The Red Death Reformed is a divisive weapon in Destiny 2: The Final Shape

Long ago, The Red Death was a highly sought-after weapon. With the release of Destiny 2: The Final Shape, Bungie has brought it back — and its dividing Guardians around the world with its impressive perks but clear limitations.

A fair amount of hype has surrounded the Red Death's return to Destiny 2, with many YouTubers (such as Aztecross) offering favorable early reviews. However, at first use, some Reddit users have expressed disappointment.

Reddit user u/Deadeyefitz found the weapon to be underwhelming, slow, and a little clunky. Its position as an Exotic causes more scrutiny than other weaponry due to it taking up that important slot that could be used for other potent firepower. However, most comments replying to our main man are positive about The Red Death.

What makes The Red Death Reformed 'Awesome'

This exotic pulse rifle offers multiple great perks. Firstly, every kill speeds up reloads, and cures the user — that's right, no reload required. Simply pop an enemy and get a convenient health boost. Upon reload though, you'll cure your allies as well.

Another exciting perk is Inverse Relationship, which offers increased handling, reduced flinch, and momentarily increased movement speed whenever you deal damage. On top of that, you also get increased damage when you're at lower health (the threshold seems to be around half-health). The damage increase? An insane 40%!

Reddit user DitchDoctor808 agrees, saying, "I absolutely love it. It has heal clip on steroids without breaking the combat rhythm to reload. I respect your opinion, but it's been fire on my solar-based prismatic warlock."

Now, all of this sounds great, right? Pulse rifle users are practically drooling already. But wait, there's even more.

The Final Shape also buffed pulse rifles in PvE by an additional 38% in damage to red bars. This makes the Red Death Reformed a formidable primary that can kill pretty much anything.

It's also a fantastic choice for PvP, with the heals potentially making skilled users unstoppable — and helping out the team with those reload heals as well.

What caused The Red Death Reformed to be 'Mid'?

I spent a lot of time with The Red Death Reformed during the Legendary Campaign and was very underwhelmed. Right out the gate, this pulse rifle just doesn't offer the high damage that is expected from an Exotic weapon—especially when I consider the damage of the Forerunner, Quicksilver Storm, and other Exotics at my disposal. Honestly, even some Legendary weapons outperform the RDR.

I can't deny that the perks of The Red Death Reformed are fantastic and the ability to grant cure to yourself and allies will undoubtedly be considered a requirement for all manner of content. Still, why would I use my Exotic slot for this weapon when my hand-crafted BXR-Battler with improved Incandescent and Demolitionist performs equally great? The latter is also a pulse rifle and is granted that massive 38% damage increase without taking up that crucial weapon slot.

My opinions aren't shared by all Guardians out there and even my colleague, Gabe Dominguez, swears by its ability to carry him through certain portions of the Legendary Campaign. He even recommends the weapon for Rookie and Newbie players (which I cannot deny myself), and there's the Catalyst which promises to make the weapon even stronger.

Reddit user BarryDylanofODIN had their take on the issues with the Red Death Reformed, saying, "I like it, but wish it had a bigger magazine. Even 33 or 36 rounds could work, because 30 rounds go quick."

Regardless of which side of the fence you are, it will come down to taste and personal experience. I cannot get over the low fire rate and lackluster damage for an Exotic, while others love the ability to heal off of every red-bar mob in the game.

This cracking weapon is this season's exotic and can be obtained from the season pass. Free users will get it on day 40, while paid users get it on day one.

And that's about all that can be said about this appealing new pulse rifle.

Check out some of our other guides too, like how to get the prismatic armor perks in Destiny 2: The Final Shape, or the Exegesis Puzzles and Boss Guide.