Shotguns have always played a crucial role in the Crucible meta of Destiny 2, and the Matador 64 is no exception. Making a comeback from Destiny 1, the Matador 64 is an Arc Precision Frame Shotgun that offers a compact but impressive selection of perks, making it a valuable addition to any PvP player’s loadout.
How to Acquire Matador 64
To obtain the Matador 64 shotgun, you’ll need to venture into the Grasp of Avarice dungeon, which is accessible to those who have purchased the 30th Anniversary Pack. Once inside the dungeon, head to the first boss encounter, and the journey begins. As the sole weapon drop from this encounter, out of four possible items, you won’t have to wait long to find a roll that satisfies your preferences. It is also obtainable from the final boss, but the chances are slimmer with a 1-in-9 drop rate compared to the 1-in-4 from the first boss. You can refer to the full Grasp of Avarice loot table for more details.
However, it’s advisable to wait for Grasp of Avarice to be the weekly featured dungeon, as this enables repeated drops from the same encounter. Otherwise, you’ll be limited to one drop per week per character.
Is Matador 64 Still Relevant?
Thanks to recent changes to shotgun reticles, the Matador 64 has become a force to be reckoned with in the Crucible, primarily due to its Precision Frame archetype. Precision Frame shotguns release pellets in an oval pattern, which aligns closely with the outline of a Guardian at the optimal range. This inherent trait makes them highly desirable for PvP engagements.
In PvE scenarios, the Matador 64 can still have its moments. While it may not surpass slug frame shotguns, pellet shotguns received a significant buff in past seasons. Moreover, pellet shotguns with the One-Two Punch perk remain an essential choice for melee-oriented builds.
All things considered, the Matador 64 can confidently be considered S Tier for PvP, thanks to its archetype, selective perks, and outstanding stats.
Top Alternatives to Matador 64
If you’re on the lookout for alternatives to the Matador 64, consider the following options:
- Prophet of Doom: A Precision Frame shotgun that excels in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Acquire it from the Garden of Salvation Raid.
- Retold Tale: Another Precision Frame shotgun that specializes in PvP encounters. Obtain it from activities in the Dreaming City during Season 13.
Optimal Rolls for PvE and PvP
Matador 64 PvP God Roll
Due to its Precision Frame, the Matador 64 has experienced a surge in popularity following the shotgun reticle changes. With impressive base stats for its archetype, deciding which aspects to enhance can be challenging. However, when it comes to shotguns, prioritizing Range is crucial. For barrels, choose between Smoothbore or Smallbore. While Smoothbore had previously been undesirable, the reticle changes have rendered the pellet spread consistent, making the downside irrelevant. As for the magazine, opt for Accurized Rounds or Light Mag, both of which boost range effectively.
For Column 3 perks, you can choose between Perpetual Motion or Threat Detector. While these choices lack a range boost, they enhance handling, making you more maneuverable during gunfights or when making aggressive pushes. In Column 4, decide between Opening Shot and Killing Wind, with Opening Shot being the more popular choice due to its user-friendly nature. Thanks to a recent buff to Opening Shot, a roll with Smallbore, Light Mag, and a range masterwork will have the same range stat as a roll with Smoothbore and Accurized Rounds, and a range masterwork will boost it to 100!
Recommended Perks:
- Barrel: Smoothbore or Smallbore
- Magazine: Accurized Rounds or Light Mag
- Perk 1: Perpetual Motion or Threat Detector
- Perk 2: Opening Shot or Killing Wind
- Masterwork: Range
Matador 64 PvE God Roll
While pellet shotguns may not always dominate the PvE meta, the Matador 64 can roll with the highly sought-after Assault Mag, which increases fire rate by 5%, resulting in a 10% boost in DPS. Alternatively, Tactical Mag is a viable alternative, as it enhances both magazine size and reload speed.
In Column 3, prioritize Lead from Gold or Threat Detector. Threat Detector aids in engagements with close-range targets, while Lead from Gold improves ammo management. Column 4 offers three fantastic perks that boost damage: Golden Tricorn, Swashbuckler, and Harmony. Additionally, if you’re interested in creating a melee-focused build, One-Two Punch is also available in this column. Although it was notably nerfed, it remains a staple in most melee DPS builds.
Recommended Perks:
- Barrel: Smoothbore or Smallbore
- Magazine: Assault Mag (alternatively, Tactical Mag)
- Perk 1: Lead from Gold or Threat Detector
- Perk 2: Swashbuckler or Golden Tricorn (alternatively, One-Two Punch)
- Masterwork: Reload Speed
Is Farming for Matador 64 Worth it?
Matador 64 is a must-have for any PvP player seeking a reliable Precision Frame shotgun for their arsenal, as well as for PvE players looking to build a melee DPS loadout. With its high base range and a compact yet powerful perk pool, this weapon is undoubtedly worth your time.
While you may have to wait for Grasp of Avarice to be the weekly dungeon, the limited loot pool ensures that it won’t be long until you find a roll that suits your preferences. As with any farming endeavor, teaming up with one or two buddies can make the process more manageable, so get ready to see the drops flowing.
Before You Go…
If you’re aiming to assemble a formidable PvP loadout that can compete in the current meta, we highly recommend taking a closer look at The Immoral. Additionally, you can explore our collection of God roll guides for further insights and recommendations.
