Let's face it. You see a thorn user almost every crucible match. I own 2 but don't use them in PvP because I feel like a douche. But it is an exotic and exotic weapons are supposed to be good but Realistically bungie can't do much to nerf it because its a 2 shot to the head like most other hand cannons in crucible like the Red Hand or pretty much any of the faction hand cannons. The DOT is irrelevant because let's be real, who here has been killed by the DOT of ANYTHING in crucible that many times? So instead of waiting for a nerf that might never happen, here are some counter plays next time you run into a thorn.
1. COVER IS YOUR FRIEND. Using cover is a basic skill needed to play any shooter and destiny is no exception. Be aware of your surroundings and duck behind something and regen your health when you're in a pinch.
2. EVASIVE MANEUVERS. Thorn has a mag size of 9, use that to your advantage. Moving side to side makes you a more difficult target even for the most seasoned of players. However jumping straight up or moving straight forward is a BIG mistake because you're just easier to hit that way.
3. RUN B*TCH RUUUUUN. Thorn takes about 3 shots to kill assuming none of them were head shots. So if you've already been shot twice, there's nothing forcing you to stay and die. Run like hell and regen before re-engaging. There's no shame in running because I'd rather not die and add to the other guys killstreak.
4. WHEN IN DOUBT...GO AROUND. Narrow hallways are a hand-cannon users wet-dream. If a thorn user is camping one end of a hallway it's because there are players adding to his kill feed. There's always another way into the room you're trying to get into, it might take longer to go the long way but that's better then dying over and over and over and over, plus you'll come up from behind and catch them off guard.
5. BANZAAAAIIII!!! Hand cannons are best suited to mid-range. Getting in close is probably a last resort though because it's High-risk but also high-reward. And of course shotguns trump just about everything in close range.
Note: Thorn is a tool to be used at your disposal like any other weapon in the game. I don't have anything against thorn users, and personally I don't believe thorn needs a nerf. This post is just for those players who keep complaining about thorn because I'm sick of seeing the "nerf thorn" posts.
I hope the tips help, feel free to comment anything I might of missed. Good luck out there, Guardians.
Edit: Any weapon can beat any other weapon in crucible. These are just general tips to give you an extra edge to pull off a fire fight. A weapon is only as good as the person holding it.
Edit: I personally almost never die from the DoT damage, the only times I have are when I take damage from another player entirely. I didn't realize it was such a problem for other players. Apparently crouching or sitting down stops the DoT? I haven't tried it myself but it can't hurt.
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Somebody told me today that if you crouch why poisoned from thorn, it would stop the poison. Can somebody confirm this?