BLACK TALON [Destiny 2] Huge Burst Damage Potential!

In this video we'll be taking a look at the exotic sword, Black Talon, in Destiny 2's Season of the Wish. The Caster Frame sword archetype was recently buffed, but the sword energy rework from the Summer of 2023 really impacted Black Talon in a big way!
Music Accreditation
[Intro] Matthew Chalmers - Sevagoth's Lullaby - Warframe
[Outro] Riot - Wigs
Time Stamps
0:00 Stats and Perks
1:24 Functionality
4:22 PvE Damage / Performance
9:35 PvP Damage / Performance

[@shadyrebob5999]

This sword got me my first army-of-one medal in Gambit prime. Earning the Malfeasance from that sword kill. Always been fond of it since then.

[@IronworkerGaming]

That's awesome! The strong tracking on the projectiles does make it an extremely reliable and deadly invasion weapon in Gambit! 😁🍻

[@HarlequinJitsu]

I mained it in Gambit as an invader with Stronghold. Have almost 14k kills with it. Just in Gambit

[@sebastian_blair6685]

@@HarlequinJitsu that's kinda crazy

[@IronworkerGaming]

🚨A small bit of information that I forgot to include: PVP Guard Resistance appears to be approximately 61%.

[@onearmtanner9301]

Reversal pairs extremely well with strongholds to give you restoration x2 and even more damage resist. Definitely deserves a shoutout

[@IronworkerGaming]

Very true! Even though Strongholds may not be the most popular Titan exotic, the do find some absolutely fantastic synergy when paired with Black Talon! 👍👍

[@rosamelfierrodelgado4762]

My man ... Your weapon reviews are the BEST no click bait ... Hope you have a nice day Warlock comrade 💪🏻🍻

[@IronworkerGaming]

Thank you very much!! It's always great knowing that the content is appreciated by a fellow Warlock! 😂🍻

[@Mugiwara2k]

Black Talon is one of my favorite exotics, even though I acknowledge it’s pretty niche. The weapon EXCELS in Gambit though, one of the best invasion weapons that always catches people off guard.

[@IronworkerGaming]

It is absolutely amazing in Gambit! 👍👍

[@electricfish9]

Thank you for making this video about my favorite sword. 🤩 It doesn't get enough love.

[@generalnawaki]

Damn am I glad your reviews are back. I was just trying to think of a good void exotic for my lock yesterday night and totally forgot black talon existed.

[@IronworkerGaming]

Hahaha! I hope you enjoy it if you decide to try it out! Black Talon is one of those weapons that every time I pick it up I ask myself "why don't I use this more!?" 😂🍻

[@axpekt_]

THE MAN THE MYTH THE LEGEND BACK AT IT!

[@IronworkerGaming]

Haha! I'm doing my best to keep the videos rolling out! 😁🍻

[@neonace3885]

I remember using Black Talon back in Forsaken to speedrun one of the Nightfalls where you hunt one of the people that killed Cayde at the final room where you get teleported and have to damage something to get untethered

[@codyellis8940]

Three things to improve this weapon: 1) put Relentless Strike on it but for heavy attacks (only for pve to keep it balanced) 2) make it when swapping to it, it fully recharges your heavy attack charge. (Make it more functional for dps rotations) 3) [optional] make the projectile volitile when it hits a target (gives more synergy with void subclass) I mention these three because though the damage for the sword is great, it lacks in being able to dish out constant damage compared to other long ranged heavy sources and doesn't have much synergy to play well in endgame content. Lament is great for endgame stuff, why can't black talon be it's equal/counter.

[@IronworkerGaming]

Those would be some really nice improvements to see on the weapon! 👍👍

[@gamerprodigy107]

I had a very cool idea for this weapon. When reversal us activated let its projectiles stun ALL champions!!! This would make it a skilled swiss army knife.

[@IronworkerGaming]

Ahhh. I love that idea! It might be a shade too useful, but for Black Talon, I'd be more than happy to turn a blind eye to that! 😂🍻

[@gamerprodigy107]

@@IronworkerGaming i mean not really it is a heavy after all

[@paul4890]

The slammer with cold steel has good utility for stunning all champs…and stasis in general. But black talon is A LOT more fun to use

[@sebastian_blair6685]

Ngl good vid we need these

[@IronworkerGaming]

Glad to hear that you enjoyed it! While deep-dive weapon breakdowns aren't everyone's cup of tea, I keep making them for those who do appreciate them! 😁👍

[@Fusion_Susan]

I'm glad someone else noticed, as well.

[@lenyekpenyek]

Thanks. Your content since you came back has been great. Too bad the game is in a slump now. But your efforts are much appreciated. Thanks.

[@IronworkerGaming]

I really appreciate that, and I'm glad that you're enjoying the videos! We're definitely in a bit of a rough patch currently, but I've always had a lot of fun checking up on our older exotics in the down times! 😁🍻

[@vectorortiz]

Great review, Iron. I have been using this sword as antibarrier. If you have Gryfalcon, after coming out from invisibility, your void weapons (black talon) becomes antibarrier for a short period of time

[@IronworkerGaming]

Ohhh!! Being someone who hasn't played on my Hunter in years, I didn't realize that interaction! That would be quite useful! 👍👍

[@vectorortiz]

@@IronworkerGaming you can use Gryfalcon with any void weapon. Imagine an antibarrier RocketLauncher, or even Telesto xd

[@J.Starkweather]

My man out here swinging Black Talon and Walking The Void! I honestly haven't used this sword since it was first introduced and always thought it was a relic, overshadowed by better legendary options. I will be incorporating this exotic into a build the next time I'm online.

[@IronworkerGaming]

Hahaha! Walking the Void is my favorite thing to do! 😂 I hope you enjoy good-ole-Black Talon if you get the chance to try it out. It a tough weapon to maximize, but I was pretty surprised how well it still holds up! 👍🍻

[@DJTyme209]

he's back 😉👍🏾

[@IronworkerGaming]

😁🍻👍

[@IAmTetsuo1]

Been wondering how this would do since I was toying with ritual caster and the strand one on some builds and they were hitting. Dope video

[@IronworkerGaming]

Glad to hear that you enjoyed it! Black Talon can feel like a finicky sword at times, but there some nice potential within it! 👍🍻

[@IAmTetsuo1]

@@IronworkerGaming thanks OG Iron 💪🏿!

[@rollingr0ck]

The strength of BT was always its' ability to launch a projectile for 1 ammo. Honestly, that was the only real reason to use it; it made various content easy as hell, and very enjoyable. Glad to see that is still the case.

[@IronworkerGaming]

It is nice being able to cast one out when you're down to a single round in reserves! 👍👍

[@buckaroobanzai2551]

This has always been my favorite exotic sword. I pair this with ros arago on a gyrfalcons and it's gross man. Clan mates always bust my balls for using it but I try leading them to the light lol. Great vid homey.

[@IronworkerGaming]

It really is a great weapon, and while I'm not well versed in the ways of the Hunter, it does sound like an awesome pairing with Gyrfalcons! 😂 Best of luck with your continued effort to bring your clanmates into the Cult of the Black Talon! 🤣🍻

[@SliideTube]

I have 1k+ killed with black talon in crucible, and main it in PVE so I’ve seen it all with this exotic. You killed the PVE portion of the vid - all I can really add to PVP is that the AOE damage from hitting a guardian will net you free multi kills if teams are bunched together. However it’s very inconsistent. Additionally the tracking when ‘chasing’ an opponent falls off after about 40ish (?) meters. Reversal is also finicky and best not to use in PVP, ever. Very small window of protection when you’re being shot at. All in all, it’s a fun weapon for PVP, just don’t bring it into trials etc. Somewhat unreliable, but has a ton of soul to it. Great video my man

[@IronworkerGaming]

Thank you very much, and I'm glad that I could do the weapon justice in the eyes of someone who is more of an expert on it than myself! Also, I appreciate the additional insights regarding PvP. I love learning about those small bits of knowledge regarding our weapons! 😁🍻

[@ChosenParanoia]

thx

[@IronworkerGaming]

You're quite welcome! 😁👍

[@Kurokami-One]

All i wanted was that they change reversal to work for more than 0,5 second and work with all damage type (even if the buff drained all energy or something), the reason is more because of ping and server detection of an actual reversal being succesful, the second is just to make the exotic useful against all types of encounter you don't have to stay waiting for a damn MELEE to activate the whole exotic, just look at Heartshadow (after the rework) and Lament, both are amazing on activating their respective exotic perks, come on, its time to change.

[@derrick7806]

this was easily one of my fav exotics back then, now i probably would say my fav exotic sword is lament bro!

[@IronworkerGaming]

I'll always have a soft spot for Black Talon, but Lament is a damage monster! That sword can still make quick work of nearly any enemy! 😁🍻

[@derrick7806]

@IronworkerGaming agreed bro! And yea black talon is beastly when used correctly!

[@kagekitsune98_56]

Favorite sword

[@IronworkerGaming]

It really is a great weapon, and it's always good to hear from you! 😁🍻

[@kagekitsune98_56]

@@IronworkerGaming got like, 20k kills on mine and always my damage option when swords are needed

[@IronworkerGaming]

@@kagekitsune98_56 I really need to start using it more often. It's kind of tough when I'm basically reviewing a new exotic ever few days, but Black Talon can definitely do some work! 👍👍

[@kagekitsune98_56]

@@IronworkerGaming used it as a meme during crota's end WF race at Ir Yut Did consistent and high damage My team put it on as well, and ended up killing her straight after. Only reason we managed to beat her that day🤣🤣

[@kiharihate2897]

Something to also note is: During the pvp testing, it broke the well in one. Wells do not disappear after the caster perishes, like bubbles.

[@IronworkerGaming]

Very true! One single projectile did completely eliminate that Well! 👍👍

[@kiharihate2897]

@@IronworkerGaming Stats affect the well, but I just assume Mrs. Ironworker probably runs around the standard tiers, gonna start using this thing for trials now lmao

[@IronworkerGaming]

@@kiharihate2897 I do believe she was at T8 during that test, just so you know. 👍👍

[@ghosthouse6672]

I love running this thing in pvp.. it’s nasty

[@IronworkerGaming]

It really is a scary strong PvP weapon in the right hands! 👍👍

[@ghosthouse6672]

@@IronworkerGaming ohhhh yeah it is… I’m talking triple downs all day

[@KreeTerry]

I think talon could use a bit more AoE on the projectile blast for ad clear efficiency. In dreamland it would get some volatile shenanigans in some way but I’m not holding my breathe.

[@IronworkerGaming]

That would be nice. Something boosting up it's ability to deal with hoards of redbars would make Black Talon feel like a very complete package. 👍👍

[@ElevatedScvrecrow]

Remember when this exotic fist dropped? Everybody was wanting it

[@IronworkerGaming]

Oh yeah! People had that craving for a projectile sword since D1, and Black Talon delivered in Forsaken! 😁👍

[@ElevatedScvrecrow]

@IronworkerGaming It did, I'm glad it's buffed I'm going to play later and use it 😁🍻

[@IronworkerGaming]

@@ElevatedScvrecrow Nice! I hope it treats you well! 🍻

[@miguelmelenciano765]

Awesome… oh wow I forgot there’s 3 exotic swords 🎉. ….. which one is better arc void, or solar swords exotic.

[@IronworkerGaming]

I honestly don't think that I'd say that one is outright better than the other. All three of them can be quite good in their own specific way. 👍👍

[@s1lentcalib3r]

Gyrfalcon hunter with this ros arago goes nuts

[@eri_sister_of_aerial]

I do believe that Black Talon did get improved, however, the energy costs of its heavy attacks are a bit too much considering Legendary Casters spend 4 energy Total on heavy attack. How much damage was a Caster frame base in comparison?

[@IronworkerGaming]

You would get more bang for your buck per projectile with a Legendary. I do believe that they can tick 10 times if the enemy stays within the AoE which would be just shy of 65k damage per cast vs Akelous with a boss spec applied. In a longer damage phase, it might be worth going that route, but I see Black Talon more in line with RLs with it's ability to deliver strong burst damage at a comparable ammo cost (both with 8-9 shots at full reserves). 👍👍

[@samaron8970]

I just think it's such a cool weapon design, and has everyone noticed that the tormentor's scythe works like black talon?

[@IronworkerGaming]

I never put two and two together, but I think you could be right. The Tormentor Scythe and Black Talon's projectile may be the very same asset, just with the travel speed slowed way down. 👍👍

[@samaron8970]

@@IronworkerGaming BUNGIE never misses a chance to reuse an asset.

[@alex62965]

id say give it antibarrier intrinsic, i remember breaking barriers with it ages ago when it was anti barrier i think

[@IronworkerGaming]

That would be nice to see! 👍👍

[@mtt3000]

It was never anti barrier.

[@Afrognamedglen]

Question, on a boss if a charged heavy attack does ~50,000 dmg for 4 ammo and an uncharged heavy attack does ~17,000 dmg but only costs 1 ammo, would it be better to do 2 heavy then spam uncharged after? Seeing as 17,000*4=68,000 vs 50,000. Also does Banner of War amp up both, just charged attacks or neither? Just wanted to ask as I want to get more use out of my Stronghold build and use something other than Lament all the time.

[@IronworkerGaming]

To the best of my knowledge, Banner of War should give you an extra 10% to all sword damage. The uncharged spam is an option. You won't be applying the damage quite as fast, or have the option to proc reversal, but it can work for sustained damage. If you can manage it though, a series of light attacks would be a better option since it is giving your sword energy will be replenishing at the same time allowing for another charged cast. I hope that helps out, and enjoy you're time with BT and your Strongholds! It really is a great pairing! 👍👍

[@asawarai]

Interesting point, I think it would do more total damage than a lot of weapons by spamming the uncharged heavy attack

[@LRDZw13bL]

I really wanted to see the numbers against Phyrizia. Just out of curiousity

[@IronworkerGaming]

In the one clip where I basically threw everything plus the kitchen sink at him, I clipped just over 2 million damage. There's definitely room for improvement though (especially if you don't throw a projectile straight into the sword of the Well like I did). 😂👍

[@LRDZw13bL]

Really good to know. thank you for the answer. @@IronworkerGaming

[@alexjohnson9631]

Idk since getting the catalyst and using the block I've been able to top 110k on enemies in pve depending on the guy. It's Uber busted if used correctly

[@IronworkerGaming]

I really do think it is way stronger than most would give it credit for! It certainly takes some practice to become proficient with it, but it still can be a great exotic option for the right player! 👍👍

[@14chenz]

does black talon range heavy attack proc stronghold's on hit restoration effect?

[@IronworkerGaming]

It does indeed!! 👍👍

[@14chenz]

wow thanks didnt know that. That's pretty nice utility! I sometimes run into trouble procing restoration at melee range during heavy fire. @@IronworkerGaming

[@IronworkerGaming]

@@14chenz It can be quite a handy feature for Stronghold users! 😁🍻

[@Peridarth]

My friend used to INSIST on using Black Talon in every raid encounter, regardless if it was appropriate or not We called him a madman, but maybe we were the fools....

[@IronworkerGaming]

Hahaha! While I don't think Black Talon is the right call for every situation, your friend certainly may have been onto something! 😂👍

[@gdson2904]

i played a warlock years ago with 8k crucible kills on his and he was a black talon god...ive used it ever since (3k kills) lol

[@IronworkerGaming]

That's awesome! It is a very strong weapon in the Crucible, it's equally scary to play against! 👍🍻

[@carlosflores4179]

Hey are you excited for onslaught?

[@IronworkerGaming]

While I'm not overly excited for the game mode itself, I am impatiently waiting for the next livestream to hear about all of the loot that is going to be dropping! 😅🍻

[@Pandemoniyum]

Honestly feeling like apotheosis on Solar warlock could be promising for a damage rotation Realistically you don’t wanna be swapping off your weapon, as you can’t regen sword energy while it’s stowed. 2 reversal heavies, throw a nade in between, possibly 2, and that should be enough time for the sword ammo to recharge even to full. Hell, with the energy rework, you could probably afford to throw 1 nade between each double cast, especially since you’ll be blocking to proc reversal. Really you’re just filling in the down time between heavy casts, so all pros and no cons there. Swap loadouts are useless for a weapon you need on at all times for maximum damage output after all

[@IronworkerGaming]

I'll have to give that a shot with Apotheosis Vale. Waiting that 1.8 seconds or so for the sword energy to start regenerating felt like too long of a period to sit idle without outputting damage (not wanting to use the lower damage light attacks and lunge out of a well) so a swap felt appropriate, but I'll have to tinker with it some more and explore other avenues to maximize the damage output. 👍👍

[@Strange-xc4qn]

Is there a reason you use Akelous for damage testing? Akelous has a multiplier of 1.2x that isnt present on the usually damage testing bosses (Templar and Phry'zhia) also comparing it to a bns rocket without wolfpacks(since rockets arent as good as they used to in solo or trio content) isnt the best comparison

[@IronworkerGaming]

I find that Akelous provide a very clean way of showing damage in the video without any external factors at play. The slightly higher damage I don't see as a problem since damage numbers are arbitrary by nature and only hold meaning in the context of a comparison. As long as weapons are always tested in the same environment under the same conditions, the continuity is maintained. Plus, a lot people I see testing vs Templar or Phryzhia are presenting numbers from within a Well anyway. For the Apex comparison, it's there just to provide a point of reference that most people are familiar with to relate the damage numbers back to. Like I said in the video, it's not a full comprehensive damage comparison, but I think most would be able to draw their own conclusions with the information provided. 👍👍

[@KingN3LO]

Would the warlords ruin first boss be an easier test environment?

[@IronworkerGaming]

It may have been in this case. I do really like testing vs Akelous though because if I clear the adds properly, I get a decent damage window vs the boss, without the risk of being harassed by other enemies. 😂👍

[@oloidhexasphericon5349]

Try this sword with Gyrfalcon and Volatile . Your welcome 🙃

[@retroelectrical]

the real issue is that you'll burn through all your ammo with the Black Talon in 5 seconds. :)

[@IronworkerGaming]

That is definitely a possibility! 😂👍

[@Ellyark]

most people see black talon being compared to apex and think “hey black talon is pretty good” but when i see it I think “yeah rockets are garbage without ghorn”

[@x9x9x9x9x9]

Black talon isn't a caster frame though. It is it's own thing.

[@IronworkerGaming]

This is true. Some exotics are archetype bound. Are you thinking that it wasn't included in the caster frame buff due to this fact? I didn't have the damage numbers for BT collected ahead of time to confirm. BTW, it's great to hear from you. It's been quite some time and I hope you've been well! 😁🍻

[@x9x9x9x9x9]

@@IronworkerGaming yeah I don't think it was buffed with the changes surprisingly. Been good man, sorry for not commenting as often lol. But I am still watching.

[@IronworkerGaming]

@@x9x9x9x9x9 Glad to hear it, and I appreciate you sticking with me over the years!

[@Sodamachine62]

I still think 4 ammo for heavy attacks is way too much. Should be 2

[@IronworkerGaming]

That would be nearly 5 million points of potential damage for Black Talon at full reserves....I'd take that!! 😁🍻

[@miguelmelenciano765]

lol true

[@benjj280]

"Promo SM" 🤣

[@jasondick5402]

Heavy weapon against red bars... kills them real good! love it.

[@IronworkerGaming]

I'm glad someone enjoys my awkward quips! 😂🍻

[@gadashendit]

Try sword from duality!

[@IronworkerGaming]

I have been hearing very good things about it!! 👍👍

[@gadashendit]

@@IronworkerGaming It's doing very good damage. Check Aztecross video about swords. He tested it out, and I was surprised myself.

[@Hiagain69]

PvE I'd say anti-Overload makes the most sense for the gameplay cycle.