While I don't know this for certain, I think it likely that this same quest will show up again in 3 weeks with Ghosts. And probably again in 6 weeks for Prophecy.

I opted for the bow. I already have the gally cat from way back. If the trace rifle was obtainable by doing another completion on Explore mode - I’d probably do it…as it seems it’s not - then it’s a hard pass from this old tortoise! 👈 A vocal few of the ‘git gud’ brigade harp on about how easy it is to do Explore mode. 🧐 I am okay to make it to the final boss fight…but that’s when I just get simply overwhelmed by those insta-respawning exploding kamikaze harpies…and the nonstop chase by the big bullet sponge boss…and everything else that’s shooting me from every angle…whilst trying to shoot those nodes all over the place?! 😵‍💫 If I was a New Light player - I’d bounce and not look back. 👈👈 This whole Explore mode experience has simply reaffirmed why this old tortoise steers clear of Dungeons / Raids…this whole Neomuna vibe just ain’t fun…not for me, at least. 🤔 Speaking of stuff that ain’t fun - I grinded the Heavy Metal Seal…but I’ll not bother to gild it…in fact, I’m so totally done with that event…🤬🤖🤬 That is all. Ease Springs! 🙄

Wait you get more exotic options if you do harder difficulties?