In Destiny 2, exotics represent some of the most powerful and unique gear available. These weapons and armor pieces often define builds, grant powerful perks, and are highly sought after by both casual and hardcore players. However, with the game’s evolving content model, vaulting of older expansions, and frequent character resets, many players find themselves wondering how to reacquire exotics they’ve previously unlocked. Fortunately, Destiny 2 provides several paths to reclaim these items depending on their source, availability, and in-game systems. Understanding how to reacquire exotics efficiently can greatly enhance your loadout and overall gameplay experience.
Accessing the Monument to Lost Lights
Location and Purpose
The Monument to Lost Lights is located in the Tower, near the Vault terminal. This kiosk allows players to reacquire exotic weapons that are no longer available through their original missions or quests due to content vaulting. If an exotic came from a vaulted campaign, raid, or special quest, this is where you’ll find it.
Requirements for Purchase
To buy an exotic from the Monument to Lost Lights, you’ll need more than just Glimmer. Most purchases require the following resources:
- Glimmer Basic in-game currency.
- Ascendant Shards Used for masterworking armor, but also required for some exotics.
- Exotic Cipher A rare item used to obtain one exotic without the usual materials.
- Spoils of Conquest Earned from raids, required for raid exotics like Anarchy or Terriba.
- Enhancement Prisms Mid-tier upgrade material, also used in certain exotic purchases.
Managing Exotic Ciphers
Players can hold only one Exotic Cipher at a time. You can earn them from the Season Pass or by completing a quest from Xur. Visit Xur each weekend and pick up his Cipher quest, which usually involves completing playlist activities like Strikes, Gambit, or Crucible.
Reacquiring Armor Exotics
Using Collections
If you’ve unlocked an exotic armor piece on your character before, you can usually reacquire it from the Collections tab. Navigate toCollections â Armor â Exoticsand select the correct class. From here, you can reacquire most armor exotics, but they will come with lower stats unless originally obtained through a world drop or activity reward.
World Drops and Lost Sectors
For higher-stat versions of exotic armor, Legendary Lost Sectors are the best farming method. When a Legend or Master Lost Sector is active and specifies a particular exotic slot (Helmet, Gauntlets, etc.), completing it solo gives a chance to drop an exotic from that slot you haven’t unlocked yet, or a better-stat version of one you already own.
Seasonal and Quest-Related Exotics
Some exotics are tied to seasonal content. If you missed them during their season, they often become available in the Monument to Lost Lights later or can drop from world activities like Nightfalls or exotic engrams. Always check current season vendors and seasonal challenges for additional acquisition methods.
Reacquiring Weapon Exotics
Drop Sources and Engrams
Many weapon exotics are available as world drops once you’ve unlocked them. They can appear from:
- Exotic engrams
- Random post-match rewards
- Nightfall activity completions (especially higher difficulty tiers)
Xur’s Weekly Inventory
Xur, the weekend vendor who appears every Friday to Tuesday reset, sometimes sells older exotics. His inventory includes one weapon and one piece of exotic armor per class. While not a guaranteed source, he’s worth checking if you’re missing anything or want to roll for better stats.
Weapon Patterns and Catalysts
If you reacquire an exotic weapon, you may also need to re-obtain or complete its catalyst for full functionality. Catalysts improve exotic weapons with better perks or increased stats. Some catalysts drop from Strikes, Crucible, Gambit, or raids. Make sure to check your Triumphs tab to track progress.
Exotic Quests and Missions
Replaying Exotic Quests
Certain exotic quests can be replayed even if you completed them before. These are often offered through vendors like Banshee-44, Shaxx, or the Vanguard. Check their inventory for legacy or repeatable quests tied to exotic rewards.
Preserved Legacy Content
Not all content has been vaulted. Some older exotic missions like Presage, Dead Man’s Tale, or Vox Obscura are still available via the Exotic Mission Rotator. Each week, one of these is accessible through the Director’s Legends tab. Completing them provides a chance to reacquire and even reroll certain weapons.
Best Practices for Exotic Management
Regularly Clear Vault and Duplicates
Keep track of your vault space. Exotic gear can take up valuable room, especially if you’re keeping duplicates with different stat rolls. Dismantle or infuse items you no longer use. Reacquiring them later is possible through Collections or other in-game methods.
Focus on Armor Stats
For armor exotics, stats are randomized when reacquired from Lost Sectors or Xur. Aim for builds with high mobility, recovery, or discipline depending on your class. Use Ghost mods to help target specific stats during world drop farming.
Track Triumphs and Collections
Check your Triumphs tab to see which exotics you’re missing and where to get them. The Collections menu will also show if an item is reacquirable and what the requirements are. Keep this updated as your collection grows throughout each season.
Exotic Gear and Loadout Synergy
Optimizing Your Build
Exotics often form the core of a Destiny 2 build. For example, pairingStarfire Protocolwith Fusion Grenades for Warlocks or usingWormhusk Crownin PvP for Hunters. When reacquiring exotics, consider what playstyle or subclass they complement. A well-matched exotic can make a massive difference in both PvE and PvP content.
Weapon Loadout Planning
Because you can only equip one exotic weapon and one exotic armor piece at a time, plan your loadout carefully. Some exotics work better with certain subclasses, artifact perks, or seasonal mods. Reacquiring an old weapon could revitalize an entire build, especially if paired with new seasonal tools.
Reacquiring exotics in Destiny 2 is a flexible process that accommodates both returning and new players. Whether you’re hunting down powerful legacy weapons through the Monument to Lost Lights, farming Legendary Lost Sectors for high-stat armor, or checking Xur’s weekly stock, Destiny 2 offers numerous paths to recover what you’ve lost. By understanding the systems, currencies, and sources involved, you can rebuild a top-tier loadout and stay competitive across all modes. Keep farming, stay informed on weekly rotations, and take advantage of every opportunity to strengthen your Guardian with exotic gear.