What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Cloudstrike is an Exotic Sniper Rifle that can drop from completing Empire Hunts. Bungie describes the reward as a chance, not a guarantee, and does not publish a drop rate or a recommended difficulty for farming it. To pursue the weapon, progress through Beyond Light on Europa, complete Variks side quests, then run Empire Hunts.
How to get Cloudstrike
- Progress through Beyond Light on Europa. Bungie’s current new-player guide recommends playing the Europa campaign and Variks side quests as part of the Beyond Light path.
- Complete Empire Hunts. Bungie lists Empire Hunts as a chance-based source of Cloudstrike. Completing a hunt does not guarantee the rifle.
Bungie’s current guide does not lay out every Empire Hunt unlock step, so older prerequisite sequences should not be treated as confirmed current instructions. Check the live Director and map for activity access; Bungie notes that activities and other content can cycle out of the game and may return later in its Destiny Content Vault overview.
Do you need to buy Beyond Light?
Bungie says the Beyond Light campaign and Stasis subclass are free. Separately, its Beyond Light Pack guide lists Cloudstrike among the pack’s Exotic weapons. Those statements do not explicitly establish whether owning the pack is required to receive Cloudstrike from Empire Hunts, so the available official guidance does not support a definitive purchase-requirement claim.
What Cloudstrike does
Bungie identifies Cloudstrike as an Exotic Sniper Rifle. Its defining effect is precision-triggered lightning:
#1 Best Overall
- Mortal Polarity: “Precision final blows generate a lightning bolt at the target’s location and grant a moderate amount of Bolt Charge.”
- Stormbringer: “Rapid precision hits create a lightning storm at the point of impact and grant a stack of Bolt Charge.”
Bungie’s current item listing, accessed in 2026, gives Cloudstrike a rate of fire of 140 rounds per minute and a 7-round magazine. The same listing shows Fluted Barrel, which greatly increases handling speed and slightly increases stability; Alloy Magazine, which reloads faster when nearly empty; and Hand-Laid Stock, which increases stability. These are the listed weapon details, not independent performance-test results. See Bungie’s Cloudstrike item listing.
How to unlock the Cloudstrike catalyst
Defeat targets using Cloudstrike to unlock its catalyst upgrade, according to Bungie’s item listing. The listing does not state the required number of defeats or give the upgrade’s full enhanced effects.
Rank #2
- Gallop beyond the stars with your very own Starhorse Plush, inspired by the enigmatic, all-knowing cosmic steed from Destiny 2
- This celestial companion radiates pure joy, bringing a touch of unpredictable wonder straight to your collection
- Celestial cosmic detailing perfectly captures Starhorse’s mystical charm, coming with embroidered glow-in-the-dark eyes
- An excellent gift for gamers and fans of Destiny Beyond Light, and perfect for collectors of plushies
- A perfect companion for game nights, space adventures, or participating in Dares of Eternity
What is not known about the drop
Bungie’s current guidance does not provide a percentage chance, a guaranteed number of runs, or evidence that a higher Empire Hunt difficulty improves Cloudstrike odds. Choose a hunt difficulty you can complete comfortably; the available official information does not support ranking difficulties by expected reward.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Displate Metal Poster : wall art printed on solid, rust-free metal. It is a modern alternative to traditional paper posters or canvas prints.
- Complete Mounting System Included : patent-pending magnetic mount hangs in minutes. No tools, no drilling. Everything you need in the box.
- Original Destiny poster: Authentic Destiny artwork featuring Destiny 2 Beyond Light. Exclusive collectible for true fans.
- The Perfect Gift : ideal for birthdays, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day and other special occasions. A stylish choice for gaming rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and dorms.
- Specs: 12.6 x 17.7 inch. Each piece includes a certificate of authenticity. Loved by Collectors millions of fans trust Displate for their walls.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
