The Tommy’s Matchbook is a bizarre weapon in Destiny 2. For most users, the self-harming effects of Ignition Trigger make it a high-risk, high-reward weapon. But for Warlocks with a Devour build, it’s a phenomenal synergy with incredible damage output.
The Tommy’s Matchbook Catalyst goes a step further in making this weapon more usable for average players and really powerful for Warlocks. If the player is considering this weapon, they absolutely should get the Tommy’s Matchbook Catalyst. Here’s an overview of what it’s capable of and where to find it.
Updated On November 4, 2021 by Ben Baker: Destiny 2 Tommy’s Matchbook is a tricky weapon to get the most out of. Without the right build, players will burn themselves to low health making it easier for the enemy to take them out. But using it in bursts fails to take advantage of the damage boost. This is a weapon that requires long firing sessions which means the character build is important to use it. To illustrate this point this article has been updated with advice on when and how to use it. There is also a list of the weapon’s stats with the Tommy’s Matchbook Catalyst which makes a strong case why players will want to get the Catalyst.
What Tommy’s Matchbook Catalyst Does
The Tommy’s Matchbook Catalyst provides a perk for the Auto Rifle. The perk is called Heat of the Moment and has a very beneficial effect:
- When Ignition Trigger is active, health recovery will increase.
While the player will still be subjected to the damaging effects of Ignition Trigger, the damage will be partially offset by better health regeneration. That’s enough to get a few more seconds of high damage firing before needing to fully heal. Oftentimes, this is enough to put the opponent down or do some serious damage against bosses.
Weapon Stats With The Tommy’s Matchbook Catalyst
- Impact – 18
- Range – 49
- Stability – 50
- Handling – 62
- Reload Speed – 28
- Rounds Per Minute – 720
- Magazine – 72
- Ignition Trigger – Sustained fire with this weapon overheats it, increasing damage but burning the player.
- Heat Sink – Overheat damage is reduced while not aiming down sights.
- Heat Of The Moment – While Ignition Trigger is active, health recovers much faster.
How To Find Tommy’s Matchbook Catalyst
To get the Tommy’s Matchbook Catalyst players will need to complete the quest A Good Match. A Good Match is offered by Banshee-44 and challenges the player to accomplish three things:
- Kill 100 Guardians with an Auto Rifle.
- Get 200 Multikills against any enemy with an Auto Rifle.
- Earn 200 Points
These three objectives can be completed in any order the player so chooses. They can be earned in the following scenarios:
- Strikes
- Nightfalls
- Gambit Matches
- Crucible Rounds
Once the three objectives are finished the player simply needs to return to Banshee-44 to claim their Tommy’s Matchbook Catalyst.
Upgrading Tommy's Matchbook
Once the player has the Tommy’s Matchbook Catalyst, they can upgrade it by killing 700 enemies using Tommy’s Matchbook. The enemies can be either Guardians or regular PVE enemies. The final blow must be done with Tommy’s Matchbook, otherwise the damage can be dealt with any weapon.
These kills can also be obtained retroactively. If the player kills anything with the Tommy’s Matchbook prior to obtaining the Catalyst they’ll count towards the 700.
Tips For Getting Tommy's Matchbook
Players should keep in mind that the fastest way to get 400 points for A Good Match is through winning Crucible matches, Gambit, or completing Legend or Master Ordeals. Therefore, Players should grind Crucible to get the points and 100 Auto Rifle Guardian kills. Then they can switch to Gambit or Ordeals for the remaining points and the 200 multikills with an Auto Rifle.
While any Auto Rifle can be used to complete the quest, it’s preferable to use Tommy’s Matchbook for the retroactive kills. If the player still doesn’t have enough to fully upgrade, then running Shattered Throne is a good idea. This is also a great way to hunt for other Catalysts like the Borealis Catalyst, which also drop from PVE kills.
Advice On Using The Tommy’s Matchbook
Tommy’s Matchbook is either a liability or a fantastic weapon depending entirely on the player’s loadout and playstyle. The self-harm effects are problematic unless the player has shielding or other strategies to mitigate or even regenerate from the damage. This weapon is a thing of beauty for Devour-based Warlocks.
With the right setup in PVP it’s great for close quarters dueling. It does less burn damage when hip fired and can sling a fair number of bullets. The fights must be close quarters though as Tommy’s Matchbook Catalyst has very low range.
In PVE this weapon is a bit of a wash. It can handle mid-level content just fine but anything more difficult and it’s outperformed by quite a few weapons. For the most part, this is the weapon to use if the player doesn’t have anything better or if they’re looking to have a bit of fun.