Patience and Time

Exotic #5: Patience and Time

As the 'other' sniper rifle in the exotic class of rarity, Patience and Time is often compared to the Ice Breaker, and could be considered its complete opposite. 

How to Obtain:

   Reward from Legendary Engram

   Reward from Nightfall Strike

   Reward from Raid Chests

Patience and Time is an Arc-based sniper rifle boasting high stats in the Stability and Rate of Fire departments. In this instance, it's quite the different weapon compared to the Ice Breaker, as while the Fire Rate is high, and the recoil is low, the Impact suffers compared to its counterpart. However, Arc elemental damage is a highly useful type that allows you to take on two extremely frustrating enemies, especially at higher levels: shielded variants of Axis Harpies, and Captains. The recoil is, while still fairly noticeable during testing, extremely low and very manageable, allowing controlled and precise fire on a single target. The reload speed is also above average, and while the 4 shot magazine is disappointing, you may receive an upgrade that allows for an extended magazine. 

Obviously, the weapon's titular upgrade, 'Patience and Time,' is the main selling point of the weapon. Once you realise what that upgrade does, which is providing a cloak for you while scoped in, you feel a desperate urge to unlock it. In my head, I imagined an unstoppable machine that enabled a constant cloak that only ever dissipated while reloading. However, the Cloak function operates identically to the Hunter's Bladedancer crouching mechanic. After crouching for three seconds, you cloak activate for ten seconds, unless you either shoot or break ADS. This does feel a little stunted, as it essentially means that you only have the freedom to line up one perfect shot, and not unlimited time in which to do it in. However, after spending more time with the gun, and becoming used to its function, you realise what a valuable tactical tool it is. Provided you take your time with it (clue's in the name), the cloak actually allows you to set up a barrage of shots due to the stagger, scout an area, and prevent flinch effects when first firing. While not actually turning you into an army-slaying, invisible beast, it is a very effective tool.

However, the power, combined with the lack of magazine size, unless you're lucky enough to receive the extended mag upgrade, means that it doesn't deal enough damage with the limited ammunition available at its disposal. Where I to make a recommendation, I would, despite the Ice Breaker's many advantages, still take Patience and Time over it - mostly due to the awesome factor that comes with the cloak. 

Practicality: 7/10

Abilities: 10/10

Stats: 8/10

Ossim Possim: 10/10