Competitive Catalyst, Heir Apparent Exotic Catalyst - Destiny 2

Complete the Competitive Catalyst quest to unlock the Heir Apparent Catalyst in Destiny 2.

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Heir Apparent has been in Destiny 2 for a while now and it received an Exotic Catalyst thanks to Guardian Games 2022. Called the Competitive Catalyst quest, this quest is focused entirely on completing tasks during the Guardian Games. Once completed, you will then need to charge it to Masterwork the weapon. The quest has changed slightly over the years, and if you're still playing in 2024 (or in the future!), then it's definitely one you should unlock.

How to get Heir Apparent Exotic Catalyst

destiny 2 heir apparent exotic catalyst
You will need to unlock Heir Apparent before you can get the Exotic Catalyst.

To unlock the Heir Apparent Exotic Catalyst, you will first need to unlock Heir Apparent. Once this is done, deposit medallions in the podium to unlock the Competitive Catalyst quest. Completing this quest is what rewards the Heir Apparent Catalyst. This quest is only available during Guardian Games and you may need to complete the introductory quest for Guardian Games before it becomes available.

Competitive Catalyst quest

The Competitive Catalyst quest tasks players with earning points by earning medallions, completing Contender Cards, and getting Machine Gun kills. It will take a bit of work to complete this quest, so settle in.

Step 1: Earn medallion points

destiny 2 competitive catalyst

The first step in the Competitive Catalyst quest is to earn 50 medallion points during Guardian Games. This does not mean 50 medallions. Each medallion is worth a certain number of points, with Platinum medallions being worth more. Basically, the better the medallion, the more points it’s worth. So get out there and start earning medallions.

  • 50 medallion points

Step 2: Complete Contender Cards

destiny 2 heir apparent catalyst

For the next step, you will need to complete Contender Cards. These are purchased from Eva Levante. Just pick up any that sound easy to you.

  • Complete 3 Contender Cards

Remember to speak with Eva after you complete each one so you’re making continual progress.

Step 3: Collect Competitive Spirit

The Heir Apparent catalyst unlocked on the side of the screen

Source: Shacknews

The final step in the Competitive Catalyst quest is to collect Competitive Spirit. These drop from enemies you defeat using a Machine Gun. This is much easier than it used to be as you can drop into a Public Event and knock it out quickly.

  • 90 Competitive Spirits collected

When this step is completed, you will earn the Heir Apparent Exotic Catalyst, which must then be charged by getting 700 defeats using the Exotic Machine Gun.

Heir Apparent Exotic Catalyst effect

The Heir Apparent Exotic Catalyst is called Legion’s Bulwark, and it increases the Arc Shield’s durability and partially reloads the magazine if it is destroyed. A Reddit user called vykromond has crunched the numbers and it turns out the Catalyst makes Heir Apparent a “monster in both PVP and PVE”.


Completing the Competitive Catalyst quest in Destiny 2 is going to take a bit of work, and unfortunately it’s only available during Guardian Games. If you do manage to get it finished, you will be the proud owner of the Heir Apparent Exotic Catalyst, which significantly improves the gun’s utility. Check out the Shacknews guide for all Exotic Catalysts and Masterworks as well as our Destiny 2 Complete Strategy Guide for more helpful info.

Guides Editor

Hailing from the land down under, Sam Chandler brings a bit of the southern hemisphere flair to his work. After bouncing round a few universities, securing a bachelor degree, and entering the video game industry, he's found his new family here at Shacknews as a Guides Editor. There's nothing he loves more than crafting a guide that will help someone. If you need help with a guide, or notice something not quite right, you can message him on X: @SamuelChandler 

From The Chatty
  • reply
    April 21, 2021 10:20 PM

    Sam Chandler posted a new article, Competitive Catalyst, Heir Apparent Exotic Catalyst - Destiny 2

    • reply
      April 21, 2021 11:16 PM

      I'm slowly plinking away at the catalyst itself. Getting it was actually pretty quick, I think it took me all of two hours from start to finish.

      • reply
        April 21, 2021 11:26 PM

        Yeah getting the Catalyst isn't too bad. Grinding out Contender Cards is a bit meh but otherwise it's breezy.

    • reply
      April 24, 2021 7:56 AM

      I play a Titan and I've run Heir Apparent with War Rig a LOT since the last Guardian Games. I don't need to check Reddit to tell you that this gun is amazing, I was equally shocked and thrilled to see it get a catalyst.

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