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It’s been two weeks since the Taken King was released, but the discoveries just keep on coming! In terms of loot alone the difference has been dramatic. Before, everything that wasn’t legendary or higher might as well have been worthless. Now every piece of equipment you receive has the chance to improve your guardian! Perhaps the most exciting thing though, is that the Taken King is finally starting to deliver on Bungie’s promise that top-tier loot would be something earned rather than lucked-into. Quests are responsible for much of this, but did you know that strikes have their own unique loot now? The items dropped aren’t necessarily more powerful, but they most definitely prizes you’ll want to hang onto.

So far it’s been discovered that each strike has at least 1 piece of unique loot to a few lucky players with. How you get it is simple: Get yourself up to at least 260 light, and then play in the Vanguard Heroic Strikes playlist. After that, it’s just a matter of time. Oh, and if you’re wondering how to get up to 260 light, it’s just a matter of playing the game. There’s no such thing as wasted time anymore. Just make sure to always equip your best armor, weapons, class item, and ghost when turning in your engrams. Remember, the higher your light level is, the higher the light level of your loot drops will be. With that said let’s proceed with what’s up for grabs and where you can acquire it!

(Note: it’s currently unconfirmed whether or not these are limited to the Heroic Strike playlist. Rumor has it that these will also drop if the strike comes up in the other playlists or if selected from the planet.)

On the Dreadnaught:

The Sunless Cell

DarkBlade Helm (Titan Helmet): You’ll need to kill the DarkBlade with a sniper rifle headshot in order to claim this legendary helmet!

DarkBlade’s Spite (Fusion Rifle): No special conditions

• A void fusion rifle with maxed-out impact! Perks are randomly assigned.

Shield Brothers

Mau’ual’s Maulers (Titan Gauntlets): No special conditions

Treads Upon Stars (Scout Rifle): No special conditions

• A medium impact, moderate rate-of-fire Scout Rifle that deals kinetic damage. Perks are randomly assigned.

On Earth:

Fallen SABER

Devouring Maw (Warlock Helmet): No special conditions

Baron’s Ambition (Heavy Machinegun): No special conditions

• A high rate-of-fire, medium impact machine gun that deals void damage. Perks are randomly assigned.

The Will of Crota

Omnigul Bond (Warlock Bond): No special conditions

Grasp of Malok (Pulse Rifle): No special conditions

• A high rate-of-fire, low impact pulse rifle that deals kinetic damage. Perks are randomly assigned.

On The Moon:

The Shadow Thief

Cloak of Taniks (Hunter Cloak): No special conditions

Does Not Bow (Auto Rifle): No special conditions

• A high rate-of-fire, medium impact, assault rifle that deals kinetic damage. Perks are randomly assigned. An unusual, and deadly, set of stats if I do say so myself. This is probably a monster in the Crucible!

The Summoning Pits

Helm of Krolok (Hunter Helmet): No special conditions

On Venus:

Echo Chamber

Theosyion Vibrassae (Warlock Gauntlets): No special conditions

On Mars:

The Undying Mind

Mark of the Undying Mind (Titan Mark): No special conditions

Imago Loop (Hand Cannon): No special conditions

• This is potentially a Fatebringer 2.0! Same exact stats and it has the capacity for both major perks (firefly and outlaw)! It deals kinetic damage and its other perks are also randomly assigned.

The Dust Palace

Solar/Arc/Void Flayer Mantle (Hunter Cloak): If the cloak drops, it will be the color of flayer that was killed last.

Treads Upon Stars (Scout Rifle): No special conditions

• A medium impact, moderate rate-of-fire Scout Rifle that deals kinetic damage. Perks are randomly assigned.

Cerberus Vae III

Treads Upon Stars (Scout Rifle): No special conditions

• A medium impact, moderate rate-of-fire Scout Rifle that deals kinetic damage. Perks are randomly assigned.

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Personally, I can’t wait to get my hands on the Imago Loop! I mean, who could possibly say ‘no’ to the Fatebringer’s spiritual successor? Does any of this loot sound appealing to you? Have you heard any more about the requirements we need to meet in order to acquire any of these? Please share if you do!