Cartesian Coordinate is a Solar rapid-fire fusion rifle originally introduced in the Season of the Chosen (Season 13) and remains a sought-after weapon for both PvE and PvP enthusiasts. As a legendary fusion rifle, it is now only occasionally sold by vendors like Xur or Banshee-44, making it a rare but valuable find for players seeking a powerful Solar special weapon.
This fusion rifle excels in versatile playstyles, particularly in PvE for burst damage against majors and bosses. It shines with perk combinations like Lead From Gold (for ammo economy) and Vorpal Weapon (for increased boss damage), making it a strong choice for endgame content such as raids or high-level Nightfalls. Its rapid-fire frame allows for quicker follow-up shots, while options like Liquid Coils further enhance its damage output. For PvP, though less dominant, it can be tailored for faster charge times with Accelerated Coils and Backup Plan, making it lethal in close-quarters engagements.
Cartesian Coordinate synergizes well with Solar subclasses and builds focusing on special weapon damage. Warlocks using Starfire Protocol or Dawnblade can benefit from its burst damage, while Titans with Solar-focused exotics like Hallowfire Heart can use it to quickly eliminate priority targets. Hunters may also find it useful for add-clear and boss DPS in Solar builds.
From this guide, you will know:
- How good is the Cartesian Coordinate FR
- How to get Cartesian Coordinate
- Stats and Perks of Cartesian Coordinate
- If Cartesian Coordinate craftable
If you need a reliable Solar fusion rifle that offers strong burst damage and versatility in both PvE and niche PvP scenarios, Cartesian Coordinate remains a worthwhile weapon to pursue—especially when it becomes available from vendors.
Is Cartesian Coordinate FR Good?
Short answer: Very good. Cartesian Coordinate is A-tier in PvE and
B-tier in PvP with the right perks, though it faces more competition in the Crucible.
Cartesian Coordinate Tier list:
- PvE:
A-tier. Borderline A with top rolls (Lead From Gold + Vorpal Weapon) due to excellent boss damage and ammo economy.
- PvP:
B-tier. Requires specific perks to reduce charge time and improve consistency, but can be lethal in close-quarters engagements.
Why PvE A-tier: Cartesian Coordinate excels in PvE due to its Rapid-Fire Frame, which allows for deeper ammo reserves and faster reloads when the magazine is empty. The god roll combination of Lead From Gold (ammo economy) and Vorpal Weapon (increased boss damage) makes it a top choice for burst damage against majors and bosses. Perks like Liquid Coils further enhance impact damage, and when paired with a Charge Time Masterwork, it becomes a versatile tool for sustained DPS in activities like raids and Nightfalls. Its synergy with Solar subclasses and builds focusing on special weapon damage adds to its utility.
Why PvP B-tier: In PvP, Cartesian Coordinate requires specific perks to offset its slower charge time. With Accelerated Coils and a Charge Time Masterwork, its charge time can be reduced, making it more competitive. Perks like Under Pressure (improved stability and accuracy as the magazine empties) and Backup Plan (reduced charge time and increased handling after swapping) help it excel in close-quarters engagements. However, it faces stiff competition from other fusion rifles with more innate PvP-friendly stats, keeping it in B-tier for most players.
Verdict: Cartesian Coordinate is a standout Solar fusion rifle for PvE, offering strong burst damage and ammo sustainability. While it requires specific rolls to shine in PvP, it remains a viable option for those who enjoy its rapid-fire style. If you encounter a roll with Lead From Gold and Vorpal Weapon, it’s definitely worth keeping for endgame content.
How to Get Cartesian Coordinate in Destiny 2
Cartesian Coordinate is a Solar rapid-fire fusion rifle that first made waves back in Season of the Splicer and has remained a fan favorite ever since. Known for its lightning-fast charge time and consistent burst damage, it’s still one of the strongest special weapons for both PvE and PvP if you can land the right roll.
Step 1: Target Farming Sources
Cartesian Coordinate isn’t tied to current seasonal activities but can be acquired through World Drops. That means any Legendary engram you earn—whether from strikes, Gambit, Crucible, or playlist completions—has a chance to drop this weapon.
Step 2: Focus Umbral Engrams
For a more targeted approach, head to the H.E.L.M. or seasonal vendors that allow you to focus engrams. While Cartesian isn’t always in rotation, it often appears in legacy focusing pools, giving you better odds than random world drops.
Step 3: Keep an Eye on Vendors
Sometimes, Banshee-44 or Xûr sell rolls of Cartesian Coordinate. These vendors refresh their stock weekly, so checking in regularly is one of the easiest ways to snag a good roll without heavy farming.
Step 4: Look for God Rolls
The true strength of Cartesian Coordinate lies in its perk pool. Popular PvE and PvP combinations keep it relevant:
- PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy + Vorpal Weapon or Incandescent. Perfect for quick burst damage on bosses or add-clear.
- PvP God Roll: Under Pressure + High-Impact Reserves. Delivers consistency and lethal precision in duels.
Fastest Way to get Cartesian Coordinate:
- Farm playlist activities for Legendary engrams (strikes, Crucible, Gambit).
- Focus engrams when available at seasonal vendors.
- Check Banshee-44 and Xûr weekly for potential god rolls.
Cartesian Coordinate Farming Tips:
- Run Playlist Rotators: Strike and Crucible matches drop a steady stream of engrams—ideal for farming.
- Use Ghost Mods: Slot in Prosperity mods for Vanguard, Crucible, or Gambit to increase Legendary drops.
- Track Vendor Resets: Keep an eye on Banshee and Xûr every week—sometimes they sell near-perfect rolls.
- Double Up on Farming: While farming for Cartesian, you’ll also collect materials, rank up vendors, and earn gear upgrades.
Quick Summary
- Cartesian Coordinate remains one of the top-performing Solar fusion rifles.
- Best way to farm: playlist engrams → umbral focusing → vendor rolls.
- PvE focus perks: Feeding Frenzy + Vorpal or Incandescent.
- PvP focus perks: Under Pressure + High-Impact Reserves.
- If you see it for sale, grab it immediately—strong rolls don’t stick around long.
Perks of Cartesian Coordinate FR
Column 3 Perks
- Lead From Gold: Picking up Heavy ammo also grants ammo to this weapon. This is the top pick for PvE, as it ensures ammo economy, especially in team-based activities with allies running ammo-generating exotics (e.g., Cenotaph Mask or Aeons) .
- Under Pressure: Improves stability and accuracy as the magazine empties. This is the best choice for PvP, as it synergizes with the natural playstyle of fusion rifles in Crucible (often engaged with low ammo) .
- Other Options:
- Hip-Fire Grip: situational for close-range engagements but generally outclassed.
- Feeding Frenzy: less reliable than Lead From Gold for ammo sustainability.
Column 4 Perks
- Vorpal Weapon: Increases damage against bosses, vehicles, and Guardians in their Super. This is the premier PvE perk for boss DPS and major melting .
- Backup Plan: Grants reduced charge time and increased handling after swapping. Ideal for PvP to counter the fusion rifle’s slow charge time .
- Swashbuckler: Provides a damage boost after melee kills or final blows. A fun but less optimal choice for add-clear builds.
- High-Impact Reserves: Increases damage when the magazine is low. Viable in PvP but requires careful ammo management.
Origin Traits
Cartesian Coordinate does not have a dedicated origin trait, as it was introduced before origin traits became standard. However, it can occasionally roll with Omolon Fluid Dynamics (increased reload speed and stability for the top half of the magazine) on newer versions, though this is not consistent. For practical purposes, treat it as having no origin trait.
Quick Take
- PvE God Roll:
- Barrel: Hitmark IS (+Range, +Handling)
- Battery: Liquid Coils (increases impact damage)
- Perk 1: Lead From Gold
- Perk 2: Vorpal Weapon
- Masterwork: Charge Time
- Mod: Boss Spec
Why: Maximizes boss damage and ammo sustainability for endgame activities like raids and Nightfalls.
- PvP God Roll:
- Barrel: Hitmark IS (+Range, +Handling)
- Battery: Accelerated Coils (faster charge time)
- Perk 1: Under Pressure
- Perk 2: Backup Plan
- Masterwork: Charge Time
- Mod: Quick Access Sling
Why: Reduces charge time and improves consistency for close-range engagements in Crucible.
Cartesian Coordinate God Roll
Cartesian Coordinate is a Solar rapid-fire fusion rifle that excels in both burst damage and utility. Its Rapid-Fire Frame allows for deeper ammo reserves and faster reloads when the magazine is empty, making it ideal for aggressive playstyles. Although it was introduced in Season of the Chosen (Season 13) and is no longer easily farmable (only available through vendors like Xûr or Banshee-44), it remains a top-tier choice for PvE and a niche option in PvP due to its unique perk combinations . Its Solar affinity also enables strong synergy with Solar subclasses and exotic armor pieces.
Cartesian Coordinate PvE God Roll
In PvE, Cartesian Coordinate focuses on boss damage, ammo economy, and add-clear utility. The rapid-fire frame allows for high burst DPS, while specific perks enhance its sustainability in prolonged encounters.
Core Perks:
- Lead From Gold: Picking up Heavy ammo also grants ammo to this weapon. This is invaluable for ammo sustainability, especially in team-based activities where allies use ammo-generating exotics like Cenotaph Mask or Aeons .
- Vorpal Weapon: Increases damage against bosses, vehicles, and Guardians in their Super. This perk is essential for maximizing burst damage on majors and bosses, making it a top choice for raids and Nightfalls .
- Liquid Coils: Increases impact damage at the cost of charge time. This battery option compensates for the rapid-fire frame’s lower impact, boosting overall damage output .
- Alternative Perks:
- Under Pressure: Improves stability and accuracy as the magazine empties, useful for consistency in add-dense environments.
- Swashbuckler: Provides a damage boost after melee kills, but is less optimal than Vorpal for boss DPS .
Stat Priorities:
- Barrel: Hitmark IS (+Range, +Handling) for better aim and swap speed.
- Battery: Liquid Coils for increased damage.
- Masterwork: Charge Time to reduce charge time slightly, enhancing DPS.
- Mod: Boss Spec for additional boss damage .
Synergy and Playstyle:
This roll is ideal for Solar builds focusing on burst damage. For example:
- Warlocks with Starfire Protocol can use it for quick boss DPS while maintaining ability uptime.
- Titans using Solar Synthoceps can pair it with melee-focused builds for add-clear and major melting.
- Hunters with Gunslinger can leverage its damage for quick super generation.
The Lead From Gold + Vorpal Weapon combination ensures you rarely run out of ammo while dealing significant damage to high-health targets
Cartesian Coordinate PvP God Roll
In PvP, Cartesian Coordinate requires specific perks to offset its slower charge time. While it faces competition from more meta fusion rifles (e.g., Techeun Force or Burden of Guilt), it can be lethal in close-quarters engagements with the right roll .
Core Perks:
- Under Pressure: Improves stability and accuracy as the magazine empties. This perk is almost always active in PvP, where you often engage with low ammo, ensuring consistent one-burst kills .
- Backup Plan: Grants reduced charge time and increased handling after swapping. This allows for quick reactions in shotgun-style engagements, making it ideal for defensive play .
- Accelerated Coils: Faster charge time at the cost of impact damage. This battery option is crucial for reducing the charge time to compete with other fusion rifles .
- Alternative Perks:
- High-Impact Reserves: Increases damage when the magazine is low, potentially securing kills with fewer bolts.
- Swashbuckler: Less reliable in PvP but can snowball if you secure melee kills .
Stat Priorities:
- Barrel: Hitmark IS (+Range, +Handling) for improved aim-down-sights speed.
- Battery: Accelerated Coils for faster charge time.
- Masterwork: Charge Time to further reduce charge time.
- Mod: Quick Access Sling for faster swapping after firing .
Synergy and Playstyle:
This roll suits defensive PvP playstyles where you pre-swap to the fusion rifle for engagements:
- Use Backup Plan to punish aggressive players pushing with shotguns or SMGs.
- Pair with Under Pressure for consistency in 1v1 duels.
- Ideal for modes like Trials of Osiris where controlled engagements are key.
While Cartesian Coordinate is B-tier in PvP due to its charge time limitations, this roll makes it viable for players who master its timing
Can you craft Cartesian Coordinate?
You cannot craft Cartesian Coordinate. It does not drop with Deepsight (red borders) and has no pattern to unlock, so it cannot be crafted at the Enclave.
The primary way to obtain this fusion rifle is through random world drops or by checking the inventories of specific vendors. It is not tied to a specific season or event. You can occasionally acquire it as a random reward from Engrams, or more reliably, purchase it from Banshee-44 or Xûr when they have it in their weekly rotating stock.
This means if you want a specific god roll, you need to check these vendors every week and save up your Legendary Shards and Glimmer to purchase copies when it becomes available. Since its perks are entirely random, you may need to buy multiple copies over time to find your perfect roll. There is no time-limited event to farm it, but its availability is entirely dependent on vendor rotation.
Conclusion
The Cartesian Coordinate is one of the most reliable and potent rapid-fire fusion rifles in Destiny 2. It brings together incredible boss damage potential with Vorpal Weapon, perfect ammo economy through Lead From Gold, and the versatility of its Solar element. In PvE, it feels like a special-ammo workhorse, excelling at quickly melting majors and providing strong supplemental boss damage. In PvP, while outshined by some newer options, a roll with Under Pressure and Backup Plan can make it a surprisingly quick and consistent duelist.
Because it is a world drop and not craftable, acquiring a good roll is dependent on luck or vendor sales, making a true god roll a prized possession. Players who enjoy fusion rifles, need a powerful Solar special weapon for endgame content, or want a weapon that virtually never runs out of ammo should absolutely keep an eye out for a strong roll. If you prefer precision frames or already have a crafted Iterative Loop or Techeun Force, you might not need it — but for most Guardians, a Cartesian Coordinate with Lead From Gold and Vorpal Weapon remains an A-tier pick worth chasing.