screen. But activating it? That's where the real challenge begins. You'll need a whopping 700 eliminations to kick it into gear. I tackled this by running through Lost Sectors with a fireteam, racking up kills efficiently. People also ask: What makes this catalyst so special? It tightens the spread of the Void projectiles, boosting damage output significantly—perfect for melting bosses in raids. Here are some quick tips I learned:

  • Focus on high-density enemy zones like the Moon's Hellmouth for fast eliminations.

  • Pair it with a Void subclass to synergize with the elemental damage.

  • Use grenades and melee abilities to clear crowds while aiming for precision shots.

Exploiting the Insane Damage Bug Before the Nerf

Now, let's talk about the real game-changer: the Third Iteration's current glitch that triples its damage. I discovered this by accident while experimenting with artifact mods. If you equip the Anti-Barrier Scout and Pulse Artifact Mod—which, by the way, is a must-have in this season—holding aim to activate the Amalgamation Rounds buff results in an absurd 3x damage multiplier. I tested it in a Nightfall strike, and the numbers were jaw-dropping; what normally took minutes to down a champion evaporated in seconds. Is this too good to be true? Absolutely, and I know Bungie will patch it soon, so capitalize while you can. The mod reduces projectile spread, concentrating the Void energy for max carnage. my-journey-with-third-iteration-destiny-2-s-broken-exotic-scout-rifle-in-2025-image-1 To make the most of it, I recommend these steps:

  1. Loadout Setup: Always slot the Anti-Barrier mod in your seasonal artifact first—it's non-negotiable.

  2. Combat Strategy: Hold aim until the buff procs, then unleash a barrage on elites or bosses for instant deletion.

  3. Team Synergy: Coordinate with teammates who can debuff enemies, amplifying your damage even further.

Frequently Asked Questions

As I wrap up my tale, I've compiled a quick FAQ based on common queries from my clanmates and online forums. This should help you avoid the pitfalls I faced:

  • Q: How do I get Third Iteration without The Edge of Fate?

A: Simply reach Level 70 in the Season: Reclamation pass—it's a free reward, no expansion needed.

  • Q: What's the fastest way to get 700 eliminations for the catalyst?

A: Farm Altars of Sorrow on the Moon; the endless waves of Hive make it a breeze for quick kills.

  • Q: Will Bungie nerf Third Iteration soon?

A: Based on past patterns, yes—exploit the damage bug while you can in 2025.

  • Q: Can I use Third Iteration in PvP effectively?

A: Not really; the glitch shines in PvE activities like raids, but it's mediocre in Crucible due to spread issues.

  • Q: Are there any alternative perks to enhance it?

A: Pair it with Void weapon mods for synergy, but the artifact mod is key for the bug—don't skip it!