Mastering Claws of the Wolf: Your Ultimate Guide to Destiny 2's Iron Banner Pulse Rifle

In the evolving landscape of Destiny 2, the Iron Banner PvP event has undergone significant changes with the release of The Final Shape. This beloved event now spans two weeks, offering players the chance to acquire new weapons, including the formidable Claws of the Wolf. A pulse rifle renowned for its excellent aim assist and high rate of fire, Claws of the Wolf stands as a key addition to any Guardian's arsenal.

Whether you're a competitive player looking to dominate the Crucible or a PvE enthusiast exploring new ways to tackle challenging enemies, understanding how to obtain and optimize your Claws of the Wolf is essential. Dive in as we uncover all the vital details you should be aware of concerning this pulse rifle, its acquisition methods, and the best perk configurations to craft your ideal loadout.

Understanding Claws of the Wolf

The return of Claws of the Wolf marks a pivotal moment for Destiny 2 players, particularly those engaged in PvP. This weapon has a legacy tied to its rapid-fire capabilities and adeptness in dealing precision damage. Its ability to fit into both PvP and PvE roles makes it serves as a adaptable selection for every category of gameplay.

Methods to Acquire Claws of the Wolf

Obtaining the Claws of the Wolf is relatively straightforward, especially for those engaging in Iron Banner activities. Players can pursue several methods to secure this powerful weapon.

Participate in Iron Banner Matches

The most direct method to earn Claws of the Wolf is by participating in Iron Banner matches. Each match you complete carries the chance of a random drops, including this pulse rifle. Engage actively, and while luck plays its part, many players have found success securing their first Claws of the Wolf within just a few matches.

Ranking Up Your Iron Banner Reputation

If you find your initial match attempts devoid of fortune, don’t worry. Reaching reputation level 4 in Iron Banner guarantees you a Claws of the Wolf. This system encourages players to engage consistently throughout the event, rewarding both skill and commitment.

Engrams and Weapon Focusing

Once you acquire Claws of the Wolf, you can anticipate earning additional replicas from the Iron Banner engrams. Lord Saladin, the Iron Banner vendor, offers a unique focus option that enables players to direct their engrams toward specific items, ensuring you get the desired perks—albeit at a higher cost than simply rolling for random rewards.

Decoding God Rolls for Claws of the Wolf

The allure of Claws of the Wolf is amplified by its potential for creating powerful God rolls, tailor-made to fit your play style. Understanding the best perk combinations for both PvP and PvE is key to maximizing its effectiveness.

God Rolls for PvP

In the competitive arena of the Crucible, certain perks elevate this pulse rifle's performance to new heights.

Barrel and Magazine Recommendations

When gearing up for PvP, prioritize perks that enhance Range and Stability. Enhanced reload speed can also be beneficial, particularly if you rely on Eliminate Clip for its damage benefits.

Precision Shots Matter

Claws of the Wolf shines when paired with Headseeker, granting increased precision damage off body shots. This synergy allows you to capitalize on the weapon’s inherent accuracy, crafting a devastating attack pattern.

Zen Moment for Enhanced Performance

Zen Moment increases aim assist and reduces flinch as you land shots. This makes it an excellent choice, especially in frantic close-range situations common in PvP.

New Perks in The Final Shape

The Final Shape added To The Pain, a perk that boosts aim assist while under fire. This is invaluable during intense firefights when quick weapon swapping may be required to finish off foes.

Rampage vs. Eliminate Clip

When it comes down to selecting a damage perk, Rampage grants a 10% damage increase with each elimination. However, Eliminate Clip can offer a more significant 25% bonus if you reload within a short time after scoring a Sure! Due to Claws of the Wolf’s slower reload speed, players may find Rampage to be more beneficial overall.

Identifying God Rolls for PvE

While Claws of the Wolf is not traditionally viewed as a PvE weapon, it can perform decently in these encounters with the right perk build.

Focus on Handling and Reload Speed

In PvE settings, the emphasis can be shifted away from Range and Stability. Instead, you can direct your attention to Improving Handling and Reload Speed, enhancing your overall combat efficiency.

Repulsor Brace for Defensive Play

The pivotal perks for a PvE setup are Repulsor Brace and Destabilizing Rounds. This combination creates an explosive cycle of damage and defense. Target enemies marked as Volatile will trigger Repulsor Brace, granting overshields in the process.

Maximizing Group Combat Efficiency

Targeting weaker enemies allows Claws of the Wolf to thrive. As enemies fall, the resulting Volatile effect spreads, resulting in multiples being debuffed and subsequently exploding, which only feeds the ongoing cycle of damage and protection.

Synergizing with Void Builds

For those wielding Void-themed setups, Claws of the Wolf becomes even more powerful. Its synergy with the unique perks in Void builds provides ample opportunities to capitalize on enemy weaknesses while enhancing your survivability.

Conclusion: Embrace the Iron Banner

The Iron Banner continues to evolve, and the return of Claws of the Wolf gives players exciting new opportunities, whether in PvP or PvE. By grasping the methods of acquiring it and mastering the art of optimizing its advantages, you can fully harness the potential of this adaptable weapon. Prepare for exhilarating battles and enjoy the fresh experience that comes with the Claws of the Wolf in your loadout. Venture forth, Guardians, as the journey in the Iron Banner unfolds!