This isn't a rant thread, nor a complaint (well i guess it sorta is), this is simply a small explanation as to why the gun is so good Many believe the Thorn is overpowered and i'm not going to say it is, however it has one feature that does make it insanely strong compared to all other weapons in the crucible. "Risk free" burn. As you know the thorn has a moderate DOT on it. The DOT isn't that long nor is it the most damaging of abilities yet it still causes so much frustration and death. The reason isn't the weapons good stats (they are exceptional) but aforementioned DOT. Mark of the Devourer gives this gun a burn that puts it far ahead of any other gun, the ability to get a two-shot head-shot from long range with no real risk to yourself. Even a moderately skilled guardian could lang two shots from any distance and run, waiting just long enough for the burn to kill the target. While other abilities/grenades do give this ability non are as brutal or effective as the Thorn. Any skilled player can quickly counter a melee advance with a swift shotgun shot and grenades are mostly very easy to avoid with approximately half (from what I've seen of myself and others) doing damage let alone getting a kill. Even when using a grenade one has to expose themselves, hoping the grenade lands perfectly. Thorn completely removes the risk of a melee encounter and positioning to get a "perfect throw". This is why the Thorn is so good, so brutal. Not it's stats, as most guns could easily compete with it without the DOT. This is just my take on the Thorn issue that currently plagues the Crucible, feel free to discuss and insult below (I know you will.)