Keen Thistle, an Aggressive Frame Solar sniper rifle, has emerged as a standout weapon in Destiny 2's Trials of Osiris loot pool. Introduced in recent seasons, this high-impact rifle bridges the gap between PvP and PvE gameplay, offering versatile perk combinations that cater to various playstyles. With its Solar affinity, it slots perfectly into the Energy slot, making it a competitive alternative to fan favorites like Succession or Critical Anomaly. Players seeking top-tier performance in both endgame PvE activities like raids and challenging PvP modes will find Keen Thistle's god rolls invaluable. The weapon's design emphasizes synergy between perks, reflecting Bungie's ongoing efforts to enhance weapon diversity in the current meta. As of 2025, its relevance remains high, especially with seasonal updates tweaking perk effectiveness.

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PvE God Rolls for Optimal Damage

In PvE scenarios, Keen Thistle shines with perk combinations that maximize sustained damage against bosses and tanky targets. The undisputed top god roll pairs Envious Arsenal with Bait and Switch, creating a devastating cycle for DPS phases. Envious Arsenal automatically reloads the weapon based on damage dealt with other equipped guns, while Bait and Switch grants a substantial 35% damage boost when quickly swapping between all three weapons. This duo synergizes flawlessly, mimicking strategies often reserved for heavy weapons but adapted for a sniper rifle's precision. For guardians focused on add-clear or prolonged engagements, alternative rolls include Triple Tap combined with Fourth Time's the Charm; these perks feed ammo back into the magazine with consecutive precision hits, extending firing sequences without reload interruptions. However, since Keen Thistle isn't a Rapid-Fire Frame, its base damage output trails behind faster-firing snipers, making perk selection crucial for efficiency. Other noteworthy options in the perk pool:

  • 🔥 Incandescent: Creates Solar explosions on kills, ideal for crowd control in Solar builds.

  • 🎯 Vorpal Weapon: Boosts damage against bosses and vehicles by 20%.

Players should experiment based on their build—Solar subclasses like Dawnblade or Sunbreaker amplify Incandescent's effects, while Vorpal suits boss-focused loadouts. The meta hasn't shifted dramatically, but slight nerfs to Bait and Switch in early 2025 reinforce the value of ammo-generating perks in high-difficulty content.

PvP God Rolls for Competitive Edge

For PvP enthusiasts, Keen Thistle offers a solid toolkit despite Aggressive Frames not being as dominant as Adaptive Frames in the current Crucible meta. The core god roll centers on Snapshot Sights in the third column, which drastically improves aim-down-sights (ADS) speed for quick-scoping and reaction shots. Pair this with Opening Shot in the fourth column to maximize aim assist and range consistency. Opening Shot provides a 10-point aim assist boost on the first shot, perfect for landing opening hits in Trials or Iron Banner. Guardians can tweak this with Accurized Rounds and a Range Masterwork to hit near-max range; adding a Ballistics mod (or Adept range mod for Adept variants) pushes it over the edge. Alternative perks include Moving Target for additional aim assist during strafing or Closing Time, which enhances handling for faster weapon swaps and follow-up shots. Even after recent nerfs to Closing Time on special weapons, it remains a top choice for players prioritizing agility. The PvP meta's focus on fast-paced engagements makes these rolls essential—Snapshot Sights alone can turn Keen Thistle into a reliable pick for shutting down supers or securing long-range kills. Aggressive Frames require precision, but with the right perks, this sniper competes well against meta staples.

Acquisition Methods

Obtaining Keen Thistle revolves around Trials of Osiris, Destiny 2's pinnacle PvP mode available exclusively on weekends when Iron Banner isn't active. Similar to Nightfalls, Trials features a weekly rotation of weapons; when Keen Thistle is highlighted, players can earn it by reaching the Lighthouse for an Adept version with enhanced stats. Base variants drop from matches regardless of the rotation, but drop rates heavily favor the featured weapon. After acquiring at least one copy, guardians can focus Trials Engrams at Saint-14 in the Tower, using earned engrams to target specific rolls. This system, streamlined in 2025 updates, allows for efficient farming without excessive grind. The rotation schedule isn't fixed, so tracking weekly resets through in-game notifications is key. For those diving into Trials, mastering PvP strategies is recommended to maximize rewards—Keen Thistle's drop rates are generous during its feature weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I get Keen Thistle in Destiny 2? Play Trials of Osiris during weekends, aiming for wins or Lighthouse access when it's featured. Focus engrams at Saint-14 after obtaining one.

  • What are the best PvE perks for Keen Thistle? Envious Arsenal with Bait and Switch for DPS, or Triple Tap with Fourth Time's the Charm for ammo sustain. Incandescent is great for Solar builds.

  • Is Keen Thistle viable in PvP? Yes, with Snapshot Sights and Opening Shot, it's effective for quick-scoping, though Aggressive Frames aren't top-tier like Adaptives.

  • Can I farm for specific rolls? Absolutely—use Trials Engrams focusing at Saint-14 to reroll perks after initial acquisition.

  • Does the Adept variant offer advantages? Adept Keen Thistle has better stats and can equip Adept mods like range or handling boosts, making it superior in endgame.

  • How does it compare to other snipers? It's a strong Solar alternative to Succession, but lower base DPS than Rapid-Fire frames; perks bridge the gap.

  • What's the drop rate? Higher during feature weeks; base drops are common in Trials matches.