How to get Forerunner + Catalyst: The Strange Key Quest

by | Aug 18, 2024

The Strange key is part of the Magnum Opus Exotic quest, released with the 30th Anniversary Pack. This quest grants access to the Forerunner sidearm, closely modeled after the iconic “Magnum” from the Halo series. More importantly, Forerunner was the first ever Special ammo Sidearm in D2 and it remains a meta-pick, especially for PvP.

How to get Forerunner: The Magnus Opus Quest

To complete the Magnus Opus, you’ll need to play a round of Dares of Eternity, obtain a Treasure Key, and turn it into Xur – This will then complete the first step.

Step 1: Collect Seven Strange Coins

Once you have received the quest from Xur, you’ll need seven Strange Coins. Strange Coins drop when completing Dares of Eternity runs. Each completion awards several Strange Coins, so just keep playing until you have enough Coins and bring them back to Starhorse.

Step 2: Complete Starhorse Bounties

For this next step, we will need to complete three Starhorse bounties. Their objectives can change from week to week but are generally focused on “Defeating combatants rapidly” or with specific weapon archetypes.

ℹ️ You must complete each bounty in a single run, as they reset after each completion if not finished.

Step 3: Reach Strange Favor Rank 4

It’s time to get your grinding cap on as you’ll need to reach the Brave rank at Xur to unlock a “Strange Key.” There are no special strategies here; pick up every bounty you can – especially repeatable ones, and spam the Dares of Eternity playlists until you reach Rank 4.

Once you reach Rank 4, Xur will bestow upon you a “Strange Key,” which you will need in the next few steps.

Step 4: Return To Starhorse

Step 5: Use The Strange Key

Strange Key Exotic quest

Magnus Opus Step 5, Use the Strange Key

Okay, so we’ve handed in our Strange Key. Starhorse has teleported us to the Dares of Eternity arena. The aim is to find out where to use our Strange Key. The game will attempt to coax us in the right direction through a game of hot and cold, telling us when we are close to the correct spot.

ℹ️ Tip: Reddit user “Strikerlegend89” has compiled a handy guide (with screenshots) on where to use your key.

Once you have completed the steps, you’ll find the “Anomalous Object.”

Step 7: Return to Banshee-44 in the Tower

After a brief interaction, Banshee-44 will repair the “Anomalous Object” and return the “Forerunner” to you.

Forerunner sidearm

Forerunner Exotic Sidearm, Destiny 2

How to get the Forerunner Catalyst

The Forerunner Catalyst can be acquired by reaching Rank 16 with Xur in Eternity. The catalyst adds the following Exotic Perks:

  • The Rock: For several seconds after a final blow, you can consume part of your ammo reserves, converting your next grenade into a fragmentation grenade.

Once you have obtained the catalyst, you’ll need 700 weapon kills to unlock it. Typical farming methods such as the Shuro Chi Wish or the opening section of Grasp of Avarice will speed things along.

How good is the Forerunner

Forerunner features the following Exotic Perks:

  • Full Stop: Oversized Sidearm with extended-range, heavy-caliber rounds. Fires full auto with increased rate of fire. Deals increased precision damage to unshielded targets.
  • Pace Yourself: Tapping the trigger gives this weapon less recoil and improves accuracy.

Forerunner is incredibly powerful in both PvE and PvP. Based on usage, Forerunner doesn’t seem that good, but in PvP, it is incredibly frustrating to play against. In PvE, it can easily take care of high-priority enemies like Tormentors, making it an outstanding option all around.

A-tier for PvE S-tier for PvP

Before you go…

Ready to tackle other challenging (but rewarding) Exotic quests? We cover how to get Divinity by completing the Divine Fragmentation Quest here.

About The Author

Ric Molina
Ric Molina
I've been covering gaming since 2012, and some of my work has been featured by large brands, including MSN.com, Forbes, Rock Paper Shotgun, and more. I've been obsessed with Destiny 2 (and now Diablo 4) for years now, and I hope to provide new and returning players with the guides and resources I wish I had when I first started.
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