How to utilize unstable cores in Destiny 2

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Unstable cores are a modern feature in The edge of fate, Destiny 2latest extension. This controversial currency was required to infuse weapons and armor with power above 200. Although this resource is scheduled to disappear in the future, Bungie has donated 777,777 unstable cores to maintainers to utilize until then.

Newly minted unstable cores are an integral part of the leveling process, at least for now. If you’re a modern or returning player and don’t know what to do with your lifetime supply of greenstones, here’s a quick explanation of how they work, how to utilize them, and why they’re retired.

What are unstable cores in Destiny 2?

Grab the gear from the Techsec chest for a full loadout of 300 power and a flurry of cores. Image via Bungie

Simply put, unstable cores are consumed to upgrade your gear once you reach power level 200 and dropped by dismantling gear above that threshold. Higher level items give more cores when destroyed, but infusion costs escalate depending on the discrepancy between the two items.

How to utilize unstable cores in Destiny 2

Three Guardians wearing Edge of Fate armor pose for a promotional photo in Destiny 2
New expansion, modern equipment, modern currency. Image via Bungie

Unstable Cores are used automatically when infusing items such as no longer existing upgrade modules. Raising the power level of any item above 200 will consume some of your stash. Pouring two of the same piece of equipment or weapon only costs 1000 GlimmersHowever. If you have a well-rolled Techsec Hood helmet on 300, but you have a 310 with worse stats, using the latter as infusion feed is a low-cost option. For armor, this only works for the same class.

Why unstable cores are removed

A facility in Kepler, the newest Destiny 2 location in Edge of Fate.
The main topic was Kepler The edge of fatebut modern systems were also part of marketing. Image via Bungie

Unstable cores haven’t been the subject of much controversy The edge of fatebut they quickly became another problem for Bungie. The vision behind this currency was to add a source of fleeting, seasonal power during expansion that would be reset when the next major DLC was released. Understandably, this was not well received.

The studio confirmed this will disable this resource in the future and announced a one-time gift of 777,777 volatile cores – more than enough to keep the guards tranquil until this currency disappears for good.

“Overall, we found that unstable cores were too restrictive on power levels and did not drive interesting building decisions,” Bungie wrote. Rising infusion costs made it pricey to keep multiple builds at the same level, especially if you were playing more than one character (like introducing the Warlock code after the amazing Voidwalker buffs).

Additionally, the expiration date on both the total player power level and unstable cores – all with a lifespan of around six months – didn’t facilitate in this case. Stockpiling materials only to have them disappear months later didn’t sit well with the gatekeepers, and the studio even reversed a planned power reset with Renegades.

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