The highly anticipated Destiny 2 Update 8.0.5, which focuses on Heresy Act II, is now available on official servers. Despite experiencing some initial difficulties, players should carefully review the patch notes, as these changes are poised to significantly affect gameplay styles and weapon configurations for many.
A key alteration in this update includes the reduction in effectiveness of the popular Pulse Rifle, Redrix's Estoc, due to nerfs applied specifically to the Lightweight Framed family of weapons. Additionally, adjustments have been made to the Sword Logic perk in PvP contexts, impacting damage output.
This article delves into the comprehensive patch notes for Update 8.5.0, outlining the changes and necessary adjustments players need to be aware of.
Comprehensive Patch Notes for Destiny 2 Update 8.5.0
1. Activities
Seasonal Adjustments
The Nether
- Lowered damage received from Sharpshooter’s Burden.
- Mitigated health damage from Fragile Strength.
- Resolved an issue preventing Paracasual Payload from enhancing Kinetic weapon damage.
- Corrected a bug that restricted buffs from Paracausal Siphon to elemental damage.
Crucible Changes
General Updates
- Fixed the medal awarding and display issues in Lockdown mode.
Matchmaking Improvements
- Enabled loss forgiveness for solo vs. fireteam matchups in Trials of Osiris and Competitive playlists.
- Duos and trios can now be co-matched.
Competitive Enhancements
- Introduced the Ascendant 0 rank for players above 10,000.
- Players in Ascendant 0 rank may earn the new “Darkest Night”emblem upon victories.
- Adjusted matchmaking brackets to factor in the new rank.
- Corrected the issue preventing players from acquiring Redrix’s Estoc after placement matches.
- Players who did not previously earn this weapon can now claim it from Lord Shaxx.
- Fixed a bug hindering access to past Competitive rewards.
Iron Banner Updates
- Rectified a glitch where the weekly challenge incorrectly mentioned Stasis instead of Strand.
Dungeons and Raids
Vesper’s Host
- Resolved an issue during the initial encounter where a nuclear core failed to spawn despite the correct panels being activated.
2. Gameplay and Investment Enhancements
Armor Adjustments
Hunter Gear Changes
Sealed Ahamkara Grasps
- Fixed an issue that unintentionally reduced Nightmare Fuel’s damage bonus while Radiant.
- Corrected the buff mechanics for Nightmare Fuel following melee or finisher eliminations.
Radiant Dance Machines
- Fixed an issue allowing loss of extra dodge charges when moving between bubbles in various activities.
Shards of Galanor
- Corrected an issue allowing refunds for Super energy outside of intended parameters.
Titan Gear Changes
No Backup Plans
- Adjusted the Shotgun damage bonus, which was previously being diminished in Radiant conditions.
Khepri’s Horn
- Fixed an issue preventing Solar waves from breaking Stasis crystals.
Hazardous Propulsion
- Corrected the damage buff mechanics which were reduced while Radiant.
Armor Customization and Issues
- Fixed unavailability of Warlock and Titan leg armor from Sundered Doctrine for transmog.
- Corrected naming issues with Stasis armor sets.
Weapon Adjustments
General Weapon Improvements
- Corrected the flavor text for Vault of Glass (Timelost) weapons.
- Fixed an issue where enhanced/crafted weapons were lacking a masterwork border.
- Ensured Adept Shader for Trials weapons displays colors correctly based on glow status.
Weapon Archetypes
Wave-Frame Swords
- Fixed a PvP damage issue with wave attacks.
Lightweight Pulse Rifles
- Adjusted body shot damage from 20.4 to 19.7 against players.
- Critical damage output reduced from 31.8 to 31.5.
- This change still allows for better overall performance than pre-8.1.5.3, though it slightly shifts the optimal kill thresholds.
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Redrix's Estoc: Handling reduced from 79 to 74.
Weapon Perk Adjustments
Sword Logic
- Reduced the base damage bonus against players from 20% to 15%.
- Increased bonus damage for Super kills against players from 35% to 50%.
Other Weapon Perks
- Fixed Enhanced Collective Action activation with Stasis Shard collection.
- Adjusted Enhanced Slideways for a longer duration.
- Fixed Discord and Harmony countdown timers starting prematurely.
Ability Adjustments
All Classes
Prismatic
- Facet of Blessing: Resolved final blows from melee abilities failing to trigger health regeneration.
Hunter Class Adjustments
Nightstalker
Smoke Debuff
- Now allows for normal player movement in PvP without slowing speed, jump height, or weapon handling.
- Does not suppress player movement abilities in PvP.
On the Prowl
- Removed the first-person glow from the hunted player’s view.
- Reduced glow visibility for hunted players in third-person perspective.
Artefact Enhancements
- Fixed an issue causing the Piercing Sidearms perk to fail against specific shield types.
3. Power and Progression Updates
- Resolved an issue hindering new Iron Banner weapons from progressing Orimund’s Taste Triumph.
4. Collections Adjustments
- Fixed a display issue where the Artificial Sun Ornament for Lodestar was misclassified in the Collections section.
- Resolved issues preventing the Chatterwhite shader from appearing in Collections.
5. General Improvements
- Updated the Silver purchase confirmation art for international players to reflect the current episode’s design.