1. make sure when you turn in engrams to cryptarch that you have all of your highest light level gear equipped for maximum returns 2. this is a little time consuming, but after you turn in each engram, look at your inventory to see if it has higher light level -- swap item or dismantle accordingly -- before turning in next engram. also turn in engrams in order rare --> legendary --> exotic 3. if you need engrams, run some strikes from the strike playlist for a while. you'll load up with a bunch, even on easier difficulty. always have a three of coins active to ensure better drops. buy these from Xur at the tower on fri-sat using strange coins