The Arms Dealer — Destiny 2 Walkthrough

The Arms Dealer — Destiny 2 Walkthrough

The Arms Dealer is a classic strike in Destiny 2, often serving as an early-game challenge that introduces players to coordinated combat and boss mechanics. This strike tasks Guardians with infiltrating a heavily fortified Cabal base and dismantling the operations of a rogue Cabal commander known as Valus Ta'aurc. It's a straightforward but engaging strike that emphasizes teamwork and efficient enemy clearing.

Set on the EDZ, The Arms Dealer strike takes place within a sprawling Cabal installation. You'll navigate through various sections of the base, facing waves of Cabal soldiers, including Legionaries, Phalanxes, and Psions. The strike culminates in a boss fight against Valus Ta'aurc and his brother, Valus Theron, who command a formidable arsenal. Success hinges on understanding their attack patterns and coordinating your fireteam's efforts.

Strike Progression and Key Areas

The Arms Dealer strike progresses through several distinct areas, each presenting unique challenges:

1. Infiltration: The strike begins with your fireteam breaching the Cabal base. You'll need to fight your way through initial defenses, clearing out waves of Cabal troops. Pay attention to cover and work together to suppress enemy fire.
2. The Gauntlet: This section often involves navigating through a series of corridors and open areas patrolled by more Cabal forces. You might encounter shielded enemies that require coordinated takedowns or Psions who can create illusions.
3. The Command Center: This area typically leads to the boss arena. You'll face a larger concentration of Cabal, including Centurions and potentially some heavier units. Clearing this area efficiently is key to reaching the final encounter.
4. The Boss Arena: The final area is where you'll confront Valus Ta'aurc and Valus Theron. This is a large, open space where the brothers will unleash their full might.

Boss Fight: Valus Ta'aurc and Valus Theron

The climax of The Arms Dealer strike is the battle against the two Cabal brothers. Their fight mechanics are designed to test your team's ability to manage multiple threats:

• Valus Ta'aurc: The larger of the two brothers, Ta'aurc wields a powerful cannon that fires devastating energy blasts. He also has a shield that needs to be broken before he can be significantly damaged.
• Valus Theron: Theron is more agile and often uses a rocket launcher or other explosive weaponry. He can be a significant threat from a distance.

Strategy for the Boss Fight:

• Prioritize Ta'aurc's Shield: Your fireteam should focus fire on Valus Ta'aurc's shield first. Once it's down, you can begin to deal damage to him directly.
• Manage Theron: While one or two members of the fireteam focus on Ta'aurc, the others should keep an eye on Valus Theron. He can quickly overwhelm you with his rockets if left unchecked.
• use Cover: The boss arena provides ample cover. Use it strategically to avoid incoming fire and to regroup.
• Coordinate Supers: Save your Super abilities for when both brothers are vulnerable or when you need to quickly clear adds that spawn during the fight.
• Add Control: Throughout the fight, Cabal adds will continue to spawn. Designate one or two players to manage these adds to prevent them from overwhelming the team.

Recommended Loadouts

For The Arms Dealer strike, a balanced loadout is recommended:

• Primary Weapon: An auto rifle or pulse rifle for consistent damage against adds.
• Special Weapon: A shotgun or fusion rifle for close-to-mid-range engagements and breaking shields.
• Heavy Weapon: A rocket launcher or linear fusion rifle for maximizing damage during the boss fight.

Consider subclasses that offer good crowd control or survivability. Titan's Ward of Dawn can provide crucial cover, while Warlock's healing rifts can sustain the team. Hunter's Golden Gun or Arc Staff can provide significant burst damage during the boss encounter.