As one of Destiny‘s most storied exotic weapons, the Monte Carlo auto rifle conjures up vivid memories of tireless questing and hard-fought triumph. This signature rifle packs a brutal punch with traits like Markov Chain and Grave Robber that synergize flawlessly with melee-focused builds.
However, what vaults the Monte Carlo into undisputed S-tier territory is unlocking its exotic catalyst for even more lethality. From increased reload speeds to the pièce de résistance Bayonet mod, this guide will cover everything you need to know about obtaining this coveted catalyst.
We‘ll dive deep into optimizing your grind, from tactical activity recommendations to ideal Guardian subclass pairings. Let‘s kick things off with a profile on Monte Carlo itself before tackling the catalyst chase!
Monte Carlo Exotic Rifle: Origins and Stats
Hailing from Destiny 1, the Monte Carlo auto rifle has became ingrained in Guardian legend for its distinct pedigree and design. Named after the glitzy European city synonymous with fortune and risk-taking, the weapon channels plush aesthetics with deadly intent.
Flaunting ornate engravings across a sleek black frame, Monte Carlo evokes the lavish trappings of opulence. Yet underneath lies a vicious beast yearning to be unleashed.
As an adaptive frame auto rifle, its well-rounded stats make it versatile pick for all activities:
| Stats | Values |
|---|---|
| Impact | 29 |
| Range | 46 |
| Stability | 48 |
| Handling | 64 |
| Reload Speed | 43 |
| Aim Assist | 60 |
| Mag Size | 36 |
With a forgiving 720 RPM fire rate, the Monte Carlo flaunts strong target acquisition stats for chaining those crit shots. And the above average 36 round magazine means you can shred lower-tier enemies before needing to reload.
But enough number crunching. Let‘s scrutinize what makes the Monte Carlo the goto primary option for melee fanatics in Destiny 2!
Monte Carlo‘s Vorpal Blade-Like Perk Synergy
The Monte Carlo sports two traits that directly empower its Guardian wielder‘s melee capabilities:
Markov Chain
Damaging enemies temporarily boosts melee damage. Empowered bonus damage scales with the number of hits before killing a target.
This perk incentivizes maintaining ‘kill-chains‘ to ramp up damage to staggering levels. Small trash mobs make easy fodder to build Markov Chain stacks before unleashing devastating blows on beefier combatants.
Grave Robber
Reloading after a melee kill reloads a portion of the magazine from reserves.
So not only does Markov Chain enhance your punching power, Grave Robber ensures your ammo supply remains stocked simply through hand-to-hand takedowns!
Together, they fuel a brutal momentum loop – shoot to mark enemies, punch them to refresh bullets, then repeat. This deadly combo makes the Monte Carlo an ideal match for melee-focused exotics like:
- Wormgod Caress – stack melee damage buffs to exponential levels
- Severance Enclosure – create mini-nukes with powered melee slams
- Synthoceps – gain extra lunge range on top of the catalyst bayonet
We‘ll explore more creative builds later. But first, let‘s set our sights on the vaunted catalyst and its rewards!
What Does the Monte Carlo Catalyst Offer?
catalysts are special mods that enhance exotic gear with various perks. The Monte Carlo‘s catalyst brings welcome stat boosts and a wicked surprise:
- Increases stability
- Increases reload speed
- Unlocks the Bayonet mod
While quicker reloads and improved recoil control are nice quality-of-life changes, the Bayonet is the real cornerstone trait here.
Bayonet Perk
Attaching a lengthy monomolecular knife beneath the barrel, the Bayonet allows you to eviscerate enemies with deadly charged melee attacks.
- Boosts melee lunge distance substantially
- Significantly enhances melee damage
- Unleashes flashy finisher animations
Combined with Markov Chain and Grave Robber, the synergy here is clear – rack up damage to unleash devastating stab attacks using the Bayonet. This plays perfectly into Titan builds leveraging knockout abilities.
Now that we‘ve covered why this catalyst is so coveted, let‘s strategize how to acquire it!
Where Does The Monte Carlo Catalyst Drop?
Unlike certain catalysts tied to exclusive quests or content unlocks, the Monte Carlo‘s catalyst can only be obtained randomly by:
- Completing Vanguard playlist strikes
- Finishing Crucible matches
- Banking motes in Gambit
So unless Lady Luck fancies you, expect plenty of grind across these core activities!
Catalyst Drop Rate
Based on community reporting, the drop chance seems to hover around 5%. However, anecdotal evidence suggests having Monte Carlo equipped or in your inventory may boost odds slightly.
After 300+ strikes a clanmate received his. Another player obtained it after just 46 Crucible games. So brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions during the chase!
Optimizing Your Catalyst Grind
With no shortcuts to salvation, optimizing your grind boils down to two factors – speed and enjoyability. Let‘s explore tactics to excel at both:
Lean Into Vanguard Strikes
Thanks to matchmaking and predictable completion times, Vanguard strikes offer efficient farming. With most clocking sub 15 minutes, you can notch plenty of runs per play session.
Nightfalls may boast better loot, but require manually assembling fireteams. Strikes get the nod for those riding solo.
Mix Up Your Activities
While tempting to solely grind strikes, mixing in Crucible and Gambit provides welcome change of pace. Explore loadouts you wouldn‘t usually run and avoid burning out.
Varying activities also capitalizes on weekly vendor perks like Crucible/Gambit prosperity mods that boost awarded gear. And again, RNG works mysteriously, so try your luck across all modes.
Fireteams Grant ‘Shared Wisdom‘ Bonus XP
Running with clanmates or an active fireteam activates the Shared Wisdom buff, granting bonus XP gains. So why not level up your seasonal rank simultaneously?
Knock out seasonal challenges like gyroscopic mote deposits, trace rifle calibration or melee final blows during the grind.
Leverage Bonus XP Weeks/Events
Keep an eye out for weekly vendor challenges awarding bonus XP too! Bungie announces increased XP events weeks in advance, so capitalize during them.
Have Patience, Guardian
Destiny RNG giveth and taketh away randomly. Don‘t lose hope during droughts and avoid unhealthy marathon grind sessions. Stay positive knowing that eventual triumphant moment is oh so sweet!
Now let‘s shift gears to exploring ideal subclass pairings and weapon synergies once you acquire the catalyst.
Catalyst in Hand: Buildcrafting With the Monte Carlo
Unlocking the catalyst transforms Monte Carlo from mere mortal into an apex predator. The reload and stability buffs polish its combat flow while the Bayonet literally adds cutthroat lethality.
This unlocks exciting synergistic opportunities with certain exotics and subclasses. Let‘s explore some potent combinations!
Titan: Skullfort + Monte Carlo
For Thundercrash Titans, pairing Monte Carlo with Skullfort creates a deliciously destructive loop. Score kills with MC to recharge melee energy thanks to Grave Robber. Then initiate Seismic Strike shoulder charges to refill health/melee energy via Skullfort perk.
With Monte Carlo‘s Markov Chain and the catalyst Bayonet boosting strike potency, you become an unkillable punching machine!
Warlock: Necrotic Grips + Monte
Catalyst unlocked, slap on Necrotic Grips for Voidwalkers to spread poison and siphon health off enemies. Each MC Bayonet finisher triggers poison, and poison kills recharge MC ammo via Grave Robber synergy. The result? YOUR VERY OWN TOXIC LOOP OF VIOLENCE!
Hunter: Assassin‘s Cowl / Liar‘s Handshake
For Hunters, either pair nicely depending on preferences. Liar‘s Handshake takes advantage of combination melee damage bonuses. Assassin‘s Cowl grants invisibility after powered melee kills – perfect for flanking Champion enemies.
Both interplay smoothly with the Markov Chain and Grave Robber combo loop empowering the Monte Carlo.
The key is identifying exotics that directly enhance melee damage, recharge rate or trigger beneficial effects. Then let Monte Carlo and the Bayonet take things to ludicrous levels!
Ideal Armor Perks
Prioritize armor mods and pieces with the following traits:
- Impact Induction – regenerate melee energy on grenade damage
- Outreach – increases melee lunge range
- Momentum Transfer – regenerate grenade energy on melee hits
- Perpetuation – improved class ability regeneration rate
Building into these multipliers really unlocks the Monte Carlo + Bayonet‘s potential for chained violence and ability uptime!
In Closing
I hope this extensive guide has shed light on the coveted Monte Carlo catalyst and the feats required to unlock it in Destiny 2. Though the grind may test your patience, finally attaching that beautiful bayonet makes the journey ever worthwhile.
Go forth and craft merciless Monte Carlo builds, embracing the rifle‘s unmatched synergy with melee-focused exotics and subclasses. If you have any extra pro-tips for the catalyst chase or favorite Monte Carlo pairings, share with fellow Guardians below!
