Destiny 2: How to Obtain the Ice Breaker Exotic Sniper Rifle

In the latest chapters of Destiny 2: The Final Shape, players have seen the return of several beloved Destiny 1 exotics, including the Red Death Reformed, Khvostov, and now the iconic sniper rifle, Ice Breaker. While the previous exotics had their own unique paths for acquisition—Red Death being a seasonal exotic and Khvostov requiring an extensive hidden quest—the method for obtaining Ice Breaker was initially uncertain. However, Guardians can now embark on a journey into the Vesper's Host dungeon to claim this classic weapon.

[Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for the Vesper's Host Dungeon in Destiny 2.]

Ice Breaker is a Solar sniper rifle that utilizes special ammo and has undergone some changes since its debut in Destiny 1. Its curated roll features Corkscrew Rifling, Accurized Rounds, Composite Stock, and its signature exotic perk, Ice Breaker. This perk causes enemies defeated by the rifle to explode, while precision kills or takedowns of frozen foes trigger an ignition effect. This new mechanic showcases the developers' creativity, blending Stasis and Solar subclass elements, especially with the plethora of Prismatic fragments now available. To acquire this revamped exotic, players must obtain a quest from the Spider before venturing into the Vesper's Host dungeon.

How to Unlock the Ice Breaker Exotic Sniper Rifle

Since its release, the Vesper's Host dungeon has garnered positive feedback from the community. To access it, players will need the Dungeon Key. After gaining entry, a quest marker will prompt you to speak with the Spider in the Last City, who will direct you to a mysterious station orbiting Europa. You can tackle this dungeon with a fireteam of up to three Guardians, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can attempt to navigate it solo.

For those who preordered or purchased the Deluxe Edition of The Final Shape, access is included. However, players who didn't can purchase the Dungeon Key from the Eververse store, where you manage your DLC.

Once inside, you'll explore the remnants of a derelict Braytech station, confront its abandoned AI, and face a multitude of Fallen House of Salvation deserters led by the formidable Atraks. Your objective is to track down Atraks through the decaying Vesper station to discover the Anomaly, a massive structure reminiscent of the Vex. For a comprehensive overview of the dungeon’s mechanics, you can check out Datto's guide on YouTube. To obtain the Ice Breaker, you must defeat Atraks in the final encounter, but be aware that securing the drop isn’t guaranteed.

How to Boost Your Chances of Getting the Ice Breaker Exotic

To enhance your odds of acquiring the Ice Breaker from the dungeon, the most straightforward approach is simply to repeat the dungeon run. After grinding for exotics like Euphony, Hierarchy of Needs, and Buried Bloodline, I understand the fatigue of the grind, but each successful dungeon clear increases your chances of obtaining the weapon. This "pity system" is akin to mechanisms found in many gacha games, where repeated attempts gradually improve your chances of getting desired drops.

In addition to re-running the dungeon, completing specific triumphs within Vesper's Host can also boost your drop rate. The three triumphs that enhance your chances are:

1. Alone in the Dark: Complete all encounters in Vesper's Host solo without exiting the activity.

2. Stationmaster: Complete Vesper's Host on Master difficulty.

3. Buried Secrets: Locate all collectibles in Vesper's Host.

For detailed collectible locations, you can follow Esoterickk's guide on YouTube. The other two triumphs can be more challenging, especially with Atraks, The Corrupted Puppeteer, boasting an impressive nearly 16 million hit points. However, no Destiny 2 dungeon would be complete without tough boss battles and demanding challenges. So, gear up with your strongest build and get ready for the adventure ahead!