![The Hard Light exotic auto rifle with a Vex facility in the background](https://gdm-assets.b-cdn.net/images/ncavvykf/siege/22449dff4c339678f34da9411357d3d178cfdfcb-1920x1080.jpg?auto=format)
Do you want to know how to grow your Exotic collection and get your hands on the Hard Light auto rifle in Destiny 2? Then stick around to find out how to obtain it and its catalyst.
With the wide variety of auto rifles available in the game, Hard Light hasn't been a particularly sought-after weapon, however, if you're into the more casual side of things it can become one of the most versatile ARs in all of Destiny 2.
So, if you want to know how to get Hard Light in Destiny 2 as well as its catalyst, here's how to do it. While you're here, check out our list of best exotic weapons for PvE and PvP.
How to get Hard Light in Destiny 2
In Destiny 2, you can get the Hard Light auto rifle by purchasing it from Xur when he's selling it on the weekends. Additionally, it can also be obtained as a random world drop and from Exotic engrams, so there's a chance of getting it by decrypting those with Master Rahool.
![The Hard Light Exotic auto rifle inspection screen in Destiny 2](https://gdm-assets.b-cdn.net/images/ncavvykf/siege/af91964a6dc3b088acf1fbe9818f9a790d90203a-1920x1080.jpg?auto=format&h=405&w=720)
Hard Light is a weapon that veterans remember fondly
If you decide to purchase it with Xur, it will cost you 23 Strange Coins, so keep that in mind if you're trying to get a guaranteed drop.
How to get the Hard Light catalyst and what does it do?
Similarly to the actual weapon, the Hard Light catalyst is a random drop that you can get after completing activities such as Strikes, Crucible matches, or Gambit.
You can also purchase it from Xur, but it costs considerably more than the weapon itself, with the Hard Light catalyst priced at 71 Strange Coins.
As for what it does, sadly, don't expect the catalyst to completely revolutionize how Hard Light works, as it only adds +25 Stability, making it easier to control.
Is Hard Light good in Destiny 2?
Hard Light does a lot of things well but doesn't excel in case you need a big damage-dealing Exotic in your build. Its main exotic perk, Volatile Light, makes the auto rifle get reduced damage falloff, overpenetrate targets, and bullets that ricochet off hard surfaces and do extra damage after each bounce.
The best thing about the Hard Light is the versatility provided by the second perk, The Fundamentals, which changes this weapon's damage type, cycling between Solar, Arc, and Void, granting different boosts per damage type:
- Solar: Increases reload speed and aerial effectiveness
- Arc: Increases handling and range
- Void: Stability and aim assist
So, in broader terms, we can say Hard Light is definitely a good, but not an excellent Exotic to have in your collection. Fun factor alone, however, it's up there as one of the best.