Embark on a thrilling quest, Guardians! d2 how to farm wastelander isn’t just about acquiring a weapon; it’s about joining a legendary hunt. The Wastelander, a shotgun whispered about in hushed tones across the galaxy, promises devastating power and a coveted place in your arsenal. This guide will illuminate the path, revealing the secrets to obtaining this prize, while navigating the current shotgun meta and comparing its strengths to its contemporaries.
We’ll journey together through the neon-drenched arenas of Dares of Eternity, the primary hunting ground for this coveted weapon. Prepare for an exhilarating experience as we dissect the activity, from its various difficulty levels and their impact on your odds, to the game-changing “Starhorse’s Favor” buff. We’ll examine every facet, from team composition and loadouts for peak performance to the best perk combinations for both Player versus Player (PvP) and Player versus Environment (PvE) scenarios.
Get ready to master the art of the farm, and discover the thrill of wielding the Wastelander!
Introduction to Wastelander Farming

Guardians, welcome to the definitive guide on acquiring the Wastelander M5, a kinetic, Lightweight Frame shotgun that has quickly become a staple in many Guardians’ arsenals. We’ll delve into why this weapon is so coveted, how it stacks up against the competition, and what you can expect when you embark on the farming journey. Get ready to embrace the grind, because the Wastelander M5 is worth the effort.
Wastelander M5 Perks and Desirability
The Wastelander M5’s appeal lies in its potent combination of perks and its accessibility. Its Lightweight Frame grants a significant mobility boost, enhancing strafe speed and handling, which is crucial in the close-quarters combat where shotguns thrive. But it’s the perk pool that truly sets it apart.
- Aggressive Frame: This frame type gives you increased damage, making it a powerful choice.
- Perks: Key perks to look for include:
- Threat Detector: This perk increases reload speed, handling, and stability when enemies are nearby, providing a noticeable boost in close-quarters engagements.
- Opening Shot: Opening Shot improves accuracy and range on the opening shot of each magazine, helping to secure those crucial first-shot kills.
- Slideshot: Sliding reloads a portion of the magazine and increases range, making it ideal for aggressive playstyles.
- Trench Barrel: This perk significantly increases damage after a melee hit, turning the Wastelander M5 into a devastating powerhouse.
- Snapshot Sights: This perk increases the speed at which you can aim down sights.
The Wastelander M5 is desirable because it’s a strong and versatile shotgun that excels in both PvE and PvP. It provides a good balance between range, damage, and handling, making it a reliable choice for various activities.
Shotgun Meta and Wastelander M5 Comparison
The shotgun meta in Destiny 2 is dynamic, with various archetypes and individual weapons constantly vying for dominance. The Wastelander M5 competes in a crowded field, but its unique strengths allow it to remain relevant. Let’s compare it to some of its rivals.
- Aggressive Frame Shotguns: Aggressive frames, like the Wastelander, are known for their high damage output, but they often come with slower handling and reload speeds. Weapons like the Chaperone, while unique, have different strengths, such as longer range.
- Lightweight Frame Shotguns: The Wastelander M5’s Lightweight Frame provides a distinct advantage in mobility, allowing for faster movement and strafing. This is especially useful in PvP.
- Other Competitive Shotguns: Other shotguns in the meta, such as Felwinter’s Lie, which was available previously, are good choices but may lack the Wastelander’s flexibility in perk combinations.
The Wastelander M5 shines in its ability to offer a great balance. It is a formidable choice for both PvE and PvP due to its strong perk pool, mobility, and ease of access.
Overview of the Farming Process
Acquiring the Wastelander M5 involves a specific activity within the game. This means that patience and persistence are key. The process is not overly complicated, but it does require a commitment to completing the necessary activities.
- Source: The Wastelander M5 is primarily obtained through completing activities in the Dares of Eternity activity.
- Drop Rate: The drop rate is not guaranteed, so you may need to complete several runs before obtaining a drop.
- Expectations: Be prepared to repeat the activity multiple times. The drop rate is variable, and it may take some time to acquire the god roll you desire.
- Focusing Engrams: Once you have a sufficient amount of engrams, you can then focus them at the Starhorse to try and get the Wastelander M5.
Farming the Wastelander M5 is a manageable task, but it requires a strategic approach and a willingness to put in the time.
Sources for Wastelander Drops
Alright, Guardians, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of acquiring that sweet, sweet Wastelander shotgun. It’s time to break down where you can snag this prize and how to maximize your chances of getting one to drop.
Primary Source: Dares of Eternity
The cosmic rodeo known as Dares of Eternity is your primary hunting ground for the Wastelander. This activity, hosted by the enigmatic Starhorse, is a fast-paced, action-packed experience that offers a variety of rewards. The good news is, Wastelander is a potential drop from this activity.
Difficulty Levels and Drop Rates
Dares of Eternity features two main difficulty levels, each affecting your chances of scoring a Wastelander:
- Normal: This is the standard difficulty, offering a decent chance at rewards, including the Wastelander. The drop rate is lower compared to Legend difficulty.
- Legend: This is where the real fun (and potentially better loot) begins. Legend difficulty ups the ante with tougher enemies and more challenging encounters. This increased difficulty directly translates to a higher chance of obtaining the Wastelander, alongside other valuable rewards.
The difference in drop rates can be significant. While exact numbers are often kept secret by the developers, community testing and player experiences suggest a noticeably higher probability of Wastelander drops on Legend difficulty. Think of it like this: Normal difficulty is a casual stroll through the park, while Legend difficulty is a high-stakes race where the prize is worth the effort.
Starhorse’s Favor and Its Influence
The “Starhorse’s Favor” buff is a crucial element in boosting your reward potential in Dares of Eternity. This buff, granted randomly during the activity, significantly increases the chances of earning bonus rewards, including the Wastelander. Keep an eye out for this buff – it’s your signal to push harder and reap the rewards!When Starhorse bestows his favor, expect a surge in loot.
This could manifest in the form of extra chests, more frequent Exotic drops, or, most importantly, a boosted chance at the Wastelander.
Reward Tier Comparison
Let’s take a look at a table comparing the reward tiers in Dares of Eternity, highlighting the potential for Wastelander drops:
| Reward Tier | Difficulty | Wastelander Drop Chance | Other Notable Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Normal | Low | Legendary Engrams, Enhancement Cores, Glimmer |
| Tier 2 | Legend | Medium | Legendary Engrams, Enhancement Prisms, Ascendant Shards, Exotic Engrams |
| Tier 3 (Starhorse’s Favor Active) | Normal/Legend | High | Increased chance of all rewards, including Wastelander; Exotic Engrams, Ascendant Shards, etc. |
As you can see, Legend difficulty, especially with Starhorse’s Favor active, offers the best odds for acquiring the Wastelander. Remember, Guardians, persistence is key! Keep running Dares of Eternity, and that Wastelander will eventually be yours.
Optimizing Your Dares of Eternity Runs
Alright, Guardians, let’s talk about turning those Dares of Eternity runs from a leisurely stroll through the cosmos into a well-oiled, loot-generating machine. Efficiency is key, and with a little teamwork and the right gear, you’ll be swimming in Strange Coins and Legendary loot in no time. We’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of maximizing your time, crushing encounters, and making those runs as smooth as a freshly-oiled Gjallarhorn.
Team Composition and Loadout Considerations
Your team composition can make or break a Dares run. Consider a balanced fireteam for optimal performance, ensuring you have diverse abilities to handle any situation the cosmic entities throw your way. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work (and the loot drop more frequently!).
- Class Diversity: A good mix of subclasses is essential. Having a well-rounded team that includes crowd control, damage dealing, and support capabilities is the goal. For instance, consider one Warlock with Well of Radiance for survivability and damage buffs, a Titan using a Thundercrash for burst damage, and a Hunter with Nightstalker for add control.
- Weapon Synergies: Think about how your weapons complement each other. Having one player dedicated to clearing adds with a powerful primary, while another focuses on boss damage with a heavy weapon, will result in faster completion times.
- Communication: Clear and concise communication is paramount. Call out enemy spawns, boss locations, and any potential hazards. This helps the team to react quickly and avoid unnecessary deaths, which in turn saves time.
Strategies for Specific Encounters
Dares of Eternity throws a variety of encounters your way, each with its own set of challenges. Mastering these encounters is crucial for optimizing your runs. Let’s break down some common strategies:
- The Starting Arena: The initial arena typically features waves of enemies. Prioritize add-clear to maintain control of the area. Use grenades and abilities to thin out the ranks quickly. Focus on taking out the majors first.
- The Boss Encounters: Boss fights are where coordinated damage output truly shines. Identify the boss’s weak points and focus fire. Use your heavy weapons and supers strategically. Utilize the environment to your advantage. For instance, in the Valus Ta’aurc encounter, use the pillars for cover while dealing damage.
- The Treasure Chests: Remember to collect the treasure chests after each encounter. They often contain extra loot and Strange Coins.
- The “Starhorse’s Favor” Buff: When you have Starhorse’s Favor, use it! It grants significant damage buffs or other helpful effects. Use it on the boss.
Five Best Loadouts for Dares of Eternity
Choosing the right loadout can significantly impact your performance in Dares of Eternity. Here are five powerful loadout options to consider, each designed to excel in different aspects of the activity.
- The Solar Warlock – Wellspring of Radiance:
- Subclass: Dawnblade with Well of Radiance.
- Weapons:
- Kinetic: Fatebringer (Timelost)
-For add-clear and precision damage. - Energy: Sunshot – For explosive add-clear.
- Heavy: Gjallarhorn – For boss damage and buffing allies.
- Kinetic: Fatebringer (Timelost)
- Strategy: Provide healing and damage buffs with Well of Radiance, while utilizing Sunshot for add control and Fatebringer for precision damage. Gjallarhorn ensures high boss DPS.
- The Arc Titan – Thunderous Assault:
- Subclass: Striker with Thundercrash.
- Weapons:
- Kinetic: Ikelos SMG (V1.0.3)
-For add-clear and close-range combat. - Energy: Truthteller (with Disruption Break)
-For add-clear and shield destruction. - Heavy: Sleeper Simulant – For high burst damage on bosses.
- Kinetic: Ikelos SMG (V1.0.3)
- Strategy: Utilize the Ikelos SMG for add control and close-range encounters. Truthteller provides shield destruction, while Sleeper Simulant is used to deliver a massive damage burst to bosses.
- The Void Hunter – Shadow Stalker:
- Subclass: Nightstalker.
- Weapons:
- Kinetic: Funnelweb – For add-clear.
- Energy: Forbearance – For explosive add-clear.
- Heavy: Leviathan’s Breath – For boss damage and add control.
- Strategy: Use Funnelweb for add clear, Forbearance for explosive damage, and Leviathan’s Breath to deal with major targets and bosses.
- The Stasis Hunter – Crystal Clarity:
- Subclass: Revenant.
- Weapons:
- Kinetic: Huckleberry – For sustained add-clear.
- Energy: Shayura’s Wrath – For close-range combat.
- Heavy: Rocket Launcher with Auto-Loading Holster and Lasting Impression – For high burst damage on bosses.
- Strategy: Freeze enemies with Stasis abilities, Huckleberry provides sustained add clear, Shayura’s Wrath handles close range combat, and the Rocket Launcher is for boss damage.
- The Strand Titan – Unraveling Fury:
- Subclass: Berserker.
- Weapons:
- Kinetic: Ammit AR2 – For add-clear.
- Energy: Hollow Denial – For add-clear and close-range combat.
- Heavy: Hothead – For boss damage and add control.
- Strategy: Use Ammit AR2 for add clear, Hollow Denial for explosive damage, and Hothead to deal with major targets and bosses.
Understanding Wastelander Perks and Rolls
The Wastelander shotgun, a staple in any Guardian’s arsenal, offers a variety of perk combinations that cater to both the Crucible and the PvE arenas. Choosing the right perks can dramatically influence your effectiveness, allowing you to dominate in close-quarters combat or efficiently clear waves of enemies. Understanding the synergy between different perks is crucial to maximizing the weapon’s potential.
Best Perk Combinations for PvP on Wastelander
For the competitive environment of the Crucible, Wastelander demands a roll that prioritizes consistency and lethality. The ideal PvP Wastelander aims to maximize one-shot potential while maintaining a degree of forgiveness.
- Barrel: Full Choke is a must-have, significantly tightening the pellet spread and extending the one-shot kill range. Alternatively, Rifled Barrel can provide similar results.
- Magazine: Accurized Rounds is essential for boosting range, further enhancing the weapon’s effective one-shot kill distance.
- Perk 1: Threat Detector or Slideshot. Threat Detector provides increased handling, reload speed, and stability when enemies are nearby, making it easier to land follow-up shots. Slideshot offers a reload and range buff on sliding, enabling more aggressive play.
- Perk 2: Opening Shot or Snapshot Sights. Opening Shot grants improved range and accuracy on the opening shot, guaranteeing a higher chance of a one-shot kill. Snapshot Sights significantly increases the weapon’s aim-down-sights speed, allowing for faster target acquisition.
Best Perk Combinations for PvE on Wastelander
In the PvE world, Wastelander transforms into a close-range powerhouse, excelling at dealing burst damage and clearing out hordes of enemies. The focus shifts to maximizing damage output and ammo efficiency.
- Barrel: Full Choke remains a strong choice for the increased pellet density, though Barrel Shroud can offer a good alternative.
- Magazine: Assault Mag increases the rate of fire, allowing you to deal more damage faster.
- Perk 1: Threat Detector is a great choice as it buffs handling and reload speed. Alternatively, Auto-Loading Holster can allow for a quick swap.
- Perk 2: Trench Barrel or One-Two Punch. Trench Barrel significantly increases damage after a melee hit, turning the Wastelander into a devastating damage dealer. One-Two Punch buffs melee damage after a shot, synergizing with melee-focused builds.
Importance of Barrel and Magazine Perks
Barrel and magazine perks are the foundation upon which the effectiveness of the Wastelander is built. They directly influence the weapon’s core performance characteristics: range, handling, and rate of fire.The barrel perks determine the spread pattern and range. Full Choke is the preferred choice for PvP, and Assault Mag can boost your rate of fire. Magazine perks like Accurized Rounds can dramatically increase the effective range.
These two choices often define the weapon’s role, setting the stage for the rest of the perk choices.
Best Roll for Each Play Style
PvP: Full Choke / Accurized Rounds / Threat Detector or Slideshot / Opening Shot or Snapshot Sights
PvE: Full Choke / Assault Mag / Threat Detector or Auto-Loading Holster / Trench Barrel or One-Two Punch
Boosting Your Drop Chances: D2 How To Farm Wastelander
Alright, Guardians, let’s talk about maximizing your chances of getting that coveted Wastelander shotgun. It’s not just about running Dares of Eternity repeatedly; there are specific strategies and mechanics you can leverage to significantly improve your odds. Let’s break down how to optimize your farming efforts.
Fireteam Size and Drop Rates
The size of your fireteam has a direct impact on your loot acquisition in Dares of Eternity. Playing with a full fireteam of six Guardians provides the best possible drop rates. This is due to the game’s internal mechanics, which are designed to reward teamwork and cooperation.
- Larger Fireteams: Increase the overall number of loot drops per run, thereby increasing the chance of a Wastelander dropping.
- Solo or Small Fireteams: Reduce the number of loot drops, leading to a lower probability of the Wastelander appearing.
- Teamwork: Facilitates faster completion of activities, leading to more runs per hour, and subsequently, more chances for the Wastelander to drop.
Utilizing Treasure Keys and Strange Coins
Treasure Keys and Strange Coins are essential tools for optimizing your Dares of Eternity runs and increasing your chances of obtaining the Wastelander. Understanding how to use these items effectively is crucial.
- Treasure Keys: Acquired through various activities, these keys are used to open the chests at the end of a Dares of Eternity run. They guarantee an additional piece of loot, which could potentially be the Wastelander.
- Strange Coins: Primarily used to purchase items from Xur, who occasionally offers the Wastelander or weapons with similar perk pools. They can also be used to buy Treasure Keys from Xur.
- Effective Strategy: Save Treasure Keys for runs where you are aiming for specific loot. Conserve Strange Coins and check Xur’s inventory weekly for potential Wastelander offerings.
Xur’s Treasure Hoard and Wastelander Farming
Xur’s Treasure Hoard, accessible via the Eternity destination, plays a significant role in your Wastelander farming strategy. This is because Xur may occasionally offer the Wastelander directly, or weapons with similar perk combinations.
- Weekly Inventory: Xur’s inventory changes every week. Regularly checking his wares is essential to identify potential Wastelander drops.
- Legendary Engrams: Xur also sells Legendary Engrams, which can contain weapons from various sources, including the loot pool where the Wastelander resides.
- Strategic Spending: Spend Strange Coins wisely. Prioritize buying the Wastelander directly if offered, or consider purchasing Legendary Engrams if you have an abundance of Strange Coins.
A Guardian’s Triumph
The scene unfolds in the shimmering, chaotic arena of Dares of Eternity. A Titan, clad in the sleek, obsidian armor of the Shadow’s Helm, finishes off the final wave of enemies. The air crackles with residual Arc energy. As the rewards chest materializes, a golden glow emanates from it, beckoning. The Titan, adrenaline still coursing through his veins, rushes towards the chest.
As he opens it, a weapon materializes. The Titan’s eyes widen as he beholds the Wastelander, its dark, battle-worn frame gleaming under the celestial light. He reaches out, and his fingers close around the grip. A thrill of triumph and anticipation courses through him as he raises the shotgun, feeling the weight of the weapon, a promise of victory in the next encounter.
Addressing Common Farming Issues
The pursuit of a perfect Wastelander roll, or even just a decent one, can be a challenging endeavor. Guardians often encounter roadblocks, from the fickle nature of the RNG gods to the creeping tendrils of burnout. Understanding these common issues and having strategies to overcome them is crucial for a successful and enjoyable farming experience.
Impact of RNG on Farming
The core mechanic of Destiny 2’s loot system, including Wastelander drops, relies heavily on Random Number Generation (RNG). This means the game uses algorithms to determine which items drop, what perks they have, and when they appear. This can lead to both exhilarating highs and frustrating lows.The impact of RNG is multifaceted:* Drop Rate Variability: Even with increased drop rates from specific activities like Dares of Eternity, there’s no guarantee of a Wastelander dropping on every run.
You might get multiple in a row, or go through a dry spell.
Perk Selection
The perks on a Wastelander are also determined by RNG. The chance of getting the specific combination you desire is statistically low, leading to countless runs in search of the “god roll.”
Time Investment
Due to the RNG element, farming Wastelander can require significant time investment. Some players might get lucky quickly, while others spend hours upon hours without seeing the desired results.It’s important to remember that RNG is inherently unpredictable. One example is the experience of the community in general, where some players reported getting their desired roll in a few runs, while others spent dozens of hours without success.
This variance is a natural consequence of the system. Therefore, setting realistic expectations and having a plan to deal with potential frustration is essential.
Solutions for Burnout and Maintaining Motivation
Burnout is a real threat when engaging in repetitive activities like farming. The monotony of running the same content repeatedly can lead to disinterest and a feeling of being trapped. To combat this, it’s crucial to adopt strategies that maintain motivation and make the process more sustainable.Here are some strategies:* Set Realistic Goals: Instead of aiming for the perfect god roll immediately, break down your goals.
Start by targeting a Wastelander with a specific, useful perk combination. Once you achieve that, then you can focus on optimizing. This makes the process feel less daunting.
Take Breaks
Don’t be afraid to step away from the game. Take breaks between runs, play other activities, or even play other games entirely. This allows you to recharge and return with renewed enthusiasm.
Focus on the Experience
Farming can be enjoyable if you focus on the gameplay itself. Try different builds, experiment with different weapons, or play with friends. This can make the process feel less like a grind and more like a fun activity.
Tips to Avoid Burnout, D2 how to farm wastelander
Preventing burnout is far better than trying to recover from it. Here are three practical tips to help you stay engaged and enjoy the farming process:
1. Vary Your Activities
Don’t limit yourself to just Dares of Eternity. Participate in other activities in Destiny 2, such as Crucible, Gambit, or seasonal content. This keeps the gameplay fresh and prevents monotony.
2. Farm with Friends
Playing with friends can make the farming process more enjoyable. You can share strategies, celebrate successes, and commiserate over the inevitable RNG disappointments. The social aspect of the game can significantly reduce feelings of burnout.
3. Celebrate Small Victories
Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Did you get a Wastelander with a decent perk? Did you improve your run time? Did you have a particularly fun encounter? Recognizing these achievements helps maintain a positive mindset.
Advanced Farming Strategies

Alright, Guardians, we’ve covered the basics. Now, let’s dive into some next-level tactics to really optimize your Wastelander farming. This isn’t just about showing up; it’s about showing upsmart*. We’ll explore how to leverage the power of teamwork and even master the art of solo runs, ensuring you’re always maximizing your chances of snagging that god roll.
Using LFG to Find Efficient Fireteams
Finding a solid fireteam can dramatically improve your farming efficiency. The Destiny 2 LFG (Looking for Group) system is your best friend here.
- Platform-Specific LFG: Each platform (PlayStation, Xbox, PC) has its own LFG options. Utilize these to find groups that match your playstyle and goals.
- Third-Party LFG Websites/Apps: Websites and apps like the Destiny 2 LFG Discord server, the Destiny Companion app, or the Fireteams section on Bungie.net are invaluable. They offer advanced filtering options to find players with specific requirements, such as experienced players, specific loadouts, or a focus on speed runs.
- Specify Your Needs: When creating or joining an LFG post, be clear about what you’re looking for. Are you aiming for speed? Are you looking for a chill run? Do you have specific weapon requirements? The more details you provide, the better.
- Communication is Key: Use voice chat to coordinate strategies, call out enemies, and stay informed about the run’s progress. Communication is paramount for efficiency.
- Look for Experienced Players: Joining groups with experienced players who know the encounters well will significantly boost your run speed and drop rates.
Tips for Playing Solo and Still Farming Wastelander
Not everyone enjoys the fireteam life, and that’s perfectly fine. Solo farming is a viable option, though it requires a slightly different approach.
- Embrace the Power of Matchmaking: While you can’t
-guarantee* a good fireteam through matchmaking, it can sometimes surprise you with competent teammates. - Optimize Your Build: Solo players need to be self-sufficient. Choose a build that prioritizes survivability and self-healing. Consider builds that can clear ads quickly.
- Prioritize Efficient Loadouts: Select weapons that excel at both ad clear and boss damage. Shotguns, especially those with good range and damage, can be incredibly effective. Consider using a heavy weapon that can quickly dispatch high-value targets.
- Master the Map: Learn the encounter layouts and enemy spawn points to anticipate threats and position yourself strategically. Knowing where to stand, and when, can make a huge difference.
- Be Patient: Solo farming will likely take longer than fireteam runs. Accept this and focus on consistent, efficient play.
Comparing the Advantages and Disadvantages of Solo Versus Fireteam Farming
The choice between solo and fireteam farming depends on your preferences and goals. Each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses.
| Aspect | Fireteam Farming | Solo Farming |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Farm | Faster, especially with experienced players. Runs can be completed in a fraction of the time. | Slower, due to the need for self-reliance and potential matchmaking variability. |
| Potential Rewards | Higher potential for increased rewards per hour due to faster run times. | Lower potential per hour, but still a viable method for obtaining the weapon. |
| Social Interaction | High; offers opportunities to play with friends or meet new players. | Low; primarily a solitary experience. |
| Difficulty | Generally easier, as players can cover each other and share the workload. | More challenging, requiring a focus on survivability and strategic play. |