Weapon Core

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Weapon Core commonly refers to Enhancement Cores (formerly Masterwork Cores) in Destiny 2, which are essential upgrade materials used for masterworking weapons, upgrading armor energy levels, and infusing gear. These materials form the foundation of the game's equipment progression system.

Overview

Enhancement Cores represent a crucial resource in Destiny 2's economy, serving multiple upgrade functions across weapons, armor, and Ghost shells. Originally introduced as Masterwork Cores, they were renamed in Update 2.0.5 to better reflect their expanded utility beyond just masterwork upgrades.

Primary Uses

Weapon Masterworking

Requirements by Year

Year 1 weapons: 10 Cores + 20 Legendary Shards
Current weapons: 17 Cores total
Exotic catalysts: Varies by weapon

Benefits

Orb generation on multikills
Kill tracker activation
Stat bonus (+10 to chosen stat)
Golden border indication

Armor Energy Upgrades

Energy Levels

Levels 1-7: Glimmer and Legendary Shards
Level 8: 3 Enhancement Cores
Level 9: 3 Enhancement Cores + 1 Enhancement Prism
Level 10: 3 Enhancement Cores + 3 Prisms + 1 Ascendant Shard

Weapon Crafting

Enhanced Perks

Cost: 2,000 Neutral Element + Enhancement Cores
Provides improved perk versions
Requires pattern completion
Applied at The Enclave

Level Upgrades

Weapon level bonuses
Stat improvements
Additional perk options
Memento slots

Material Conversion

Creating Higher Materials

10 Cores + materials = 1 Enhancement Prism
Used at Master Rahool
Part of upgrade economy
Seasonal vendor exchanges

Acquisition Methods

Guaranteed Sources

Daily Activities

Banshee-44 bounties: 4 daily
Calibration bounties: 1-2 cores each
Repeatable bounties: Lower chance

Dismantling

Masterwork 5+ weapons: 1-7 cores
8+ energy armor: 1-3 cores
Fully masterworked: Maximum return

Vendor Sources

Master Rahool

Purchase with Enhancement Prisms
Exchange ratio varies
Daily purchase limit
Season pass discounts

Rank Rewards

Vanguard rank packages
Crucible rank packages
Gambit rank packages
Seasonal vendor tracks

Consumable Sources

Finest Matterweave

Boss kill activation
Guaranteed core drop
One-time use
Farmable from activities

Concentrated Mattergem

Precision kills grant cores
Limited time active
Higher drop chance
Seasonal availability

Activity Rewards

Nightfalls

Hero+: Uncommon drops
Legend: Common drops
Master: Enhanced drops
Grandmaster: Multiple cores

Seasonal Activities

Completion rewards
Bonus objectives
Weekly challenges
Event participation

Efficient Farming Methods

Blue Armor Method

1. Pull blue armor from Collections 2. Season pass bonus = 5 energy start 3. Upgrade to energy 8 4. Dismantle for core return 5. Net loss minimal with bonuses

Gunsmith Bounty Farm

Complete all daily bounties
Use different weapon types
Stack with other activities
4+ cores daily guaranteed

Dismantling Strategy

Save Masterwork 5+ items
Mass dismantle sessions
Check before sharding
Exotic dismantles bonus

Economy Balance

Scarcity Design

Intentional limitation
Meaningful choices required
Progression impact preserved
Anti-inflation measures

Usage Priority

Recommended Order 1. Favorite weapon masterworks 2. High-stat armor upgrades 3. Enhanced perk crafting 4. General infusion needs

Historical Context

Pre-Forsaken

Masterwork system introduction
Random stat rolls
Re-roll capability
Limited sources

Forsaken Changes

Renamed to Enhancement Cores
Expanded uses
Infusion requirement added
Community controversy

Current State

More sources available
Balanced economy
Multiple upgrade paths
Seasonal adjustments

Related Materials

Upgrade Hierarchy

1. Glimmer: Base currency 2. Legendary Shards: Common material 3. Enhancement Cores: Mid-tier upgrade 4. Enhancement Prisms: High-tier material 5. Ascendant Shards: Pinnacle material

Tips for Management

Conservation Strategies

Only masterwork keeper weapons
Wait for high-stat armor
Use upgrade modules sparingly
Farm during bonus events

Investment Priorities

Exotic weapons with catalysts
High-usage legendary weapons
65+ stat armor pieces
Seasonal artifact synergies

Common Mistakes

Masterworking low-stat items
Excessive infusion early
Ignoring bounty sources
Poor dismantling habits

Future Considerations

Economy adjustments ongoing
New sources added seasonally
Crafting system expansion
Balance patches expected

References