Destiny Update 2.0.1 will Nerf Shotguns in the Crucible, Removing Shot Package Perk

Destiny’s Crucible isn’t where most players spend the majority of their time with the game. The mode is fun, certainly, but the real enjoyment is found in grinding through the Raids, Strikes, and other co-op experiences. However, when players do venture into the PvP portion of the game, one thing has been very clear, the shotgun reigns supreme.

Dealing a lethal blow within a somewhat too long range, Destiny’s shotguns can ruin otherwise balanced matches with ease. It doesn’t help that there are perks that specifically boost the shotgun’s power and range. Bungie will be fixing this though, with Destiny Update 2.0.1.

Nerfing the shotgun once again, Bungie will be removing a specific perk from everyone’s shotguns. “With the deployment of Update 2.0.1, we will wholesale remove the Shot Package perk from all Shotguns,” explained Destiny Senior Designer Jon Weisnewski. “Any shotgun with Shot Package (depending on the exact weapon) will now have Close and/or Personal, Crowd Control, or Knee Pads. This change has not negatively impacted our PVE playtests.”

Why is this one perk in Bungie’s update crosshairs? Because everyone was using it way too much. “One piece of community feedback that has been unanimous is that the changes to Shotgun perks were not enough to curb their lethality at extreme ranges in the Crucible. The prevalence of Shot Package on almost every long-range Shotgun has effectively redefined the close-quarters combat experience. Going forward, we’ll continue to dial in Shotgun range.”

However, Bungie doesn’t feel that the removal of Shot Package will make the shotgun useless. “Most PVP maps have great flank routes and tight spaces. Game modes like Control, Salvage, and Rift ask players to converge upon and fight over small spaces to win. With or without Shot Package, even our shortest range Shotguns will continue to be effective death dealers in the hands of a skilled Guardian. With Shot Package on a time-out, we can recalibrate the effective range and research a way to hopefully reintroduce the perk after some time at the work bench.”