Edge of Fate is shaking up the arsenal in a big way. With this expansion, Bungie is introducing several all-new weapon types alongside a fresh approach to weapon frames. Whether you are a veteran Guardian or just jumping in, understanding these additions will help you dominate the battlefield. This guide breaks down every confirmed new weapon type, explains how frames work, and shows you where to get them.
Weapon Types vs. Weapon Frames: Key Differences
Before diving into the new gear, it is important to understand the difference between a weapon type and a weapon frame. A weapon type is the broad category that determines the weapon’s core functionality: auto rifle, hand cannon, glaive, and so on. A weapon frame, sometimes called an archetype, is a sub-class within that type. It governs things like rate of fire, impact, and often a unique perk or intrinsic behavior. For example, aggressive frame shotguns fire slower but hit harder, while lightweight frames boost movement speed. In Edge of Fate, both new types and new frames are being added, each designed to offer fresh playstyles.
Confirmed New Weapon Types in Edge of Fate
Edge of Fate brings three brand-new weapon types to the game. Each fills a distinct role and opens up new build possibilities.
Warp Lances
Warp Lances are precision energy weapons that channel short-range teleportation bursts. They occupy the special ammo slot and fire concentrated beams that can briefly displace enemies from cover. In PvE, a charged shot can pull a group of minor enemies toward the impact point, setting up devastating area-of-effect combos. In PvP, the displacement effect is toned down but still useful for repositioning opponents against their will. Learning the charge timing is key, as the weapon requires a brief hold before each shot.
Chainblades
Chainblades are a new heavy weapon type that blends melee and ranged offense. The primary fire hurls a spinning blade that ricochets off surfaces up to three times before returning. Holding the trigger deploys the blades as a short-range melee weapon, turning the wielder into a close-quarters menace. Ammo efficiency is solid if you catch returning blades, which refund a portion of the magazine. Chainblades excel in tight corridors and against groups of enemies but struggle at extreme range due to projectile travel time.
Rift Rifles
Rift Rifles are a primary ammo weapon that fire dimensional rifts instead of bullets. Each shot leaves a small, stationary rift on the ground that damages enemies who walk over it. Holding the trigger allows you to plant multiple rifts in a line, creating a damaging barrier. These rifts last about eight seconds and can be detonated early by double-tapping the reload button, causing them to explode and deal burst damage. Rift Rifles are excellent for area denial in both PvE and PvP, and they synergize well with abilities that pull or push enemies.
New Frames and Archetypes to Look Out For
Beyond the new types, existing weapon categories are getting new frames that dramatically alter how familiar guns behave. Here are the highlights.
Cascade Frame (Fusion Rifles)
Cascade Fusion Rifles fire a spread of bolts that, on kill, spawn additional homing projectiles that seek out nearby targets. This makes them phenomenal add-clear tools. The bolts deal reduced damage individually, but the chain potential offsets the lower per-shot output. Pairing them with ammo reserves mods is advisable, as the extra projectiles consume reserve ammo. Look for cascade fusions in the Season of the Rift activity.
Overcharge Frame (Hand Cannons)
Overcharge Hand Cannons hold a single high-damage round in the chamber after a precision kill. This round can be fired instantly by holding the trigger instead of releasing it. The overcharged shot deals 50% bonus damage and pierces shields. This frame rewards precise aim and careful ammo management. In Crucible, an Overcharge headshot follow-up can shut down a super with the right timing. These primarily drop from the Tower Obelisk engrams.
Sprinter Frame (Swords)
Sprinter Swords sacrifice raw damage for incredible speed. Light attacks chain into a quick dash, and guarding while sprinting consumes no sword energy but provides a speed boost. These swords are built for hit-and-run tactics. They pair perfectly with movement-focused builds and allow you to close gaps faster than ever before. Find them in Legendary Lost Sectors and the new raid.
How to Obtain New Weapons in Edge of Fate
The new weapon types and frames are spread across various activities. Warp Lances and Rift Rifles join the world loot pool from day one, with a higher chance from public events and strike completions. Chainblades are exclusive to the new dungeon and its master variant. Cascade Fusions and Sprinter Swords can be earned from Guardian Games packages and Iron Banner, respectively. Overcharge Hand Cannons require focusing umbral engrams at the HELM table. As always, season pass ranks award curated rolls of some new weapons early on. Banshee-44 will also offer a rotating selection of new frames each week. Keep an eye on the weekly reset for rotating foundry quests that guarantee a specific frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will old weapons get access to the new frames?
No. New frames are exclusive to weapons released in Edge of Fate or later. Existing weapons will not be retroactively updated with new frames. However, some classic reissues with new frames may appear over time.
Are any of the new weapon types pay-to-win?
All new weapon types are available to all players. While some are tied to specific activities, none are locked behind a separate purchase beyond the core expansion. Free players can still earn them through playlist activities and the world pool.
Can I use Rift Rifles to block revive points in PvP?
Yes. Rifts placed on a revive point will damage enemies attempting a revive, making them a powerful control tool in Trials and Survival. Strategic rift placement can deny entire areas when combined with grenade effects.
Do Chainblades count as melee kills for mods and perks?
Yes. The melee mode of Chainblades is classified as a melee attack, so it activates perks like Well of Ions or Grave Robber. The thrown blade, however, counts as a ranged weapon kill.
Will more new frames be added after launch?
Bungie has confirmed that each season during the Edge of Fate year will introduce at least one additional new frame, often tied to the seasonal activity. Stay tuned to developer blogs for previews.
Edge of Fate breathes new life into the sandbox with these imaginative weapon types and frames. Experimenting with Warp Lances, Chainblades, and the new archetypes will be key to mastering endgame content. Whether you are grinding for that god-roll Cascade Fusion or perfecting your Rift Rifle placement, there is plenty to chase. Get out there and expand your arsenal.
