Destiny 2 has taken Guardians through countless roles over the years—from serving as members of the Queen’s Guard under Mara Sov to commanding operations beside Mithrax, and even stepping into the mysterious ranks of the Nine. With Destiny 2: Renegades launching on December 2, players will step into an entirely new identity: a Renegade navigating the dangerous underworld of the Lawless Frontier.
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New Heat Weapons Join the Arsenal
Every Guardian knows that the right firepower can make or break a mission. Renegades introduces a brand-new weapon class—Blasters, or heat weapons—designed to channel the iconic energy-weapon style made famous in Star Wars. These guns proudly showcase their influences, but they’re deeply tuned to Destiny’s sandbox and combat rhythms.
Sandbox designer Mercules explains that heat weapons have long been part of Bungie’s creative DNA, tracing back to Covenant weaponry in classic Halo. The team had considered a heat-based system for Destiny 2 years ago, but waited until the right moment—and Renegades became that perfect opportunity.
“There was a lot of effort put into making sure these weapons feel unique while still fitting naturally into the game,” Mercules said. “We wanted something fresh but unmistakably Destiny.”
How Heat Weapons Work
Heat weapons pull ammo directly from reserves, eliminating traditional magazine reloads. Instead, players must manage a new venting mechanic—pressing reload vents the weapon, dispersing built-up heat. Special and Heavy variants can still run out of ammunition, but heat management is now a central part of the gameplay loop.
These weapons introduce several new stats:
- Cooling Efficiency – how fast the weapon cools passively
- Vent Speed – how quickly heat dissipates when venting
- Heat Generation – how much heat each shot produces
Perks, masterworks, and new high-tier mods can refine how each weapon handles under pressure.
Renegades also brings three new heat-focused perks and two new origin traits. One perk boosts damage when the weapon is overheated—and causes defeated enemies to explode—while another rapidly reduces heat when players pick up Orbs or elemental baubles.
Heat Weapon Sub-Families
The Renegades arsenal spans several weapon sub-types, each with its own purpose:
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Primary Heat Weapons naturally deal increased damage to powerful PvE enemies.
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Balanced Heat Weapons thrive in long engagements and sustained fire.
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With the right build, players can fire nearly 100 consecutive rounds from certain Auto Rifles before overheating.
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Dynamic Heat Weapons prioritize rapid bursts of damage.
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Their fast native cooldown makes them ideal for weapon-juggling rotations.
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Visually, each heat weapon carries a distinct Star Wars-inspired aesthetic—whether it’s the Uncivil Discourse Hand Cannon or the Refurbished A499 Sniper Rifle. The Bungie team leaned fully into their sci-fi fandom during the design process.
“For me, this was a dream project,” Mercules shared. “I grew up wanting to work at Bungie and on Star Wars—and now I get to do both at once.”
Prepare for the Lawless Frontier
From navigating criminal syndicates in Tharsis Outpost to unleashing heat weapons in the new Lawless Frontier activity—and even forging a Praxic Blade—Guardians have a thrilling new adventure ahead.
Destiny 2: Renegades launches December 2. Gear up, keep your blaster cool, and step into the life of a true Renegade.
