Destiny 2 July 16 patch notes: Shieldcrush perk tweaks, exotic armor fixes

Complete guide to Destiny 2’s July 16 update with Shieldcrush fixes, exotic armor adjustments, and activity improvements

Update Overview and Key Changes

Bungie deployed Destiny 2’s substantial 8.0.0.7 update on July 16, coinciding with the exciting launch of Act 2 for Destiny 2: Echoes. This comprehensive patch addresses numerous technical issues while refining gameplay mechanics across multiple systems.

The July 16 deployment brings crucial stability improvements alongside targeted balance changes for the Shieldcrush Artifact Perk and exotic gear. Players will notice enhanced performance in endgame activities with resolved softlocking problems that previously hampered progression.

Strategic timing makes this update particularly significant—arriving alongside Echoes Act 2 content, it ensures smoother gameplay experiences as players dive into new narrative chapters and seasonal challenges.

Activity and Raid Fixes

Salvation’s Edge receives critical attention with multiple progression-blocking issues resolved. The Witness encounter now properly concludes without health bar inconsistencies that caused softlocks during Final Stand phases.

  • Corrected initial dialogue triggering that previously failed to activate properly
  • Fixed respawn timer configuration problems in Crucible Private Match settings
  • Extended endgame timers that were unnecessarily restrictive
  • Restored underwater buff/debuff visibility in Ghosts of the Deep activities
  • Eliminated Witness health bar softlock during Final Stand completion
  • Enabled proper enemy despawning after defeating the Witness
  • Fixed Monolithic Memento acquisition from vendors after meeting requirements
  • Exotic Mission Rotator

  • Avalon and Starcrossed now properly contribute to weekly rotator mission challenge completion
  • Removed outdated Grandmaster Nightfall listings that directed players to incorrect activities
  • Urban Parkour Pathfinder objective now updates correctly in Lost City Outskirts
  • Corrected map positioning for Blighted Clash Pathfinder objective in The Pale Heart
  • Enabled Resonant Synergy Pathfinder objective functionality with Prismatic subclasses
  • Added non-PvP alternatives to Rituals Pathfinder options where previously missing
  • Expanded Cabal kill requirement to include all combatants with bonus progress for Cabal
  • Shieldcrush Artifact Perk Adjustments

    Shieldcrush (Artifact Perk)

  • Resolved Grapple Punch incorrectly receiving full bonuses from both halves of the Artifact perk
    • While Radiant or Amplified, Grapple Punch now gains a 12% damage bonus
    • With both Radiant/Amplified and Woven Mail, Frost Armor, or Void Overshield active, Grapple Punch gains an additional stacking 12% bonus for 25% total
  • While Radiant or Amplified, Grapple Punch will gain a 12% bonus
  • While Radiant or Amplified, if Woven Mail, Frost Armor, or a Void Overshield are active, Grapple Punch will gain another stacking 12% bonus. This results in a net 25% bonus
  • Eliminated unintended damage resistance in PvP environments
  • The corrected stacking mechanics now encourage strategic ability sequencing. Players should activate Radiant or Amplified before engaging, then layer defensive buffs for maximum Grapple Punch effectiveness in both PvE and controlled PvP scenarios.

    Exotic Armor and Weapon Fixes

    Exotic gear receives targeted improvements addressing specific functionality issues and crash scenarios.

  • Fixed Thundercrash crash when cast while holding Unbreakable shield
  • Resolved Sol Invictus and Offensive Bulwark Aspects blocking Kintsugi functionality
  • Corrected grenade regeneration working with non-Coldsnap grenades
    • Spirit of Osmiomancy remains unaffected by this adjustment
  • This fix does not affect Spirit of Osmiomancy
  • Fixed Enhanced Eddy Current perk applying double the intended effect
  • Resolved raid key usage in Excision providing already-unlocked weapon patterns
    • Salvation’s Edge raid Deepsight weapons now guarantee pattern progress until all patterns are unlocked
  • Now it will drop a Salvation’s Edge raid Deepsight weapon that always provides pattern progress until all patterns for Salvation’s Edge are unlocked
  • Fixed rare crashes caused by Guardian Games weapons Taraxippos and The Title during Enhanced weapon leveling
  • Reduced excessive muzzle flash visual effects on The Riposte Auto Rifle
  • Unblocked Lightfall Exotic armor acquisition for Legendary campaign completion
  • Fixed Ignited Light Triumph encounter challenge tracking
  • Corrected XP and Glimmer rewards for Dread combatants and Tormentors
  • Resolved Xbox thermal errors near Prismatic wells
  • Pro Tips and Optimization Strategies

    Maximize your gameplay with these strategic insights following the 8.0.0.7 update adjustments.

    Build Optimization: With Shieldcrush fixes, prioritize Strand Titan builds combining Grapple Punch with Woven Mail generation. The 25% damage bonus now works consistently when stacking buffs—activate Amplified through weapon perks or abilities before engaging major targets.

    Activity Priority: Focus on Salvation’s Edge raid completions first—the fixed pattern progression guarantees Deepsight weapons until all patterns are unlocked. This eliminates wasted raid keys and accelerates craftable weapon acquisition.

    Common Pitfalls: Avoid using Thundercrash while holding the Unbreakable shield to prevent crashes. For Osmiomancy Gloves users, remember that Coldsnap grenades remain the optimal choice despite grenade regeneration fixes.

    Destiny 2’s 8.0.0.7 patch is now live across all platforms, delivering these crucial improvements alongside Echoes Act 2 content.

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