If you do not unlock them before Beyond Light, you will not be able to unlock them until Bungie changes their drop source. Note: With the release of Beyond Light, several Exotic Catalyst sources will be removed. The best option is to find one you want, and then farm the activity until the Catalyst drops.
Catalysts can drop from general content like Patrols, Strikes, Nightfalls, and Heroic Adventures, from multiplayer content like Quickplay Crucible and Competitive Crucible, as well as from end-game activities like the many raids. All Exotic Catalysts Masterwork UpgradesĮxotic Catalysts can drop from numerous locations in Destiny 2, though each Catalyst has its own specific drop location. Players who want to increase the potency of their favorite Exotic weapons will want to begin tracking down and completing the many Exotic Catalysts in Destiny 2.
Each Catalyst, when completed, upgrades an Exotic to a Masterwork version, increasing its power through some stat boost or by introducing a new perk, and causing it to generate Orbs of Light on multi-kills. Unlocking Exotic Catalysts in Destiny 2 is what gets most players out of bed every day.