How to Get Enhancement Cores in Destiny 2

What are Enhancement Cores

One of the standout features of Destiny 2 is its deep equipment customization system. No matter if you’re a casual Guardian or a hardcore player, you’ll spend time optimizing your gear for different activities. This doesn’t just include stat management but also experimenting with mods and creating unique builds. The process is fun and rewarding, but if you want to maximize your Guardian’s full potential, upgrading and even masterworking your equipment is essential. Of course, achieving this requires specific resources — and the most valuable of them is the Enhancement Core.

In Destiny 2, enhancement cores act as a vital currency. They are required for purchasing Upgrade Modules and are also used to craft higher-tier materials such as Enhancement Prisms. These prisms can then be exchanged for Ascendant Shards, the final component needed to fully masterwork your armor and unlock its maximum power.

Ways to get Enhancement Cores

After learning their importance, you might wonder: “Where can I get enhancement cores in Destiny 2?” Thankfully, there are many reliable farming methods. In this guide, we’ll cover all the ways to obtain them so you can keep your gear progression smooth and efficient.

Dismantle Legendary gear

Often, Guardians receive gear they don’t really need. Instead of storing it, dismantle those items. Starting from Tier 4 weapons and Tier 7 armor, dismantling grants one enhancement core, and higher tiers provide more. For example, dismantling a Tier 7 weapon yields 4 cores, while breaking down Tier 10 armor rewards 6 enhancement prisms along with 6 cores. This method is simple and consistent, making it a great starting point.

Finest Matterweave

While dismantling loot, you may also acquire a consumable called Finest Matterweave. When used, it grants a buff that dramatically increases the chance of receiving an enhancement core from killing powerful enemies. This effect lasts for up to 3 hours or until you earn a core. It’s best to activate Matterweave during playlist activities to maximize your farming efficiency.

Banshee-44’s bounties

The Gunsmith, Banshee-44, offers 4 daily bounties, each awarding 1 enhancement core and 2 Mod Parts. Since these objectives are quick and easy, they’re one of the most reliable sources of cores. Banshee also sells Enhancement Prisms and Ascendant Shards, so checking his stock daily is recommended. Don’t forget to also purchase mods you’re missing, as he is the main vendor for these items.

Spider, the Shore’s Only Law

Another vendor who can help you acquire enhancement cores is Spider. He allows you to trade 30 Legendary Shards for 1 core, up to a limit of 5 per day. This daily limit is shared across your account. Additionally, Spider offers Wanted bounties for Dead Ghost Fragments. Completing one will reward you with another enhancement core, making him a valuable source if you have excess currency.

Hawthorne’s Weekly Clan Challenges

If your Clan has reached level 4, completing Hawthorne’s weekly clan challenges will reward not only Pinnacle Gear but also enhancement cores. It’s a good way to combine teamwork with progression while gathering valuable resources.

Activity Ghost mods

Once you fully masterwork your favorite Ghost Shell, you gain access to Harvest mods. These special mods let you farm enhancement cores by participating in specific activities tied to the mod equipped. While this requires some initial investment, the payoff is worth it for players who farm activities regularly.

Crucible and Gambit reputation

The revamped reputation system also rewards Guardians with enhancement cores. By farming Crucible or Gambit, you can earn cores, prisms, and even Ascendant Shards. After reaching the maximum rank (Valor or Infamy), collect your vendor rewards and reset your rank to keep the cycle going for more rewards.

Elected Difficulty Empire Hunts

Elective Difficulty Empire Hunts are another way to obtain enhancement cores. These are available on Adept (uncommon drop chance) and Hero (common drop chance) difficulties. Hero runs are recommended if your Power Level is high enough, but make sure to equip Anti-Champion mods to clear faster. As a bonus, farming these hunts can also reward the Cloudstrike Exotic Sniper Rifle.

Legend and Master Lost Sectors

Lost Sectors on Legend or Master difficulty are another possible source of enhancement cores. These are high-level activities requiring knowledge of enemy spawns, modifiers, and optimal loadouts. While cores only have an uncommon drop rate here, experienced Guardians can still farm them alongside other high-end loot. This method is best suited for players who are already well-geared and want an extra challenge.

Nightfall: The Ordeal

Among all methods, farming Nightfalls is widely considered the most efficient way to earn enhancement cores. Just like Empire Hunts, cores drop from Adept and Hero difficulties, but Nightfalls are generally quicker. Equip the Lesser Core Harvest Ghost mod, focus on Hero-level Nightfalls, and insert Anti-Champion mods in your armor to ensure your Fireteam gets the best rewards. The more Champions you defeat, the better the loot pool, making this one of the fastest enhancement core farms in Destiny 2.

With these strategies, you’ll never be short on enhancement cores. Whether you prefer dismantling gear, completing bounties, or tackling endgame activities, Destiny 2 provides multiple ways to stock up. Stay prepared, Guardian, and keep your gear fully upgraded with Gamer Choice guides!