When Destiny 2 introduced rocket sidearms, they quickly became a favorite among players. The excitement only grew with the release of The Edge of Fate featuring Mint Retrograde, the first of its kind— a rocket-firing pulse rifle. Despite sharing similarities, these two weapon types cater to different gameplay styles and purposes.
Mint Retrograde can take up your Kinetic slot with its user-friendly and efficient design. As a Strand damage dealer, it grants sizable chunks of Darkness energy when paired with a Prismatic subclass. Plus, it fuels Elemental Honing for your other weapons.
In this guide, we will cover how to obtain Mint Retrograde and provide our ideal PvE god rolls for this exceptional weapon, as its design doesn’t quite shine in PvP scenarios.
Mint Retrograde PvE God Roll in Destiny 2
- Barrel: Volatile Launch or Linear Compensator (for added blast radius).
- Magazine: Appended Mag, High-Explosive Ordnance, or High-Velocity Rounds.
- First Perk: Rewind Rounds or Envious Arsenal (Honorable mention: Beacon Rounds).
- Second Perk: Bait and Switch, Elemental Honing (DPS rotations); Elemental Honing, Master of Arms, or Chain Reaction (general usage).
Rocket sidearms excel in their ammo efficiency, making them ideal for taking down tougher foes—those that fall between standard enemies and Champions. They work exceptionally well when paired with more powerful weaponry like Mountaintop or a sniper for facing tougher adversaries.
However, Mint Retrograde does fall short in ammo economy. It starts with about five shots in the magazine and twelve in reserves, consuming three rounds with each shot fired. As a result, it requires a more thoughtful approach to usage. While it may not offer the same ammo efficiency as a rocket sidearm, its versatility makes it a valuable addition to your arsenal.
If you’re seeking extra firepower for DPS phases against bosses or stronger targets, leveraging Bait and Switch alongside Elemental Honing can yield significant results. Bait and Switch remains a staple heavy weapon technique since its buff in 2022, while Elemental Honing may require strategic use of damage types but rewards you handsomely when executed correctly.
Elemental Honing also functions well in standard engagements, allowing for stacking during regular combat. Nevertheless, Master of Arms and Chain Reaction are also viable options. Master of Arms has straightforward requirements—totally achievable with one or two eliminations using any weapon—while Chain Reaction provides useful area damage with every defeat. Given Mint Retrograde’s limited ammo, Chain Reaction can help conserve your resources.
The first perk amplifies these functionalities, although not in direct damage terms. Instead, they enhance the weapon’s overall effectiveness. Rewind Rounds stands out as a versatile choice, while Envious Arsenal offers tailored support for Bait and Switch strategies. Even Beacon Rounds, albeit a more neutral option, are still good to have in the mix.
How to Obtain Mint Retrograde in Destiny 2
Mint Retrograde is a random drop from Pinnacle Ops missions, which encompass several older Exotic missions. You may find it as a reward during the mission or in loot chests, or as a prize upon completing the activity. For example, my first roll of Mint Retrograde appeared in the initial chest of Kell’s Fall after defeating the Machinist.
Considering the often-unforgiving nature of RNG in Destiny 2, making the most of your additional rolls can be essential for maximizing your chances of obtaining this weapon and enhancing your level more efficiently.
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