In the ever-evolving sandbox of Destiny 2, where new weapons frequently reshape the PvE and PvP meta, few entries have managed to stand out as uniquely as the Heavy Burst Pulse Rifle known as Cruel Mercy. Introduced in the Rite of the Nine update, this Legendary Arc weapon is turning heads thanks to its distinctive frame, top-tier perks, and strong potential in both competitive and endgame activities.
A Unique Frame with a Bite
Cruel Mercy belongs to the Heavy Burst archetype—a relatively rare two-round burst pulse rifle variant. While that might sound underwhelming at first, the damage output and stability of this archetype has quietly been establishing a foothold in both PvE and PvP play.
What sets Cruel Mercy apart from similar archetypes is its strong range profile, paired with a snappy feel that rewards accuracy and aggressive playstyles. Combined with its Arc elemental affinity, it’s well-suited for synergizing with Arc 3.0 builds that focus on Amplified buffs and fast-paced engagements.
God Roll Potential in PvE
For PvE players, Cruel Mercy brings serious utility. The god roll to watch for includes:
- Barrel: Arrowhead Brake for recoil control and handling
- Magazine: Flared Magwell for faster reloads and improved stability
- Perk 1: Dragonfly — ideal for add-clear with precision kills
- Perk 2: Rolling Storm — grants Bolt Charge on kills, with even more gains when Amplified
- Masterwork: Handling or Stability
Alternate rolls like Demolitionist and Adrenaline Junkie make this weapon a grenade-slinger’s dream, enabling rapid energy regen and boosted damage with each kill.
PvP Utility: Stability Meets Speed
In PvP, Cruel Mercy’s standout potential is undeniable when configured properly. Recommended perks include:
- Barrel: Arrowhead Brake
- Magazine: Ricochet Rounds for bonus range and stability
- Perk 1: Keep Away or Lone Wolf — great for solo or flanking strategies
- Perk 2: Desperado (for a rapid-fire edge post-precision kill) or Headseeker (for consistency in body-to-head transitions)
- Masterwork: Stability
The result is a weapon that competes with top-tier Crucible picks, offering a reliable dueling option in mid- to long-range skirmishes.
How to Get Cruel Mercy (and Why You Should)
Cruel Mercy is obtainable through the Nightfall: The Ordeal playlist during its weekly feature. For those tackling the high-end content, a more powerful Adept version drops from Grandmaster Nightfalls. Adept mods and enhanced stats make this version particularly desirable for PvP and high-end PvE play.
Recently, Bungie addressed concerns about the weapon by allowing Cruel Mercy to be Masterworked, increasing its long-term viability and encouraging deeper investment from players.
Once acquired, players can purchase additional copies from Zavala using Vanguard Engrams and Glimmer when it’s in rotation, allowing hunters of the perfect roll more opportunities to chase it.
Final Thoughts: Is Cruel Mercy Meta?
While not a clear dominator like some seasonal exotics or Trials gear, Cruel Mercy fills a flexible niche. It’s especially compelling for players who enjoy the precise feel of pulse rifles but want something a little off the beaten path.
Its recent improvements, heavy burst uniqueness, and synergy with Arc builds make it a sleeper hit worth watching—and worth equipping.
