The Definitive Review of the Praxic Blade in Destiny 2 Renegades
The success of the Renegades expansion was, by many accounts, contingent upon the introduction of this weapon—the Praxic Blade in Destiny 2 Renegades. We are pleased to report that this unique Exotic sword, which is often likened to a lightsaber, has dramatically surpassed all expectations. Its deep customization, multiple ways of combat, and an array of utility make it one of the topmost offensive and defensive weapons across the game universe.
Not an exotic for the dungeon or raid; instead, the Praxic Blade is acquired by completing a dedicated and intricate Exotic mission. The mission was put through its paces by us early in the expansion, and we can certainly say that the journey was just as rewarding as the destination.
Exotic Functionality and Damage Metrics
With an exotic list not quite comparable to any weapon, the utility of the Praxic Blade in Destiny 2 Renegades far surpasses the complexity and utility of a list of other Exotics combined. The weapon is absolutely craftable and thus allows for deep modifications that surely play into its combat performance.
Ranged Weapon Trait: Precision Throws
The primary Exotic perk introduces dynamic ranged functionality that consumes about three units of Special Ammo per throw:
Standard Throw (Ranged Attack): A simple right-click press throws the blade, which actively seeks and attacks multiple targets before recalling. This attack dealt 1,514 damage against red-bar enemies in the firing range.
Heavy Throw (Precision Strike): Holds the throw button for a more powerful throw, sending the blade on a straight line toward the aim point. This attack doubled damage to 3,028 damage, a very powerful way to dispatch one hard target fairly quickly.
Note: The standard throw does better in clearing groups while the heavy throw is more apt for concentrating damage onto one enemy.
Close-Quarters Combo & Reflection
Cornered Combo: This perk facilitates traditional sword play. After executing three rapid Light Melee attacks (each consuming one Special Ammo), rapidly pressing the Heavy Attack button executes a powerful finishing combo. Crucially, the last Heavy Attack in this sequence does not consume special ammo, rendering it a massive burst of damage (beyond 2,305 damage).
Cormorant's Reversal: This defines the weapon's defensive utility. While guarding, incoming projectiles are converted into energy bolts that are reflected back toward its aim point. Testing confirmed that deflected shots dispatch weaker targets instantly.
Strategic Synergy: The Tank's New God-Roll
Building up a wonderfully symbiotic relationship with certain Exotic armor pieces, the Praxic Blade in Destiny 2 Renegades maximizes its defensive capabilities while adding significant offensive strength.
Titan Stronghold Synergy: Combining the Praxic Blade with the Stronghold Exotic gauntlets is arguably the strongest defensive build in the game's history. Stronghold maximizes the guard stance, grants damage reduction, and provides Restoration upon blocking shots.
Unending Defense: This pairing allows for essentially infinite blocking capability.
Reflected Offense: The Praxic Blade's ability to reflect projectiles while guarding, combined with the benefits afforded through Stronghold, turns defense into offense. You can truly line up where that reflected damage is aimed at opposing targets, a massive upgrade from previous reflection mechanics.
Damage Amplification: The damage from these reflected shots can be amped further by subclass mechanics associated with Banner of War stacks or Bolt Charge (if available through artifact mods), creating a solo tank powerhouse capable of clearing Ultimate difficulty content.
The Artifact and Customization Potential
The artifact mods available this season are exceptionally well-suited for swords, transforming their utility and encouraging players who usually favour primary weapons to give the Praxic Blade a try.
Key Artifact Synergies:
Sword Storm Combo: This top-dog perk is activated by performing the three-Light-Attack combo followed by a Heavy Attack (which perfectly aligns with the Praxic Blade's Cornered Combo). It summons powerful Penumbra Blades that swarm and damage nearby combatants, with sword final blows extending their duration.
Singularity Blade: This mod enhances Void builds, causing melee and sword hits to weaken targets while final blows create a weakening burst, providing essential utility against high-tier enemies.
Underling the strength of the Praxic Blade in Destiny 2 Renegades following its deep crafting options: multiple forms from the blade, power cores, and exotic catalysts that drastically change the weapon's performance, appearance, and damage profile. One can expect cosmetic finish underlining quality and the potential for thirsty experimentation.
Crucible Viability (PvP)
While blocking stays risky (thanks to Shaka damage) during the pretty un-gratifying setting of PvP, the Praxic Blade stands on solid grounds of viability.
Aggressive Activity: The ranged throw permits long-distance eliminations that can take one by surprise, while being able to proc the Sword Storm Combo artifact mod (surrounding Penumbra Blades) makes the unfortunate close-duel dimension quite interesting and dangerous for the enemy.
Ammo Management: Like with the rest of Special Ammo swords, the main barrier is to manage its supply. But whenever you can get the ammo, then one-hit kill potential, combined with some offensive artifact perks, would make the Praxic Blade so much fun to run around with.
The Praxic Blade in Destiny 2 Renegades is all too relevant and necessary, way beyond being a cool gimmick. It is a maturation of the sword archetype into an art of utility and power.
Though the Praxic Blade is currently dominating the conversation, the Renegades expansion introduced several top-tier Exotics. For a full analysis of the potent Solar Special Ammo option, see our complete breakdown of Heirloom in Renegades.
