Destiny 2's Ex Diris Grenade Launcher Set to Shine in Episode Revenant's Meta
The Destiny 2 Ex Diris Exotic grenade launcher is poised for a meta renaissance in 2026, transforming into a dominant endgame powerhouse. Recent core buffs and the upcoming Episode Revenant Artifact perks, especially Arc Compounding, create a perfect storm for its explosive rise.
In the ever-evolving world of Destiny 2, 2026 finds Guardians navigating the powerful grenade launcher meta established by Episode Revenant. While the new Alethonym Exotic has captured many players' attention, veteran tacticians are quietly preparing a different weapon from their vaults: the Ex Diris Exotic grenade launcher. With the imminent release of Episode Revenant's second Act, this Arc-powered launcher is poised for a renaissance, transforming from a niche tool into a centerpiece of the endgame arsenal. The combination of recent foundational buffs to the weapon itself and the incoming wave of Artifact perks is creating a perfect storm, one that will elevate Ex Diris to heights it has never seen before.
The Foundation: Recent Ex Diris Buffs
Bungie's recent suite of changes to Ex Diris laid the essential groundwork for its impending dominance. These weren't minor tweaks; they were a comprehensive overhaul that addressed the weapon's core limitations. Think of it as taking a reliable but unremarkable scout ship and retrofitting it with a transmat drive—it fundamentally changes its role and capability. The key improvements include:
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Increased Ammo Reserves: Allowing for more sustained pressure in prolonged engagements.
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Increased Direct Hit Damage: Sharply improving its effectiveness against high-priority targets.
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Projectile Behavior Tuning: Projectiles now benefit from increased velocity and decreased gravity, making them easier to aim at distant or mobile foes.
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New Moth-Spawning Mechanic: Rapid direct hits can now spawn Loyal Moths, a game-changer for boss DPS phases.
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Reduced Camera Recoil: Improving user experience and follow-up shot accuracy.
đź’ˇ The most critical change is undoubtedly the new method for spawning Loyal Moths. Previously, Ex Diris required final blows to generate its signature insectoid allies, pigeonholing it strictly into an add-clearing role. The new system, where simply landing consecutive direct hits spawns moths, completely redefines the weapon. It can now effectively contribute to burning down Champions, mini-bosses, and even raid bosses, making it a versatile pick for all PvE content. This single adjustment turned Ex Diris from a one-trick pony into a multi-tool.
The Catalyst: Episode Revenant Artifact Perks
While the base buffs are significant, the true ignition for Ex Diris will come from the Artifact perks introduced across Episode Revenant. The current Act has already made grenade launchers formidable by granting them anti-Champion capabilities and raw damage increases. However, Act Two is set to double down on this strategy.
The upcoming Arc Compounding perk is the crown jewel for Ex Diris. As an Arc grenade launcher with innate blinding capabilities on its explosions, Ex Diris synergizes with this perk like a key fitting into a long-lost lock. Arc Compounding is expected to significantly amplify the effects of Arc verbs like Blinding, Jolt, and Ionic Traces when triggered by weapons. For Ex Diris, this means:
| Expected Synergy | Result for Ex Diris |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Blinding | Longer duration or larger radius on its innate blind effect, providing unparalleled crowd control. |
| Chaining Damage | Potential for its explosions to Jolt targets, creating area-of-effect lightning chains. |
| Ability Regeneration | Spawning Ionic Traces could drastically reduce grenade, melee, and class ability cooldowns. |
This synergy transforms Ex Diris from a mere damage dealer into a potent engine for an entire Arc-based build. Its blinding explosions become a strategic tool for controlling entire rooms, while the potential for ability spam turns the wielder into a conduit of perpetual Arc light.
Building for the New Meta
To fully harness the power of the reborn Ex Diris, Guardians should consider their entire loadout. Its strength will not exist in a vacuum. Here’s how to build around it:
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Subclass Synergy: Pair it with the Striker Titan or Stormcaller Warlock. Aspects like "Touch of Thunder" (Titan) or "Electrostatic Mind" (Warlock) can further enhance the Arc verb soup Ex Diris will create.
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Armor Mods: Focus on mods that benefit from grenade launcher final blows or dealing Arc damage:
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Helmet: Heavy Ammo Finder / Ashes to Assets (for Super energy on grenade kills)
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Arms: Grenade Launcher Loader / Impact Induction (grenade energy on melee damage)
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Chest: Arc Resistance / Grenade Launcher Reserves
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Legs: Grenade Launcher Scavenger / Innervation (grenade energy on picking up Orbs)
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Class Item: Bomber (grenade energy on using class ability) / Reaper (create Orbs on weapon kills after using class ability)
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Exotic Armor Pairings:
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Titan: Point-Contact Cannon Brace - Amplifies the Thunderclap melee after jolting targets with Ex Diris.
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Warlock: Fallen Sunstar - Supercharges the ability regeneration from any Ionic Traces generated.
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Hunter: Lucky Raspberry - Creates a feedback loop of grenade energy from the constant Arc damage and control.
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Why Ex Diris Stands Out
In a meta flooded with powerful grenade launchers, Ex Diris offers a unique package. While other launchers excel at raw burst damage or debuffing, Ex Diris provides a dynamic, living toolkit. Its Loyal Moths are not just extra damage; they are autonomous agents that draw aggro, provide supplemental damage, and can be generated without needing kills. This makes it exceptionally forgiving and effective in high-tier content where securing final blows can be challenging.
Furthermore, its design philosophy in 2026 feels like a master clockmaker's intricate device, where every buff and perk interlocks to create a precise and devastating whole. It rewards skillful aim (for direct hits) while still providing immense area control, a balance few weapons achieve. As Episode Revenant's story deepens and enemy threats escalate, having a weapon that can adapt—blinding swarms, whittling down elites, and supporting the fireteam with moths—will be invaluable.
Conclusion: A Prime Time Arrives
The journey of Ex Diris from a forgotten exotic to a meta-defining weapon is a testament to Destiny 2's evolving sandbox. The recent changes were the seed, and the Episode Revenant Artifact perks are the sunlight and rain about to make it bloom. For players who dust off this hidden gem, the reward will be a weapon that dominates the battlefield with the chaotic, beautiful fury of an Arc storm. Its time has finally come. As Act Two launches, slotting Ex Diris into your loadout won't just be a viable choice; it will be a statement of tactical foresight. Prepare your builds, Guardians, and get ready to unleash the moths.