As the crisp October air sweeps through the Tower, I find myself drawn to the Bazaar once more, where Xur, that enigmatic merchant of the Nine, has settled into his permanent haunt. It's like an old friend whispering secrets only guardians understand; the thrill of discovery tingles in my veins as I approach his shadowy corner. You know how it goes—every weekend, he brings a fresh trove of exotics and legendaries, and this time, in late October 2025, the promise feels even sweeter with the Heavy Metal event fading and Trials of Osiris returning. Bungie's quick fixes to the Rites of the Nine have smoothed out the rough edges, making the grind less of a chore and more of a dance. But hey, with Iron Banner lurking around the corner next week, I can't help but feel a rush to dive in now. 
Xur's evolution over the years has been nothing short of poetic—from a wandering figure to a permanent fixture in the Bazaar, nestled right between the fast travel points. It's a breeze to find him: just head toward the Ramen Shop, and there he is, chilling in that dim alley to the right. His expanded inventory, thanks to The Final Shape expansion, now feels like a treasure chest overflowing with possibilities. Strange Coins are back as the currency, and alongside rank rewards and resources, he offers a smorgasbord of gear. Man, it's wild how he's grown from a simple vendor to this multifaceted hub—almost like he's got a life of his own! This weekend, he's stocked with exotics and legendaries that make my guardian heart skip a beat. Let's break it down, shall we?
Exotic Armor: The Good, the Bad, and the Familiar
First up, the armor sets. Xur's got three exotics this time around, but honestly, some feel like reruns. Take the Aeon Soul for Warlocks—it's back after just two weeks, and heck, it's like déjà vu all over again. 😅 This gauntlet whispers of precision with perks like Sect of Force boosting reload speed after rapid hits, or Sect of Vigor granting class energy when teammates fall. But stat-wise, it's still stuck in mediocrity—67 total, with Resilience at +17 and Strength at +15. Not exactly a game-changer, you know? Here's a quick table to compare:
| Stat | Aeon Soul | Knucklehead Radar | One-Eyed Mask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobility | +6 | +21 | +11 |
| Resilience | +17 | +11 | +13 |
| Recovery | +13 | +2 | +10 |
| Discipline | +6 | +2 | +2 |
| Intellect | +10 | +24 | +12 |
| Strength | +15 | +7 | +19 |
Then there's the Knucklehead Radar for Hunters, making a second consecutive appearance. This helmet's perk keeps radar active while aiming, which is solid for PvP, but the stats have improved slightly—Intellect at +24 is a nice bump. Still, in today's meta, it's not top-tier. Titans get the One-Eyed Mask, a helmet that once ruled the Crucible but has been nerfed into a shadow of its former self. With stats favoring Strength and Resilience, it's decent, but let's face it, better options exist.
Weapons Galore: Exotic Firepower
Now, the weapons—oh boy, this is where Xur shines. Year 7's revamp means he offers multiple exotics in one go, and this weekend, they're a mix of classics and crowd-pleasers. First, Hawkmoon, that hand cannon with Paracausal Shot: stacks build up with kills, and the final round packs a punch. It's got perks like Arrowhead Brake for stability and Hip-Fire Grip for close combat—perfect for chaotic firefights. .jpg)
Next, The Huckleberry, an SMG that's pure fun with Ride the Bull cranking up fire rate and Rampage stacking damage. With Fluted Barrel and Ricochet Rounds, it's a beast for clearing adds. 🌟 Then there's Sunshot, the solar hand cannon that lights up enemies with Sunburn and Sun Blast—explosive rounds that scorch everything nearby. Chambered Compensator keeps it steady, but man, using it feels like setting the world on fire! And don't forget The Prospector, a grenade launcher with Excavation spawning cluster bombs—ideal for arc-heavy builds.
Legendaries and More: The Supporting Cast
Beyond exotics, Xur's legendary armor and weapons are a steal at 50 Legendary Shards and 1000 Glimmer. The set includes:
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Extraordinary Rendition (Kinetic SMG)
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Farewell (Kinetic Sidearm)
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Persuader and Distant Tumulus (Sniper Rifles)
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Falling Guillotine, Negative Space, and class swords like Crown-Splitter
Plus, he's got catalysts, engrams, and resources—think Deathbringer Catalyst, Exotic Engrams, and even the Xurfboard skimmer for a flashy ride.
So, as I wrap up my visit, I'm left pondering: what secrets do the Nine still hold, and how will Bungie keep this universe evolving? The game's journey feels like an endless sky, waiting for guardians to chart new stars. 🌌