Exotic weapons and armor are among Destiny 2's most powerful items, and catalysts upgrade exotic weapons once you complete their requirements. To plan a hunt, check the item in your Collections, read its requirements and pick the activity that fits. A Sherpa can guide you through the activity, but drops are never guaranteed.
Last updated: November 3, 2026. Written by the Guardian Sherpa Team.
What is an exotic catalyst?
A catalyst is an upgrade for an exotic weapon. Most are unlocked by finishing in-game objectives and then completing further requirements, and the exact steps differ by weapon. Check the weapon's details in-game for the current requirements.
Because Bungie has adjusted how catalysts are earned over time, older web guides can be out of date. The weapon's own screen in your game is the source of truth, so treat any outside guide, including this one, as a planning aid and confirm the requirement before you book.
Who is an exotic hunt session for?
A hunt session fits players who know which item they want but are short on time, short on a fireteam, or unsure which activity moves the item forward. It also suits players returning after a break who want to rebuild a collection without reading ten separate guides.
- Solo players who find group-based objectives hard to schedule.
- Returning players who need a clear order to chase items in.
- Completionists working through a long list of catalysts and wanting company for the slow ones.
- Newer players who want to see how a raid or dungeon objective works before attempting it alone.
How do I plan an exotic hunt?
- Open your Collections and find the item you want.
- Read where it comes from and what it needs.
- Match it to an activity such as a raid, dungeon or other mission.
- Choose a time and contact us if you want a guided run.
Read the requirement before you book
The most useful habit is writing the requirement down in your own words, for example "complete the objective, then earn a set number of kills with this weapon". When you book, paste that line into your order page. A Sherpa can then plan the session around it instead of asking you to explain it on the day.
Match the item to the right activity
Items tied to a raid or dungeon need a full fireteam and several encounter steps. Our raid carry guide and dungeon carry guide explain how those runs work, and each has its own product page, such as the Last Wish raid carry from $45 or any dungeon carry from $25. If the item only needs ordinary activity completions, a one-hour hunt session is usually the better fit.
How does a hunt session work on Guardian Sherpa?
Every session is self-play. You stay signed in on your own account, and a Sherpa joins you through a normal in-game fireteam invite. We never ask for a password, and you can cancel for a full refund until a Sherpa accepts your order.
What a Sherpa does in the session
- Confirms the requirement with you before the first activity starts.
- Explains the steps of each encounter and calls out mechanics while you play.
- Helps you chain the activities that count toward the item so little time is wasted.
- Tells you honestly if the requirement cannot be finished inside the booked time.
What stays in your hands
You are the one playing, so you hold the controller for every step. The Sherpa guides and supports, but does not log in as you. That is why the session is safe for your account and why any drop goes directly into your own inventory.
What should I prepare before the session?
Two items on that list cause most problems. First, a full inventory or vault can block pickups, so clear space beforehand. Second, an unclear goal costs time, so decide the single item you want to prioritise. If you own several catalysts that need the same activity, mention them all and we will try to progress more than one in the same run.
What is and is not included?
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Live guidance on your own account | Logging into your account for you |
| Help planning which activity to run | A guaranteed drop of a specific item |
| Fireteam invite and encounter callouts | Boosting of any kind that needs your password |
| Honest advice if a requirement cannot be met in time | A promised completion inside the booked hour |
Can a carry guarantee a drop?
No. Drops depend on the game's systems, so we never promise a specific item. What we can do is guide you through the activity so you can make progress efficiently. Each service states exactly what is included.
Which session length should I choose?
| Option | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | from $29 | A single catalyst that needs ordinary activity completions, or a planning-focused session |
| 3 hours | $75 | Raid or dungeon exotics and catalysts with several steps |
Time is the booked length, not a promise of completion. Ranges vary widely from item to item, so if you are unsure, start with one hour and tell the Sherpa your goal; they will say honestly whether more time would help.
What are the common mistakes in an exotic hunt?
- Trusting an old guide. Requirements change. Re-read the in-game text.
- Chasing the wrong activity. A different activity may count toward the objective faster.
- Booking without a goal. A vague goal turns the first 20 minutes into planning.
- Full inventory. It can stop pickups at the worst moment.
- Expecting a guaranteed drop. Loot is random, and no one can honestly promise otherwise.
How should I decide which exotic to chase first?
With a long list of items, order matters more than speed. A simple method is to rank your wishlist by three questions and book the item that scores best.
- Will I actually use it? An exotic you will equip every week is worth more of your time than one that only looks impressive.
- Is the requirement short? Items that need a few objectives are quick wins that build momentum.
- Can several items share one activity? If two catalysts count the same kills, one session can move both forward.
If you are still unsure, a one-hour session can be used purely for planning. The Sherpa looks at your Collections with you and helps you rank the list, which often saves more time than it costs.
What does a typical session look like?
Sessions follow a simple rhythm so nothing is wasted. This is an example, and the Sherpa adapts it to your goal and to how the activity goes.
- Start: confirm your goal item, read the requirement together and agree on the first activity.
- Middle: run the activity with callouts, check progress on the weapon after each completion and adjust the plan.
- End: recap what moved forward, what is left and what to do next, so you can continue on your own if you like.
What if the item does not finish in the booked time?
That can happen, especially with long catalysts. We would rather tell you early than burn the hour. You will leave with progress made and a clear list of what remains, and you can book another session or finish the rest yourself.
Can I bring a friend?
Group activities need specific fireteam sizes, so mention on your order page if a friend will join. The Sherpa will plan around the free fireteam slots, and the friend plays on their own account as well.
Where can I find help with my goal?
Browse our services, read the FAQ or contact us for a custom quote. For the safety policy, see our account safety page.
Related guides
- How a Destiny 2 self-play carry works
- Destiny 2 raid carry guide
- Destiny 2 dungeon carry guide
- Destiny 2 titles and seals guide
- Destiny 2 coaching guide
Frequently asked questions
Can you guarantee an exotic drop?
No. Exotic and catalyst drops depend on Destiny 2's loot systems, so no honest provider can promise a specific item. Guardian Sherpa guides you through the activities that count toward the item so your time is spent efficiently, and we say so on every product page.
How much does an exotic hunt session cost?
Guided sessions are from $29 for one hour and $75 for three hours, self-play on your own account. The three-hour option suits catalysts that need many activity completions, such as raid or dungeon exotics. See the Exotic and Catalyst Hunt Session page for the current options.
Which exotics need a group?
Exotics and catalysts tied to raids and dungeons need a fireteam and specific encounter steps. Those are the sessions where a Sherpa saves the most time. Check the item's requirements in game and tell us the goal on your order page.
How long does an exotic or catalyst hunt take?
It depends on the item. A catalyst that only needs kills in a common activity can take part of one session, while one tied to a raid or dungeon may take several runs. We state session length as the booked time (one or three hours), not as a promise that the item will finish inside it.
Can you pick which exotic I should chase?
Yes. Tell us what you already own and what you play most, and a Sherpa will suggest a sensible order, such as the item with the shortest requirements first. The final choice is always yours, and we only suggest items you have confirmed in your own Collections.
Do I have to share my Destiny 2 login?
For self-play orders, no. You stay signed in on your own account and you stay signed in on your own account and join our fireteam through a normal in-game invite. On self-play orders we never ask for your password, your email login or your platform credentials. Piloted orders need secure account access, shared only after payment through your private order page. Read the account safety page for the full policy.
Can I cancel my order for a refund?
Yes, up to the moment a Sherpa accepts your order. Until then you can cancel from your order page for a full refund to the original payment method. After a Sherpa accepts, the customer-side cancel option closes, but our team can still cancel, refund or reschedule if something goes wrong. See the refund policy.
How do I book and what happens next?
Pick the run type on the product page and check out. You get a private order page where you confirm your platform, Bungie name and a time window. A Sherpa accepts the order, you receive a fireteam invite at the agreed time, and you play the activity together. Afterwards you have a 48-hour review window. The step-by-step guide covers each stage.