Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate introduces a revamped armor upgrade system, fundamentally changing how characters increase their power level. This guide details how to advance beyond the 200 power cap and effectively use the new material acquired during the expansion`s content.
Understanding the New Seasonal Power System
With `The Edge of Fate,` the soft power cap is reset to 200. Bungie significantly scaled down power numbers to simplify the progression. Up to this point, leveling remains familiar: activities award new gear with slightly higher power. To retain preferred gear, players can infuse it with higher-power drops of the same type using Enhancement Cores. Old Upgrade Modules can be safely dismantled. Enhancement Cores are obtainable by dismantling unwanted loot, as activity rewards, or from vendors.
Upon reaching 200, a new, temporary system activates. Power levels above 200 are seasonal and will reset at the end of the active season. This means all players will revert to 200 when the next expansion launches, a design choice by Bungie to curb the long-standing power inflation in Destiny.
You will begin acquiring weapons and armor with a base power of 200, augmented by an additional bonus power, displayed in blue (as shown in the screenshot). These bonus power points contribute to your total character power but will also reset at season`s end.
Beyond this point, higher-power loot becomes less common. Therefore, engaging in Legendary, Mythic, and Fabled activities and events that offer seasonal power bonuses is crucial for progression.
Upgrading Gear Beyond Power Level 200
Similar to the existing infusion system, you can infuse higher-leveled items into your current gear to raise it above 200. This process requires Unstable Cores, a new material introduced with the expansion, which you`ll likely start accumulating before reaching the soft cap. While normal Enhancement Cores are used for upgrades up to 200, pushing gear past this threshold demands Unstable Cores.
Unstable Cores can be obtained from activities on Kepler, by dismantling gear with bonus power, and through certain Seasonal Hub challenges. Our initial observations suggest Unstable Cores will be scarcer than Enhancement Cores, making it advisable to be selective with your 200+ infusions.