Tusk of the Boar is a Strand wave frame grenade launcher introduced in Destiny 2 as part of the Iron Banner arsenal. As the first Strand wave frame grenade launcher in the game, it occupies the kinetic slot and offers unique utility for both PvE and PvP activities . This weapon is exclusively available through Iron Banner, making it a limited-time pursuit for players who engage in this competitive playlist .
This grenade launcher excels in crowd control and synergy with Strand builds. Its wave frame archetype allows it to release a wave of energy upon hitting the ground, making it highly effective for clearing groups of enemies . In PvE, it shines with perks like Slice and Hatchling, which sever targets and spawn Threadlings, respectively, enhancing both survivability and add-clear potential . For players who prefer explosive chain reactions, it can also roll with Chain Reaction (though this is pending a nerf) or Envious Assassin, allowing for multiple consecutive shots . In PvP, while it lacks Disruption Break, it can still be potent with perks like Deconstruct, which chews through enemy constructs like barricades and refunds ammo, or Swashbuckler for increased damage after melee kills .
Tusk of the Boar is particularly valuable for Strand-focused builds. Warlocks with Threadling-centric exotics (like Swarmers), Hunters with rapid class ability cooldowns to maximize Slice, and Titans seeking ad-clear options can all benefit greatly . Its origin trait, Field-Tested (or Skulking Wolf in Iron Banner), further enhances its stats or provides radar manipulation in PvP.
From this guide, you will know:
- How good is the Tusk of the Boar GL
- How to get Tusk of the Boar
- Stats and Perks of Tusk of the Boar
- If Tusk of the Boar craftable
If you enjoy versatile special weapons that excel at crowd control and synergize with Strand subclasses, Tusk of the Boar is worth farming before Iron Banner ends. Its unique perks and status as the first Strand wave frame make it a standout addition to any arsenal.
Is Tusk of the Boar GL Good?
Short answer: Very good. Tusk of the Boar is 
S-tier in PvE and 
B-tier in PvP with the right perks.
Tusk of the Boar Tier list:
- PvE: S-tier. Arguably one of the best add-clear weapons due to its Wave Frame archetype and potent perk combinations like Slice/Envious Assassin + Chain Reaction/Hatchling, which enable severe crowd control and synergy with Strand builds.
- PvP: B-tier. Lacks Disruption Break (a key PvP perk for wave frames) but can be effective with perks like Deconstruct (for countering constructs) or Swashbuckler (for damage snowballing), though it requires more skill and setup.
Why PvE S-tier: As the first Strand wave frame grenade launcher, it excels in room clearing and utility. Perks like Slice (applying Sever to multiple targets, reducing their damage by 40%) and Chain Reaction (creating Strand explosions on kills) or Hatchling (spawning Threadlings) make it exceptional for high-level content. Combined with Envious Assassin (overflowing the magazine) or Slideways (sliding reloads a portion of the magazine), it can unleash multiple waves without reloading, devastating groups of enemies and synergizing perfectly with Strand subclasses (e.g., Threadling Warlock builds). Its origin trait, Field-Tested, further enhances stats like handling and reload speed during sustained damage.
Why PvP B-tier: While wave frames are generally strong in PvP, Tusk of the Boar misses key perks like Disruption Break. However, Deconstruct allows it to shred constructs (e.g., Titan barricades, Wells) and refund ammo, providing unique utility against ability-heavy teams. Swashbuckler (with melee synergy) can increase damage for follow-up kills, and Slideways or Pulse Monitor help with ammo economy and reactivity. Its Strand wave also offers area denial, but its effectiveness is more situational and build-dependent compared to top PvP options.
How to Get Tusk of the Boar in Destiny 2
Tusk of the Boar is a Strand wave frame grenade launcher introduced in Destiny 2 as part of the Iron Banner arsenal. As the first Strand wave frame in the game, it occupies the kinetic slot and offers unique utility for both PvE and PvP activities. This weapon is exclusively available through Iron Banner, which occurs periodically for limited durations, making it a time-sensitive pursuit for collectors and players seeking powerful seasonal gear.
Step 1: Play Iron Banner
Tusk of the Boar drops from Iron Banner matches and rank-up packages from Lord Saladin. Iron Banner is a limited-time PvP event that occurs every few months for two weeks.
Step 2: Unlock and Focus
After obtaining your first Tusk of the Boar (via random drop), you can focus it using Iron Banner engrams and glimmer at Lord Saladin. Wearing Iron Banner gear or ornaments increases reputation gains, speeding up farm.
Step 3: Farm Efficiently
Prioritize completing Iron Banner matches and bounties to earn engrams. Focus engrams on Tusk of the Boar for targeted rolls rather than relying solely on random drops.
Fastest Way to get Tusk of the Boar:
- Grind Iron Banner matches during active events.
- Use full Iron Banner gear/emblems for reputation boosts.
- Focus engrams at Lord Saladin for direct rolls.
- Aim for god rolls like Slice + Hatchling (PvE) or Slideways/Swashbuckler (PvP)
Tusk of the Boar Farming Tips:
- Stack Reputation Boosts: Equip Iron Banner weapons, armor, and emblems to maximize rank progress.
- Focus on Wins: Winning matches grants more reputation and engrams.
- Prioritize Perks: For PvE, seek Slice + Hatchling/Chain Reaction; for PvP, consider Slideways + Deconstruct/Swashbuckler.
- Leverage Origin Traits: Field-Tested (PvE) or Skulking Wolf (PvP) add versatility.
Quick Summary
- Tusk of the Boar is only available during Iron Banner events.
- Best acquired by farming matches and focusing engrams at Lord Saladin.
- Top perks: Slice + Hatchling (PvE) or Slideways + Deconstruct (PvP).
- Not craftable, so farm for god rolls before Iron Banner ends.
If you enjoy versatile special weapons that excel at crowd control and synergize with Strand subclasses, Tusk of the Boar is worth farming during Iron Banner. Its unique perks and status as the first Strand wave frame make it a standout addition to any arsenal
Perks of Tusk of the Boar GL
Column 3 Perks
- Slice: Casting your class ability allows this weapon to sever targets on hit (reducing their damage output by 40% in PvE) for a brief duration.
- Envious Assassin: Defeating targets with other weapons before drawing this one overflows the magazine from reserves (up to 3 rounds).
- Slideways: Sliding reloads a portion of the magazine and grants temporary boosts to Stability and Handling.
- Enlightened Action: Dealing damage improves Handling and Reload Speed.
- Grave Robber: Melee final blows reload the magazine from reserves.
- Pulse Monitor: Automatically reloads the magazine and improves Handling when wounded, even when stowed.
Best Picks:
- PvE: Envious Assassin (for multiple shots without reloading) or Slice (for survivability against groups).
- PvP: Slideways (for ammo economy and stat boosts) or Pulse Monitor (for reactive reloads).
Column 4 Perks
- Chain Reaction: Each final blow creates an elemental explosion (Strand-based).
- Hatchling: Precision kills or rapidly defeating targets spawns a Threadling at the target’s location.
- Deconstruct: Dealing sustained damage grants bonus damage against vehicles/constructs and refunds ammunition.
- Bait and Switch: Dealing damage with all equipped weapons within a short time grants a damage boost.
- Swashbuckler: Grants increased damage from melee kills and kills with this weapon.
- Vorpal Weapon: Increased damage against bosses, vehicles, and Guardians in their Super.
Best Picks:
- PvE: Chain Reaction (top-tier add-clear, though pending a nerf) or Hatchling (for Strand synergy).
- PvP: Deconstruct (counters constructs like barricades and refunds ammo) or Swashbuckler (for damage snowballing).
Origin Traits
Tusk of the Boar has two origin traits:
- Field-Tested: Defeating targets or dealing damage gradually increases Range, Stability, Handling, and Reload Speed.
- Skulking Wolf (Iron Banner exclusive): After defeating an opponent, you gain enhanced radar and become harder to detect while crouching.
Best Picks:
- PvE: Field-Tested (stat boosts enhance consistency).
- PvP: Skulking Wolf (for radar manipulation and stealth)
Quick Take
- PvE God Roll:
- Perks: Envious Assassin/Slice + Chain Reaction/Hatchling
- Stats: Prioritize Velocity (e.g., Quick Launch barrel, High-Velocity Rounds, Velocity Masterwork).
- Use Case: Excellent for add-clear and Strand builds (e.g., Threadling Warlock).
- PvP God Roll:
- Perks: Slideways/Pulse Monitor + Deconstruct/Swashbuckler
- Stats: Focus on Velocity and Handling.
- Use Case: Counters constructs (e.g., barricades) and supports aggressive play.
- Note: Tusk of the Boar is not craftable, so farm Iron Banner for rolls. While it lacks Disruption Break (a PvP staple), its Strand synergy and unique perks like Deconstruct make it valuable.
Tusk of the Boar God Roll
Tusk of the Boar stands out as the first Strand wave frame grenade launcher in Destiny 2, offering unique crowd control and build synergy that few other weapons can match. Its wave frame archetype allows it to unleash a horizontal wave of energy upon impacting the ground, making it exceptionally effective for clearing groups of enemies. Combined with Strand-specific perks and utility options, it excels in both PvE and PvP for players who leverage its strengths.
Tusk of the Boar PvE God Roll
In PvE, Tusk of the Boar focuses on add-clear efficiency, survivability, and Strand synergy. Its perk combinations allow it to handle waves of enemies while supporting Strand subclass builds:
- Slice – This perk allows the weapon to sever targets on hit after casting your class ability, reducing their damage output by 40% in PvE. This is invaluable in high-level content where survivability matters .
- Chain Reaction – Despite an incoming nerf, this perk remains a top choice for add-clear. Each kill creates a Strand explosion, chaining damage through groups of enemies. It’s ideal for general content and casual play .
- Hatchling – A perfect Strand synergy perk. Precision kills or rapid defeats spawn Threadlings, which automatically seek and attack nearby enemies. This is especially powerful for Strand builds, such as Threadling-focused Warlocks .
- Envious Assassin – Defeating targets with other weapons overflows the magazine, allowing up to three consecutive shots without reloading. This pairs well with Chain Reaction or Hatchling for sustained add-clear .
- Slideways – Sliding reloads a portion of the magazine and boosts Stability and Handling. This is useful for aggressive playstyles and can be combined with weapon swapping for faster firing .
Recommended PvE Rolls:
- General Add-Clear: Envious Assassin + Chain Reaction
This roll maximizes burst damage against groups without needing frequent reloads . - Strand Synergy: Slice + Hatchling
Ideal for endgame content, providing both survivability (via Sever) and Threadling generation . - Utility Focus: Slideways + Chain Reaction/Hatchling
Offers flexibility for players who prefer sliding maneuvers to maintain momentum.
Tusk of the Boar PvP God Roll
In PvP, Tusk of the Boar faces stiff competition from other wave frames but still brings unique utility to the table. While it lacks Disruption Break (a PvP staple for wave frames), it can still be effective with the right perks:
- Deconstruct – This perk grants bonus damage against constructs (e.g., Titan barricades, Wells, Stasis crystals) and refunds ammo on sustained damage. It’s excellent for countering ability-heavy teams and destroying defensive setups .
- Swashbuckler – Weapon kills grant damage stacks, and melee kills max out the stacks (33% damage increase). This can turn Tusk of the Boar into a potent tool for cleaning up weakened enemies or securing multi-kills .
- Slideways – Sliding reloads part of the magazine and boosts Stability and Handling, helping with ammo economy and reactivity in fast-paced engagements .
- Pulse Monitor – Automatically reloads the weapon and improves Handling when wounded. This can be a lifesaver in clutch situations .
Recommended PvP Rolls:
- Construct Counter: Slideways/Pulse Monitor + Deconstruct
Focuses on breaking enemy barriers and refunding ammo, providing strategic value . - Damage Snowball: Slideways + Swashbuckler
Rewards aggressive play by increasing damage after melee or weapon kills.
Stat Priorities and Origin Traits
- Stats: Prioritize Velocity (via Quick Launch or High-Velocity Rounds) to ensure the wave reaches targets quickly. Handling and Reload Speed are secondary but beneficial.
- Origin Traits:
- Field-Tested: Gradually increases Range, Stability, Handling, and Reload Speed as you deal damage or secure kills. Ideal for PvE.
- Skulking Wolf (Iron Banner trait): Enhances radar and reduces detection while crouching after a kill. Better suited for PvP.
Can you craft Tusk of the Boar?
You cannot craft Tusk of the Boar. It does not drop as a red-border weapon and has no pattern to unlock, so it cannot be crafted at the Enclave.
The only way to obtain this grenade launcher is by participating in the Iron Banner PvP event, which is available for one week at a time during a season. You can earn copies as random end-of-match rewards, rank-up packages from Lord Saladin, or by focusing Iron Banner Engrams at his vendor station.
This means if you want a specific god roll with perks like Slice and Hatchling, you will need to farm a significant amount of Iron Banner matches during its available weeks to earn enough engrams for focused rolls. Once an Iron Banner week ends, the weapon will be unavailable until the next time the event is active.
Conclusion
The Tusk of the Boar is one of the most unique and powerful special weapons Bungie has introduced recently. It stands out as the game’s first Strand wave-frame grenade launcher, offering unparalleled crowd control and powerful synergy with Strand builds. In PvE, perks like Slice and Hatchling allow it to sever entire groups of enemies while spawning Threadlings, making it both defensively strong and offensively potent. In PvP, while more niche, it can effectively counter constructs with Deconstruct and reward aggressive play with Swashbuckler.
Because it’s an Iron Banner-exclusive weapon and not craftable, it is only available for limited windows of time each season. Players who enjoy Strand builds, special weapon add-clear, or want a kinetic-slot weapon that offers both utility and destruction should prioritize farming it during Iron Banner weeks. If you already have a preferred wave-frame launcher like Forbearance or don’t engage with Strand subclasses, you might find it less essential — but for most Guardians seeking a powerful and versatile add-clear tool, Tusk of the Boar is absolutely worth the grind.
