Hand Cannons have always been among the most satisfying weapons to use in Destiny 2, rewarding precision with devastating shots and a distinct feel that few other archetypes can match.
With the Moment of Triumph update, Turncoat joins the lineup as a unique Exotic that offers far more than raw damage alone.
Its evolving empowerment mechanic and useful utility make it an interesting weapon to experiment with and a strong addition to many PvE loadouts.
How To Get Turncoat?
Players with the Premium Triumphant Rewards Pass can unlock Turncoat as early as Rank 1, giving them immediate access to the Exotic without having to progress through the entire pass.
Those on the free rewards track can also obtain the weapon, but they will need to continue earning rewards until they reach Rank 70 before they can claim it.
Weapon Perks
Small Bore (Barrel)
Turncoat features a Dual strength barrel.
- Increased range
- Increased stability
Accurized Rounds (Magazine)
Turncoat can fire longer distances.
- Increases range
Power Surge (Trait)
Rapid hits charge your next shot into an explosive round that deals additional damage and accelerates power buildup on hit.
While empowered, every shot is explosive.
Heavy Grip (Grip)
Turncoat’s grip is weighted for recoil control.
- Increases stability
- Decreases handling speed
Intrinsic Traits
Latent Power (Barrier)
Dealing damage builds Latent Power; precision hits and final blows build more, and at full power, holding the reload key will trigger Unleashed Power, empowering Turncoat.
While empowered, Turncoat will have an increased rate of fire and increased hip-fire accuracy while also causing shots to weaken targets.
After a short period, this becomes Overwhelming Power, which deals damage to you over time, but you may end these effects by reloading or if you stow the weapon.
Turncoat Catalyst
Void Mastery
The Turncoat Catalyst can be obtained by reaching Rank 90 in the Triumphant Rewards Pass, which is free for all players and only requires you to progress through it.
Once you obtain the catalyst and complete its upgrade, Turncoat is Masterworked and gains the Void Mastery perk.
When empowerment ends, you gain a Void Overshield, with its strength depending on how long you remained empowered.
Verdict
Turncoat stands out as a PvE-focused Exotic Hand Cannon that rewards sustained aggression and smart ability timing rather than quick burst damage alone.
Its weakening shots, ramping empowerment, and Void Overshield from the catalyst give it strong utility in longer encounters where its mechanics can fully shine.
While it may not be a top-tier PvP option due to its risk mechanics, it remains a fun and reliable weapon for builds that lean into momentum-based combat.
