Destiny 2: How to Get the Thorn Catalyst

The Thorn is one of the most legendary weapons in Destiny history, and its return was one of the most anticipated events. Now, it’s getting a boost that turns an already fantastic PvP weapon into something more. Here’s how to get the Thorn Catalyst in Destiny 2.

How to Get the Thorn Catalyst in Destiny 2

There’s no grand narrative or lengthy quest chain to complete if you want the latest Exotic catalyst. Like so many before it, you get the Thorn Catalyst as a random drop from ritual activities:

• Strikes.
• Crucible.
• Gambit.

You don’t even need to win your matches for a chance at the item, meaning you can grind whatever mode you prefer and, eventually, it should drop.

How to Increase Your Odds of Getting the Catalyst

There’s no way to increase your chances at the Thorn Catalyst. Unlike the Vex Mythoclast or Conditional Finality, there’s no bad luck protection. You get the catalyst when you get it. That’s due in large part to ritual activities being endlessly and easily repeatable with or without a team of friends to play with.

Raid and Dungeon Exotic weapons can take time and significant effort to acquire — even if you’re using Checkpoint Bot to expedite the process. Doing standard Vanguard Ops with randoms usually doesn’t take too much work. Unless you get the world’s worst blueberries like I always seem to.

What Does the Thorn Catalyst Do?

The best thing about the top PvP Hand Cannons in Destiny 2 is they all have disgusting range and are incredibly easy to use. Thorn on its own is good in both of those categories, but its catalyst goes above and beyond. Just equipping it increases the weapon’s Range and Stability stats, which on its own is almost worth the grind.

However, the kicker comes when you get a final blow or absorb a Remnant with the Thorn catalyst active. Doing so grants even more Range, as well as more mobility and handling for a short duration. In other words, the gun is even better when used in prolonged, closer-quarters gunfights, and you can do more with Destiny 2‘s movement tech if you can hit your shots.

What I don’t know is how having the Thorn Catalyst will affect the overall PvP meta. There are so many other fantastic and easier-to-get options out there, with Auto Rifles seeing a resurgence in recent months. Then there are Submachine Guns and Pulse Rifles, and other Exotics like Gjallarhorn, the Ace of Spaces, or No Time to Explain which are just as good and are simpler to use. I’d wager the most skilled players and those who stan Hand Cannons will love it, though.

Regardless, that’s how to get the Thorn Catalyst in Destiny 2. For more tips and tricks, such as how to get Season of the Wish Lair Keys or how to check your playtime with the Destiny 2 heatmap, click the links or head over to our D2 guides hub.