Destiny 2: The Witch Queen debuted the weapon crafting system — or Shaping, as it is called — in Bungie’s looter-shooter. With it comes a slew of new in-game mechanics, including leveling up crafted weapons in order to unlock new Perks or Traits that will, of course, boost the weapon’s combat prowess. Fortunately, there are a couple of fantastic ways for getting a lot of XP fast to quickly level up crafted weapons in Destiny 2. These methods also aren’t just limited to crafted weapons but to any weapon that needs Attuning or unlocking Exotic Catalysts as well.

Leveling Up Crafted Weapons in Destiny 2

In Destiny 2, leveling up crafted weapons — filling up Attunement Progress or Weapon Level meter — is as simple as using them (or putting one in your weapon slot) in combat. You’ll receive extra XP for killing tougher enemies, such as a Lost Sector, Heroic Public Event, Strike, or Wellspring boss. Completing various Activities itself won’t reward you with weapon XP, but they do provide an easy way to fight a large number of strong mobs.

You can check the Weapon Level by inspecting the weapon and then hovering over it. Then, to check how far you have advanced in the current level, hover over the XP bar. Once the Attunement Progress is filled, you can take crafting materials out of it. Meanwhile, raising a weapon’s Weapon Level will grant access to new Relic bonuses for additional Enhanced Perks when you’re Shaping (crafting) a gun. Unlocking these Perks will require these rare Shaping materials:

  • Resonant Alloys: To insert an intrinsic Frame (Adaptive, Aggressive, Precision, etc.). Can be obtained from dismantling weapons and completing Activities.
  • Ascendant Alloy: Required for Enhanced Perks/Traits. Can be obtained from weekly Witch Queen campaign missions, Throne World Offensives, and purchased from the Cryptarch or Banshee-44 in the Tower.
  • Resonant Elements: Required for Perk Components.
  • Drowned Alloys: Required for Raid-exclusive Perks/Traits on crafted Raid weapons. Can be obtained by dismantling Vow of the Disciple Raid weapons.
  • Mementos: Grants, special Shaders, and Trackers. Can be acquired by completing specific Activities.

How to Level Up Destiny 2 Crafted Weapons Fast

I have mentioned that simply using and/or bringing crafted weapons into battle and Activities are how you can level them up. Now, let’s see which ones are worth your time and effort.

The most obvious way to level up your crafted weapons is by running Weekly Challenges, which rewards you with both XP for your Weapon Level from beating enemies as well as Pinnacle or Powerful drop. Kill two birds with one stone, as people say.

In terms of Raid, most Guardians will recommend the Last Wish Raid, specifically the Shuro Chi Checkpoint. It’s because you can easily find numerous Shadow Thrall in the entryway while stronger enemies are waiting in the hallway — just keep in mind that ammo is pretty hard to come by here. You can farm these mobs by defeating most of them and then reset them by getting killed or letting the timer end.

Talking about farming enemies, after the First Encounter in the Shattered Throne Dreaming City Dungeon, you will also find a room with infinitely respawning Shadow Thralls. Dares of Eternity is also a good choice, especially if you want to level up Power weapons since you can get Heavy ammo fast by clearing the obstacle course after the first round.

Destiny 2 is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.