The Edge of Fate expansion overhauled multiple core systems in Destiny 2, including Power leveling. Now, your weapons and armor can go from 10 Power all the way above 400, and you need Unstable Cores to ensure your gear is up to Power.
Unstable Cores are a core part of the Power leveling in Destiny 2, so here’s everything you need to know about them, including how to get and use them.
How to get Unstable Cores in Destiny 2
The main source of Unstable Cores is dismantling gear with Seasonal Bonus Power (blue Power level number). Complete missions within the Portal that award gear higher than 200 and dismantle anything you don’t need. The higher the item’s Power, the more Unstable Cores you’ll get.
Every activity usually awards one or more completion rewards higher than your current Power, and a couple of mid-activity drops below your current Power and loot Tier. As you level, dismantle everything below your Power that’s not a god roll or an armor piece with perfect stats.
Other ways to get Unstable Cores are by progressing the weekly rank in the Seasonal Hub. Each week, it awards 75 Unstable Cores. There are also a few Unstable Core rewards in the Rewards Pass, but those are strictly to start you off on your leveling journey.
How to use Unstable Cores in Destiny 2
Unstable Cores are used to infuse weapons above Power level 200. You still need Enhancement Cores for infusion, but Unstable Cores become a primary currency.
Just like with getting Unstable Cores, the higher the level you want to get the weapon to, the more Unstable Cores you need. Upgrading a gun from 10 to 300 may cost 1,500 Unstable Cores, but from 10 to 315 may already be above 2,000 Unstable Cores.
Ideally, you want to have a loadout with a few weapons and armor pieces you want to wear for the most part during your leveling. Only after you’ve farmed enough and have a good stockpile of Unstable Cores (as well as Enhancement Cores and other materials), start infusing the rest of your arsenal.
Unstable Cores expire at the end of the season alongside the Seasonal Bonus Power, putting you back at 200 Power. Keep in mind that the next season is the next expansion (at the time of writing, it’s Renegades in December), as the major update increases the Power cap to 550.
