Destiny 2: Thorn Catalyst Overview
The Thorn hand cannon is one of the most iconic Exotic weapons in Destiny 2, renowned for its damage-over-time (DoT) effect, ability to weaken enemies, and synergy with poison-based builds. This weapon’s signature mechanic, Mark of the Devourer, not only inflicts lingering poison damage on enemies but also restores ammunition upon enemy defeats, rewarding aggressive playstyles.
With the introduction of the Destiny 2 Thorn Catalyst, this weapon reaches new heights in both PvE and PvP, further improving its effectiveness in extended engagements. The Catalyst enhances range, stability, and handling, making it easier to land precision shots while maintaining Thorn’s lethal poison-based abilities. Combined with subclass synergies like Void Devour and Necrotic Grip, the Catalyst transforms Thorn into one of the most devastating hand cannons in the game, solidifying its place in high-end content and competitive PvP.
How to Get Thorn Destiny 2
Due to the Destiny Content Vault (DCV) removing Thorn’s original questline, Thorn is now available through the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower. This kiosk allows players to acquire legacy Exotic weapons without completing their original quests.
Thorn Purchase Requirements
To purchase Thorn from the Monument to Lost Lights, you will need:
- 1 Exotic Cipher
- 125,000 Glimmer
- 1 Ascendant Shard
Additionally, Thorn requires ownership of the Forsaken Pack, which grants access to various legacy Exotics. If you purchase the Forsaken Pack, you will receive a Forsaken Cipher, which can also be used to acquire Thorn.
Alternatively, players who already obtained Thorn Destiny 2 prior to its removal can still use it without purchasing it from the kiosk.
Thorn Catalyst Stats and Performance
With the Catalyst applied, Thorn receives significant stat boosts that improve its overall effectiveness in combat. Below is a breakdown of its stats before and after applying the Catalyst:
The most notable changes brought by the Thorn Catalyst are:
- +15 Range Boost – Extends Thorn’s effectiveness at longer distances, making it deadlier in PvP.
- +20 Handling Increase – Allows for faster weapon ready speed, making it quicker to swap between weapons and more responsive in combat.
- No Changes to Stability or Reload Speed – Stability remains consistent, and reload remains a manageable 3.25s.
These improvements reinforce Destiny 2 Thorn’s role as a mid-to-long-range dueling weapon, allowing it to compete more effectively with other hand cannons in PvP while maintaining its poison synergy in PvE. Enhance your Destiny 2 experience with our Boosting services.
Thorn Perks and Exotic Traits
The Thorn Destiny 2 hand cannon features a unique set of perks and exotic traits that define its playstyle and effectiveness in battle. Below is a breakdown of the key perks that make Thorn an exceptional weapon:
- Intrinsic Perk: Mark of the Devourer – Rounds pierce targets and apply damage-over-time poison effects. Kills with this weapon leave behind Remnants, which fuel its exotic trait.
- Exotic Trait: Soul Devourer – Absorbing a Remnant strengthens Mark of the Devourer, extending the poison effect and partially refilling the magazine.
- Corkscrew Rifling – A balanced barrel that slightly increases range, stability, and handling speed.
- Accurized Rounds – Increases range, making Thorn more effective at medium to long distances.
- Textured Grip – Enhances handling speed but slightly reduces stability, favoring quick engagements and mobility.
What Does the Thorn Catalyst Do?
When fully unlocked, the Thorn Catalyst grants the following benefits:
- Increases Range and Stability – Making Thorn even more effective at longer distances.
- Soul Devourer Enhancement – Absorbing Remnants now grants additional bonus range and handling.
- Final Blows Charge Poison Effect Faster – Reducing the time needed to trigger Thorn’s poison damage-over-time effect.
These improvements make Destiny 2 Thorn an even stronger weapon for PvP engagements, allowing Guardians to secure eliminations more efficiently.
Best Thorn Builds – Poison is King
Destiny 2 Thorn has one of the strongest synergies with the Necrotic Grip Exotic Warlock gauntlets. These gloves allow Thorn’s poison effect to spread, much like a melee attack with Necrotic Grip would. This combination turns Thorn into a devastating AoE weapon, perfect for clearing groups of enemies in PvE while also punishing enemy players in PvP. Below, we cover the best builds to maximize Thorn’s power.
PvE Build – Poison-Focused Warlock
- Subclass: Void Warlock (Devour Synergy)
- Exotic Armor: Necrotic Grip – Spreads poison to nearby enemies when Thorn Destiny 2 kills trigger the poison effect.
- Weapons:
- Primary: Thorn (Enhanced by Catalyst)
- Secondary: Void SMG (e.g., Funnelweb) to complement the poison playstyle.
- Heavy: Void Rocket Launcher (e.g., The Other Half) for burst DPS.
- Perks & Mods:
- Focus on Ability Regeneration, Devour, and Void Synergy.
- Mods like Harmonic Siphon and Bolstering Detonation improve energy regen, keeping your skills available.
PvP Build – Aggressive Damage Setup
- Subclass: Strand Hunter (Woven Mail for Damage Reduction)
- Exotic Armor: Ophidian Aspect – Increases handling and reload speed, making Thorn feel even snappier.
- Weapons:
- Primary: Thorn (with Catalyst for extended range and poison strength)
- Secondary: Sniper Rifle or Shotgun (for precision or aggressive playstyles)
- Heavy: Machine Gun (e.g., Thunderlord) for sustained damage.
- Perks & Mods:
- Targeting Adjuster for improved aim assist.
- Flinch Resistance mods to maintain accuracy in gunfights.
- Dexterity mods to improve quick weapon swaps.
This build focuses on dueling and aggressive engagements, where Thorn Destiny 2 can weaken enemies with poison, making them easier to clean up with follow-up shots.
Conclusion
The Thorn Catalyst takes an already powerful Exotic and pushes it to new heights. With significant boosts to range, handling, and poison efficiency, this upgrade makes Thorn a top-tier weapon for both PvE and PvP. Conquer the toughest challenges in Destiny 2 with our Destiny 2 Raids Boost.
In PvE, the synergy with Necrotic Grip allows for devastating poison chain reactions, making it an excellent choice for add-clear and crowd control. Meanwhile, in PvP, the improved range and handling give Guardians an edge in mid-range duels, letting them weaken and outlast opponents with damage-over-time effects.
Whether you're a hardcore Crucible player or a PvE-focused Guardian, unlocking and upgrading the Thorn Catalyst is highly recommended. It enhances Thorn’s strengths while eliminating some of its previous weaknesses, ensuring its place as one of the most iconic and lethal hand cannons in Destiny 2.
If you haven’t acquired it yet, now is the time to pick up Destiny 2 Thorn from the Monument to Lost Lights, complete the required activities, and take full advantage of this Exotic hand cannon’s true potential.
FAQ
The Thorn Catalyst increases range (+15) and handling (+20), improving its effectiveness in both PvE and PvP. It also enhances the Soul Devourer trait, making poison effects charge faster.
The Thorn Catalyst is obtained by completing playlist activities such as Strikes, Crucible, and Gambit. Higher difficulty activities may increase drop rates.
For PvE, pair Thorn with Necrotic Grip for maximum poison spread. In PvP, use mods like Targeting Adjuster and Dexterity to improve accuracy and handling.
Change Log
- 28.02.2025 - Destiny 2: Thorn Catalyst Overview published.