Stochastic Variable

For complete perks, see d2gunsmith.com, light.gg or destinytracker.com.

The Stochastic Variable is a 900 RPM SMG initially introduced as part of the Faction Rallies event and was part of the Future War Cult loot pool. It was reintroduced with random rolls in S14 and has access to some of the new perks introduced with Beyond Light, but none of the S14-specific new perks (e.g. Danger Zone). Food for thought:

• It’s an Energy-slot SMG, which means that it competes with Shayura’s Wrath for your attention if you’re feeling like a rocking SMG in the Crucible.
• More specifically it’s an Arc SMG, which means it competes with the Warmind-cell-generating Ikelos SMG if you’re going to be using an SMG in PvE.

The Variable is in kind of a weird spot. It’s a solid little SMG and it has some stiff competition.

PvP Thoughts#

Drewsky has an in-depth analysis of why the Variable is particularly interesting to him as a PvP SMG. It’s a great watch, but pretty in-the-weeds sandbox-wise. Here’s a summary:

• At base, the Variable is very tough to use because of its high RPM and lowest-in-game SMG Zoom of 13. “You lose a lot of reticle friction and it’s a lot harder to aim with that massive amount of recoil at a target at range; it’s very difficult and inconsistent.”"
• Phase Magazine to the rescue! You can turn this Lightweight 900RPM SMG into an easier-to-control 600RPM while still maintaining the Lightweight frame Mobility boost.
• Killing Wind helps with the low Range and low Zoom, and also increases strafe speed.
• Elemental Capacitor now works with Stasis, giving a bonus to Recoil and increasing strafe speed when ADS’ing (more than Moving Target!).

Note that Drewsky is referring to this as beneficial when using it to backup a Sniper, not as his primary engagement in which case you’d want something like the aforementioned Shayura’s Wrath.

PvE Thoughts#

Ehroar has a thorough PvE review posted for the Variable.

“Once you have Feeding Frenzy and Multikill Clip, I mean, it feels like the old Recluse where it straight mows through enemies. … Overall I think this is the best SMG in the game” - Ehroar

What about Phase Magazines? Turns out, not that great.

“Overall the 900 RPM does more damage per second, and it’s going to be roughly 22.1% better DPS.”

🤩 Drewsky’s Niche Obsession (pvp)#

This is the roll Drewsky discusses in his video.

• Collector’s Edition Roll
  • Barrels: Polygonal Rifling
  • Magazines: Phase Magazine
  • Perks 1: Killing Wind
  • Perks 2: Elemental Capacitor
  • Masterworks: Stability MW
• Extended Perks (referred to with a ‘+’ below)
  • Barrels: Polygonal Rifling, Smallbore, Chambered Compensator, Corkscrew Rifling, Fluted Barrel

🤪 Slif’s Niche Obsession (pvp)#

Drewsky’s roll has me inspired! If double-down on Stability from Surplus, we can redirect Barrels and Masterworks to Range.

• Collector’s Edition Roll
  • Barrels: Hammer-Forged Rifling
  • Magazines: Phase Magazine
  • Perks 1: Surplus
  • Perks 2: Elemental Capacitor
  • Masterworks: Range MW
• Extended Perks (referred to with a ‘+’ below)
  • Barrels: Hammer-Forged Rifling, Smallbore, Corkscrew Rifling

🕷 Recluse 2.0 - Ehroar’s Pick (pve)#

With Feeding Frenzy and Multikill Clip you’re turning an already terrific weapon into a Recluse-like machine.

• Collector’s Edition Roll
  • Barrels: Hammer-Forged Rifling
  • Magazines: High-Caliber Rounds
  • Perks 1: Feeding Frenzy
  • Perks 2: Multikill Clip
  • Masterworks: Range MW
• Extended Perks (referred to with a ‘+’ below)
  • Barrels: Hammer-Forged Rifling, Polygonal Rifling, Smallbore, Chambered Compensator, Corkscrew Rifling, Arrowhead Brake, Fluted Barrel, Extended Barrel
  • Magazines: High-Caliber Rounds, Ricochet Rounds, Armor-Piercing Rounds, Flared Magwell, Light Mag, Appended Mag, Alloy Magazine

🕷 Recluse 1.5 - Ehroar’s Pick, Slightly Less Great (pve)#

But still great! While Feeding Frenzy is the winner in Column 3, Ambitious Assassin and Surplus will also put in work. This is the same roll as the above with those just two swapped in, in lieu of Feeding Frenzy.

• Collector’s Edition Roll
  • Barrels: Hammer-Forged Rifling
  • Magazines: High-Caliber Rounds
  • Perks 1: Surplus, Ambitious Assassin
  • Perks 2: Multikill Clip
  • Masterworks: Range MW
• Extended Perks (referred to with a ‘+’ below)
  • Barrels: Hammer-Forged Rifling, Polygonal Rifling, Smallbore, Chambered Compensator, Corkscrew Rifling, Arrowhead Brake, Fluted Barrel, Extended Barrel
  • Magazines: High-Caliber Rounds, Ricochet Rounds, Armor-Piercing Rounds, Flared Magwell, Light Mag, Appended Mag, Alloy Magazine

🧰 Another Tool in the Toolbox (pve)#

I tend to use Surplus and Wellspring weapons when accomplishing bounties that require ability kills. They’re great for high-ability uptime but harder to justify compared to the raw damage output of a damage-boosting roll.

• Collector’s Edition Roll
  • Barrels: Hammer-Forged Rifling
  • Magazines: High-Caliber Rounds
  • Perks 1: Surplus
  • Perks 2: Wellspring
  • Masterworks: Range MW
• Extended Perks (referred to with a ‘+’ below)
  • Barrels: Hammer-Forged Rifling, Polygonal Rifling, Smallbore, Chambered Compensator, Corkscrew Rifling, Arrowhead Brake, Fluted Barrel, Extended Barrel
  • Magazines: High-Caliber Rounds, Ricochet Rounds, Armor-Piercing Rounds, Flared Magwell, Light Mag, Appended Mag, Alloy Magazine