A new Destiny patch released today, updating the exotic weapons system and making it easier for players to upgrade gear.
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A major general change, as described by the patch notes, is that ascendant materials will no longer be required to upgrade exotic weapons or armor. This removes a big stumbling block to increasing the power of your gear, as collecting those rare mats is time-consuming.
Exotic weapons are now more powerful across the board as well--they all have a higher base attack value. The guns have a narrowed upgrade range to compensate. Individual exotic weapons have been tweaked as well--check the link for the specifics on each gun.
Another huge addition is that vendors will now sell bundles of materials for Crucible Marks and Vanguard Marks. Players will be able to purchase Spinmetal, Relic Iron, Spirit Bloom, and Helium Filaments from the Vanguard and Crucible Quartermasters in the Tower using the collectible currency. As Bungie explained in a tweet, the new exchange rate is 10 Marks for 20 upgrade materials, making it easier to acquire the materials.
The final upgrade of Exotic Gear will also now require an Exotic Shard, which can be acquired in two ways: dismantling Exotics, or buying one from Xur for seven Strange Coins.