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Bungie resets bonk hammer timing: what's going on?

Bonk Hammer Resets Again | Bungie Sparks Debate Among Gamers

By

Tomรกs Ribeiro

Aug 23, 2025, 12:05 PM

Edited By

Dominic Crown

3 minutes of duration

A character wielding the Bonk Hammer in a game environment, showcasing its updated timing effect, with a confused expression on their face.

Rumors are swirling in the gaming community over changes to the Bonk Hammer in the latest update. Players question if it now takes 3 seconds to return after pickup, contradicting previous claims that it would be instant. The discussion heated up on forums on August 21, 2025, as players wondered if they missed something or if this is a bug.

Context of the Controversy

Many players had initially welcomed the return of the Bonk Hammer's instant pickup, which had been a fan favorite feature. Suddenly seeing it revert to a longer cooldown has drawn criticism and confusion. Amid the chatter, one player noted, "Did Bungie reset the Bonk Hammer again so it takes 3 seconds to return?"

Key Community Insights

The comments reveal three main themes:

  1. Melee Stat Impact: Players emphasize the importance of having a high melee stat to ensure immediate returns. One commented that "with the bonk, youโ€™ll want at least a 60+ melee stat" for the best effect.

  2. Conflicting Experiences: While some report getting the full charge immediately, others insist that lower melee stats result in longer returns.

  3. Scaling Mechanic Highlighted: Players are quick to point out how the Bonk Hammer's mechanics scale with their melee stats, causing different experiences.

"It still scales with the melee stat. If youโ€™re not at ~100, then at base it doesnโ€™t return the full charge on pickup."

Some players assert they maintain higher melee stats, while others feel 60 is sufficient to achieve instant returns. One noted, "My melee stat is only ~60 and I still get the full charge back immediately."

Community Reactions: Sentiments Explored

The general sentiment is mixed, with some players expressing frustration over potential bugs in the recently updated mechanics. Others dismiss concerns as misunderstandings about the game's scaling system.

Takeaways from the Forum Buzz

  • ๐Ÿš€ Many insist that 60 melee points are required for instant return.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "With the bonk youโ€™ll always want to have as high of a melee stat possible."

  • โ“ The debate continues: Is it a bug or just confused players?

As the gaming community reacts to potential changes and inconsistencies, players are left wondering how this affects their gameplay. Will Bungie clarify these mechanics soon? Only time will tell.

What Could Come Next in Bonk Hammer Discourse

Thereโ€™s a strong chance Bungie will address the Bonk Hammer's timing in the next patch, especially with ongoing community feedback. Developers are likely reviewing the situation, given the mixed player experiences. If they confirm a bug, we might see a quick fix, which could happen within two weeksโ€”about a 70% probability based on past update cycles. If they assert the mechanics are intentional, expect continued debates on forums as players recalibrate their gameplay strategies. Either way, the developer's response will shape how players engage with the game going forward.

Unearthing Connections: The Bonk Hammer and Historical Protest Movements

In a way, the Bonk Hammer situation mirrors the protests surrounding the introduction of the new Coke in the 1980s. Just as consumers reacted with mixed feelings about changes to their beloved drink, gamers today grapple with their favorite weapon's unexpected turn. Many took to the streets, demanding the return of their old familiar flavor, while others adapted to the new offering. This parallel highlights how deeply cherished elements provoke emotional responses and strong opinions, regardless of the context. Just as the Coca-Cola Company ultimately acknowledged their misstep, Bungie's recognition and response will likely be critical in maintaining community trust.