History of For the Empire

Overview

For the Empire is the exotic intrinsic trait on Skyburner's Oath, an exotic energy Scout Rifle. The trait grants three distinct benefits: the weapon fires in full auto mode, deals bonus damage to Cabal enemies, and projectiles penetrate Phalanx shields, allowing shots to pass through their protective barriers to hit targets behind them.

Mechanics

For the Empire transforms Skyburner's Oath into a full-auto firing weapon that gains potency against one of Destiny 2's primary enemy factions. The bonus damage to Cabal applies to all Cabal unit types, from basic Legionaries to Yellow-bar officers. The shield penetration is particularly valuable against Cabal Phalanx units, whose characteristic shields normally block incoming fire—with For the Empire, rounds pass through these defenses to damage the Phalanx and enemies behind them.

Acquisition

Skyburner's Oath can be obtained through:

• Exotic engrams (rare world drop)
• Xûr's inventory (sold occasionally)
• Triumph Seal collections

The weapon does not have a catalyst.

Release and Balance History

Skyburner's Oath was introduced in Season 1 of Destiny 2. The weapon received a significant rework in version 4.1.0 (2023) that standardized both hip-fire and ADS (Aiming Down Sights) firing modes to 150 RPM and converted ADS projectiles to hitscan, making the weapon more consistent. In version 7.1.0, the weapon's Scorch application was increased from 3 to 5 stacks per hit, enhancing its effectiveness against Scorch-vulnerable targets and improving synergy with Solar subclasses and exotic armor pieces that benefit from Scorch damage.

Combat Role

For the Empire makes Skyburner's Oath essential for any encounter against Cabal forces, particularly in seasonal content, dungeons, and raids that feature Cabal enemies. The full-auto firing mode and Phalanx shield penetration provide superior crowd control and tactical advantages over standard scout rifles in Cabal-heavy activities.