Destiny 2 Pulse Rifle: The Ideal Substitute for Bygones Following PvP Nerf

In the latest Destiny 2 update (8.1.5.2), the once-dominant Pulse Rifle known as High Ground received a significant nerf. This adjustment necessitates finding a suitable alternative to maintain competitiveness in PvP modes.

The nerf has altered how the High Ground perk functions, now requiring players to position themselves significantly above their opponents to activate its effects. This change has rendered the previously favored weapon, Bygones, less viable. For those who invested countless hours obtaining the perfect Zen Moment + High Ground roll during Gambit, this news is disappointing.

Discovering Syncopation-53: Your New PvP God Roll

Rather than returning to Gambit for another chance at a better roll, consider crafting the Syncopation-53. This Stasis Pulse Rifle not only fits into the Kinetic slot but also presents an Adaptive Frame design. It boasts excellent perk combinations and can be crafted, making it an exceptional choice that doesn’t rely on random number generation (RNG).

Syncopation-53 PvP God Roll Setup

Barrel: Arrowhead Brake
Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
Perk 1: Zen Moment
Perk 2: Headseeker
Masterwork: Stability

A Syncopation-53 PvP god roll in Destiny 2. — Image courtesy of Dexerto

The ideal combination for the Syncopation-53 is Zen Moment paired with Headseeker—an increasingly popular setup among various Pulse Rifles in PvP. This synergy provides substantial advantages during engagements.

Zen Moment is particularly beneficial, as it reduces recoil and flinch while accumulating damage. This allows for enhanced follow-up shots and, when coupled with the weapon’s impressive 85 Stability, Syncopation-53 becomes one of the most precise weapons available.

On the other hand, the Headseeker perk increases precision damage after landing non-precision shots, which alleviates the sting of missed headshots. This feature extends the weapon’s effective range, allowing it to deal more damage than its stats might indicate, making it a solid choice for players who may struggle with achieving headshots consistently.

Crafting a Syncopation-53 god roll in Destiny 2. — Image courtesy of Dexerto

You can craft the Syncopation-53 at The Enclave located on Mars. While Bygones can also roll with the same perks, many Guardians may find the grind for Syncopation-53 more rewarding since its pattern unlocks through the Shaping: Extraction tutorial quest.

Opting for Syncopation-53 spares you the frustration of farming hours in Gambit—with a chance of receiving nothing but disappointment through random drops. Completing a simple tutorial quest allows you to customize your weapon with any desired barrel, magazine, perks, and masterwork.

Additionally, keep an eye out for Stay Frosty, a formidable Pulse Rifle featured in The Dawning 2024, which excels in both PvE and PvP environments and might also serve as a fantastic alternative.

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