Destiny 2’s annual Solstice celebration delivers exceptional loot-gathering opportunities, with the Yeartide Apex SMG emerging as a standout prize. Identifying ideal perk combinations is straightforward, and securing them offers substantial rewards. Explore optimized configurations for this weapon below.
Optimal PvE Configuration
This Solar SMG excels in both solo and group scenarios. Its rapid 900 RPM fire rate compensates for moderate impact, while synergistic perks emphasize elemental synergy. Ember-generation mechanics and sustain-focused traits create versatile combat utility across engagements.
| Yeartide Apex god roll – PvE | |
|---|---|
| Mod | Ballistics or Enhanced Range (+6 Range, +6 Stability or +10 Range) |
| Masterwork | Range (+10 Range when maxed out) |
| Origin Trait | Dream Work (Once per reload, assists and assist kills partially refill the magazine from reserves and increase reload speed for a short time. Bows draw faster.) |
| Perk 2 | Burning Ambition (Sustained damage applies scorch. Damaging scorched targets applies additional scorch.) |
| Perk 1 | Heal Clip (Reloading after a heal grants Cure) |
| Magazine | Ricochet Rounds (+5 Range, +10 Stability) |
| Barrel | Corkscrew Rifling (+5 Stability, +5 Range, +5 Handling) |
This fiery configuration transforms the SMG into a combustion engine, prioritizing sustained single-target damage over AoE effects. Survivability enhancements pair with magazine management traits, creating durable performance in extended encounters.
Enhanced ballistic properties maximize effective engagement distances while improving weapon controllability.
Competitive Play Recommendations
While less dominant in Crucible matches, the Yeartide Apex remains viable with proper tuning. This configuration emphasizes dueling efficiency and positional flexibility for Solar builds.
| Yeartide Apex god roll – PvP | |
|---|---|
| Mod | Ballistics or Enhanced Range (+6 Range, +6 Stability or +10 Range) |
| Masterwork | Range (+10 Range when maxed out) |
| Origin Trait | Dream Work (Once per reload, assists and assist kills partially refill the magazine from reserves and increase reload speed for a short time. Bows draw faster.) |
| Perk 2 | Target Lock (Continuously hitting a target increases the weapon’s damage. Missing once deactivates the buff.) |
| Perk 1 | Lone Wolf (Slight improvement to aim assist, ADS time, and airborne effectiveness, which increases when not near allies.) |
| Magazine | Ricochet Rounds (+5 Range, +10 Stability) |
| Barrel | Corkscrew Rifling (+5 Stability, +5 Range, +5 Handling) |
This setup rewards precision and situational awareness, particularly in flanking scenarios. While recent adjustments have reduced its dominance, it remains competitive when paired with smart engagements.
Acquisition Methods
Exclusive to Solstice activities, this weapon primarily drops from event-specific engrams. Prioritize Distorted Solstice Engrams for improved acquisition rates of enhanced variants through targeted loot systems.
Focus efforts on repeatable solo content for efficient farming, as these activities offer streamlined completion pathways compared to group challenges.