Enhanced Sidearm Loader

Enhanced Sidearm Loader
Information
Type	Armor Perk
Slot	Gauntlets
Description	Greatly increased reload speed for Sidearms (Deprecated)

Enhanced Sidearm Loader was a Tier 3 Armor Perk for Gauntlets in Destiny 2 that provided greatly increased reload speed for Sidearms. This perk was deprecated during the Beyond Light expansion as part of the armor mod system overhaul.

Overview

Enhanced Sidearm Loader was the superior version of the standard Sidearm Loader perk, offering the maximum possible reload speed boost for Sidearms. It was part of the Enhanced perk family that provided improved performance over standard perks but was primarily available from endgame content.

Status

Current Status: Deprecated
Removed: Beyond Light expansion
Replacement: Standard Sidearm Loader buffed to Enhanced levels
In-game Message: "This mod has been deprecated and no longer functions. You may replace it with another mod."

Original Function

Reload Speed Bonus

Tier: 3 (Highest tier)
Stat Bonus: +25 to +30 Reload Speed
Description: "Greatly increased reload speed"
Weapon Type: Sidearms only

Comparison to Standard

Standard Sidearm Loader: +20 Reload Speed (Tier 2)
Enhanced Sidearm Loader: +25-30 Reload Speed (Tier 3)
Difference: 5-10 additional reload speed points

Acquisition (Historical)

Random rolls on legendary gauntlets
Endgame activity rewards
Iron Banner completions
Pinnacle activity drops

Deprecation Details

System Overhaul

The Beyond Light expansion brought significant changes:

All Enhanced mods removed
Base mods buffed to Enhanced performance
Simplified mod ecosystem
Improved accessibility for all players

Community Impact

Reduced power gap between players
Eliminated "rich get richer" dynamic
Standardized reload speed benefits
Improved new player experience

Current Alternatives

Direct Replacement

Sidearm Loader: Now provides full Enhanced benefit
Light Arms Loader: Affects multiple weapon types including Sidearms
Small Arms Loader: Alternative naming for Light Arms category

Slot-Based Options

Kinetic Loader: For kinetic slot sidearms
Energy Loader: For energy slot sidearms
Works with any weapon in respective slot

Sidearm Synergies

Popular Combinations

Enhanced Sidearm Loader worked well with:

High-RPM sidearms for sustained fire
Kill Clip for rapid reloads
Outlaw for precision kills
Mechaneer's Tricksleeves exotic

Build Applications

Close-quarters combat builds
Sidearm-focused PvP loadouts
Quick-swap aggressive playstyles
High-mobility Hunter builds

Historical Context

Sidearm Meta Evolution

Sidearms gained popularity in various metas
Reload speed crucial for effectiveness
Enhanced perk provided competitive edge
Particularly valuable in PvP scenarios

Rarity and Value

Less common than rifle loader perks
Sought after by sidearm enthusiasts
Niche but powerful when utilized
Symbol of dedicated sidearm players

Impact on Gameplay

PvP Considerations

Faster reloads between engagements
Improved dueling potential
Better ammunition management
Reduced vulnerability windows

PvE Applications

Sustained add-clear capability
Improved ammo efficiency
Better panic reload situations
Enhanced survivability

Legacy

Part of Forsaken-era perk system
Contributed to mod system evolution
Demonstrated need for accessibility
Influenced current design philosophy

Notes

Cannot be obtained in current game
Existing copies non-functional
No disadvantage from removal
Sidearm Loader provides same benefit

Trivia

One of the less common Enhanced perks
Often overlooked for meta weapons
Dedicated following among sidearm mains
Part of broader Light Arms category

References