History of Anarchy

Anarchy is an Exotic Arc Grenade Launcher in the heavy ammo slot. It fires grenades that stick to surfaces and chain Arc bolts between each other, making it an area-denial and boss damage weapon.

Overview

• Archetype: heavy Grenade Launcher (150 RPM, 6-round magazine per the Destiny 2 Wiki listing).
• Intrinsic perk, Arc Traps: grenades adhere to walls, floors and enemies and link to nearby Anarchy grenades with Arc bolts, dealing damage over time to anything caught in the web. Place several close together so they link.
• Once among the strongest boss-damage options, it was nerfed in Season of the Lost (about 30% less boss damage and reduced reserve ammo) and is now considered behind newer damage-over-time weapons (per Destinypedia). Check current patch notes for exact numbers.

Acquisition

• Original source: a rare drop from the final encounter chest of the Scourge of the Past raid, once per character per week (Game Rant). The raid is no longer available, so this route is historical.
• Monument to Lost Lights: since Destiny 2: Beyond Light it has been in the Monument to Lost Lights (Forsaken Exotics collection). Later guides list a cost of 1 Exotic Cipher and 240 Spoils of Conquest; sources differ on cost over time.
• Exotic Archive: the in-game source line lists the Exotic Archive at the Tower.

Catalyst

The Anarchy catalyst arrived with the final Monument of Triumph update and requires 500 Anarchy kills. It adds the perk Jolting Feedback. Ways to get the catalyst drop (Shacknews):

1. Complete Vanguard, Crucible or Gambit Ops playlists (the best route; solo completions count).
2. Complete an Exotic Order.
3. A low-chance drop from Insurrection Prime in the Pantheon.

Sources disagree on or omit later changes; treat drop sources as accurate for the time of the guides.