Here’s how you can unlock the new Whirling Ovation exotic rocket launcher in Destiny 2’s Desert Perpetual raid, with all perks, stats, and details on its exotic catalyst.
The Desert Perpetual raid is finally here in Destiny 2 as part of the Edge of Fate expansion. One of the best parts of any new raid or dungeon is getting your hands on its exclusive exotic weapon, and just like previous releases, there’s a brand-new exotic up for grabs in the Desert Perpetual raid.
This time, it’s the Whirling Ovation exotic rocket launcher, a Strand heavy weapon packed with some interesting perks. If you’re looking to find out how to get this exotic, what makes it special, and everything there is to know about its catalyst, you’re in the right place.


Let’s walk through all the details about Whirling Ovation, including how to unlock it, its unique perks, full stats, and what to expect from its exotic catalyst.
How To Get Whirling Ovation Exotic Rocket Launcher in Destiny 2
Whirling Ovation is the exclusive exotic reward from the Desert Perpetual raid. Just like other raid exotics, this rocket launcher drops as a random reward after defeating the final boss of the raid. There’s a layer of RNG involved, so you might need a few clears to see it drop.
However, if you finish the Desert Perpetual raid during Contest Mode (the first 48 hours after launch), you’re guaranteed to get Whirling Ovation as a drop. So, if you want to skip the luck factor, complete the raid right when it goes live and complete it within that Contest Mode window.
Quick steps to get Whirling Ovation in Destiny 2:
- Complete the Desert Perpetual raid and defeat the final boss
- The exotic can drop randomly after each clear
- Complete the raid in Contest Mode for a guaranteed drop
Destiny 2 Whirling Ovation: Exotic Perks Explained
Whirling Ovation’s exotic perks are what really make this rocket launcher stand out from the rest, thanks to a unique charging mechanic. Here’s a quick breakdown of all the exotic perks you’ll find on the Whirling Ovation rocket launcher in Destiny 2:
- Coronal Culmination (Intrinsic Perk): Hold to charge; release to fire. Charged projectiles have a delayed Solar payload.
- Anticipation (Trait): The charge speed of this weapon’s next shot slowly increases over time. Anticipation builds more quickly as you deal more damage with other weapons.
- Hard Launch: This weapon’s launch barrel is optimized for projectile speed. Greatly increases projectile speed. Decreases stability. Slightly decreases blast radius.
- Liquid Coils: Slower-building charger for higher damage. Increases impact damage. Slower charge time.
- Composite Stock: This weapon has a versatile dual-purpose stock. Slightly increases stability. Slightly increases handling speed.
Whirling Ovation Stats:
- Weapon Name: Whirling Ovation
- Weapon Type: Rocket Launcher
- Element: Strand
- Ammo Type: Heavy
- Charge Time: 5000
- Magazine Size: 7
- RPM: 12


Destiny 2 Whirling Ovation Exotic Catalyst
The exotic catalyst for Whirling Ovation hasn’t been officially detailed by Bungie yet. Typically, raid and dungeon exotics get a catalyst with the post-raid quest after launch, usually required to find collectibles, solve puzzles within the activity.
Once we get more details or the community figures out the full catalyst details, we’ll update this guide right away.


Whirling Ovation Weapon Lore
“FORGET THE PAIN, FORGET THE PRACTICE, FORGET THE BLISTERS UNDER YOUR DANCING SHOES. YOUR AUDIENCE IS WAITING.
“Rashida ab Owain, MS, clicks her field recorder on. With it clipped to her bag’s strap, this means tapping at her chest.
“The metal-and-glass thing on the ridge taps, with mechanical jerkiness, at its own.
“She scratches her head with her pen. The thing scratches the pointed lower section of its cranium. Its cranium-like structure, Rashida reminds herself.
“The thing is taller than her, shorter than an adult Eliksni. Bipedal, two arms, bilaterally symmetrical. A light bisects its cranium-like structure, its blue-white glow brighter than that of the glass in its middle. She leans forward to get a better look at its contents; again, the thing mirrors her, its fan-like crest catching the light.
“Rashida ducks her head towards her recorder, aware of every small motion she makes. ‘New discovery needing investigation,’ she mutters into it. ‘Mechanical or biomechanical being, suspected sentient. Clear window on the ventral side filled with some glowing matter. Maybe liquid crystal? A power source?’
“Rashida is a mechanical engineer specializing in the design and maintenance of hydroponic systems. She is in no way qualified to initiate contact with a potential second non-human species on Kepler.
“‘I need… language specialists. Anthropology. Biomechanics. Programming. Holy Anomaly help us all, I need the evolutionary biologists.’
“The thing takes a rocking step closer. Rashida looks it up and down.
“She steps once towards it, mimicking its motion. It points at her; she points first towards it, then towards herself, waiting for its response.
“Rashida needs experts. What she has is herself.
“‘Hypothesis, testing, iteration,’ she murmurs, the mantra calming. ‘Amen.’”
That’s everything you need to know about Whirling Ovation, the new exotic rocket launcher from the Desert Perpetual raid. While you’re here, make sure to check out our complete Deser Perpetual loot table, which features weapon and armor drops from each encounter.
What are your thoughts on this exotic? Let us know in the comments below!
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