Destiny 2 Raids: Your Complete Guide

7 min

Raids in Destiny 2 represent the pinnacle of PvE content, offering challenging encounters that require strategy, teamwork, and precise execution. From new Guardians to seasoned veterans, understanding raids in Destiny 2 is essential for completing high-level content, acquiring exclusive rewards, and experiencing the story-driven narrative. This updated guide covers all Destiny 2 raids, their recommended order, including new additions like Root of Nightmares and Salvation’s Edge, and techniques to complete them, including raids with only text chat.

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What Are Destiny 2 Raids?

Destiny 2 raids are cooperative six-player activities featuring complex mechanics, multiple phases, and powerful bosses. Each raid provides unique challenges that require teamwork, strategy, and coordination to overcome.

Core Features of Raids

  • Team Size: Six-player fireteams.
  • Complex Mechanics: Boss fights, puzzles, and multi-phase encounters.
  • Rewards: High-level legendary and exotic gear, seasonal items, and lore collectibles.
  • Story Integration: Raids advance the Destiny 2 narrative and often conclude major plotlines.

Benefits of Completing Raids

  • Exclusive Loot: Access to unique weapons, armor, and cosmetic items.
  • Endgame Content: Provides challenging PvE for high-level players.
  • Skill Development: Encourages strategic thinking, coordination, and adaptability.
  • Community Engagement: Promotes teamwork and collaborative gameplay.

Below is an updated list of all Destiny 2 raids, including recommended chronological order, approximate power levels (considering seasonal adjustments), and notes:

Raid NameReleaseRecommended Power LevelNotes
Leviathan2017~260–300First Destiny 2 raid; themed around Emperor Calus.
Eater of Worlds (Raid Lair)2017~300–310Leviathan expansion with new mechanics.
Spire of Stars (Raid Lair)2018~330–340Continuation of Leviathan story; unique lair mechanics.
Last Wish2018~380–400Forsaken expansion; Dreaming City encounters.
Scourge of the Past2018~380–400Warmind expansion; Mars-based boss fights.
Crown of Sorrow2019~400–420Leviathan lore continuation; coordinated DPS phases.
Garden of Salvation2019~960–980Shadowkeep; Vex mechanics in Black Garden.
Deep Stone Crypt2020~1050–1070Beyond Light; Europa raid with puzzles.
Vault of Glass (Vault Revisited)2021~1060–1080Legacy Destiny 1 raid remastered.
Vow of the Disciple2022~1100–1120Season of the Haunted; Hive multi-phase raid.
Root of Nightmares2023~1160–1180Garden of Salvation sequel; advanced mechanics.
Salvation’s Edge2024~1200+Latest raid; challenging encounters with updated loot.
King’s Fall (Revisited)2022~1100+Destiny 1 classic raid reprised for Destiny 2.

For new players, raid progression can consider both chronological release and difficulty. Completing raids in order helps with narrative comprehension and skill building:

  1. Leviathan
  2. Eater of Worlds
  3. Spire of Stars
  4. Last Wish
  5. Scourge of the Past
  6. Crown of Sorrow
  7. Garden of Salvation
  8. Deep Stone Crypt
  9. Vault of Glass (Revisited)
  10. Vow of the Disciple
  11. Root of Nightmares
  12. Salvation’s Edge
  13. King’s Fall (Revisited)

Completing Raids With Only Text Chat

Some fireteams complete raids relying solely on text chat. Success requires clear planning, conventions, and agreement among all players.

Tips for Text-Only Communication

  • Assign Roles: Define DPS, mechanics, plate activation, and support roles before starting.
  • Abbreviations and Macros: Use shorthand or preconfigured commands; all players must agree on these conventions to prevent confusion.
  • Timed Instructions: Coordinate supers, heavy weapons, and mechanics through concise text messages.
  • Status Updates: Players should regularly report positions, mechanic progress, and readiness.
  • Consistent Conventions: Ensure every team member understands the communication shorthand.

Strategies for Specific Encounters

  • Puzzle Sections: Clearly number steps and assign tasks via text.
  • Boss Phases: Coordinate DPS rotations, heavy usage, and ability timings.
  • Environmental Challenges: Text commands direct movement, plate activation, and mechanic sequencing.

Preparing for Raids

  • Power Level Check: Match or exceed the recommended power for each raid.
  • Loadouts: Equip weapons effective against raid-specific enemies; balance damage types.
  • Team Composition: Mix DPS, support, and utility roles for optimal success.
  • Mechanics Practice: Learn encounter patterns via tutorials or previous runs.
  • Patience and Coordination: Raids are challenging; teamwork is essential.

ExitLag Optimization for PC Raiding

  • Reduced Latency: Ensures shots, abilities, and mechanics register accurately.
  • Stable Connection: Minimizes disruptions during high-coordination encounters.
  • Team Coordination: Supports precise timing for synchronized mechanics.
  • Gameplay Knowledge: Note that network optimization helps, but raid success still depends on coordination, mechanic knowledge, and team communication.

Key Takeaways

  • Destiny 2 raids are complex six-player PvE experiences with unique mechanics and rewards.
  • Completing all Destiny 2 raids in recommended order provides optimal story comprehension and difficulty progression.
  • Text-only raids are achievable with agreed conventions, macros, and clear communication.
  • Gear, loadouts, and team composition are essential for success.
  • ExitLag can improve online raid responsiveness but cannot replace knowledge, coordination, or skill.

Advanced Raid Strategies

Understanding Encounter Mechanics

  • Multi-Phase Boss Fights: Learn each phase’s mechanics and plan DPS and support rotations accordingly.
  • Environmental Challenges: Use map awareness to navigate complex arenas, including moving platforms, jump puzzles, and hazard zones.
  • Mechanics Priority: Identify key mechanics that can wipe the team if ignored, such as debuff management or plate activations.

Optimizing Team Roles

  • DPS Players: Focus on high-priority targets, maintain precision shots, and trigger catalyst perks if applicable.
  • Support Roles: Shielding, healing, or debuff control to maintain team survivability.
  • Utility Players: Handle puzzle mechanics, plate activations, and sequence coordination.

Text-Only Chat Coordination

Text chat raids require careful planning:

  • Role Assignments: Clearly designate tasks and responsibilities before encounters.
  • Shorthand Conventions: Use abbreviations or preconfigured macros; all team members must understand and agree on them.
  • Turn-Based Instructions: For mechanics requiring sequential actions, text cues can organize timing.
  • Progress Updates: Team members should report status, cooldowns, and positioning regularly.
  • Advanced Consideration: Encounters with multiple timers or reactive visual callouts (like symbols) may be more challenging without voice chat. Train on these mechanics in practice sessions or use external visual aids, such as diagrams.

Encounter-Specific Tips

  • Puzzle Sections: Assign each player specific steps; use numbered text cues.
  • Boss Fights: Plan super usage and heavy weapon rotations; text instructions keep timing coordinated.
  • Mob Mechanics: Track adds and crowd control; communicate via short, clear text updates.

Endgame Raid Preparation

  • Power Level Optimization: Recommended power levels vary by season. Many raids now use a “content mode” system where the challenge is locked to a set power range, reducing the need for a full power grind.
  • Loadout Selection: Equip weapons and subclasses tailored to raid mechanics and enemy types.
  • Class Balance: Ensure the fireteam has a mix of Titans, Hunters, and Warlocks for diverse abilities.
  • Consumables: Use raid-specific consumables, such as Raid Banners, which help fill super and ammo before encounters.
  • Mechanics Practice: Train movement, ability usage, and weapon combos in public activities or simpler strikes before attempting more complex raids.

Catalyst and Reward Maximization

  • Catalyst Tracking: Some catalysts are obtained from raids, while others apply to exotics from other activities. Focus on objectives such as precision kills, consecutive kills, or multi-kills.
  • High-Density Enemy Farming: Optimize catalyst progression by targeting areas with multiple high-value enemies.
  • Loot Optimization: Track seasonal modifiers to maximize rewards from each encounter.
  • Exotic Gear Integration: Coordinate raid loadouts with exotic perks for maximum efficiency.

ExitLag Optimization for Raids

Using ExitLag can help online performance for PC players:

  • Latency Reduction: Smooths ability usage and weapon handling.
  • Stable Connectivity: Minimizes disconnects during long, coordinated encounters.
  • Team Synchronization: Maintains consistent communication and mechanics execution.
  • Reminder: ExitLag helps online connectivity but success still depends on knowledge, skill, and team coordination.

Key Takeaways

  • Advanced raid strategies focus on understanding mechanics, role optimization, and efficient team communication.
  • Text-only raids require agreed-upon conventions, clear shorthand, preconfigured macros, and awareness of reactive mechanics.
  • Endgame preparation involves proper power levels, loadouts, consumables (including Raid Banners), class balance, and training in simpler activities.
  • Catalyst and loot optimization are achieved through focused engagement and tracking objectives.
  • ExitLag can enhance online performance, but coordination, skill, and mechanic knowledge remain essential.
Destiny 2 Raids
AreaRecommendationNotes
Encounter PlanningStudy boss mechanics and environmental hazardsPrevents wipes and improves DPS efficiency
Role AssignmentDefine DPS, support, and utility rolesEspecially critical for text-only teams
CommunicationUse clear shorthand and macrosEssential for coordination without voice chat; ensure all agree on conventions
LoadoutEquip high-power weapons and elemental synergiesAlign with raid mechanics and enemy types
Power LevelMeet or exceed recommended powerSeasonal content modes may lock challenge levels
ConsumablesStock raid buffs, healing items, and Raid BannersHelps maintain super and ammo during encounters
Catalyst ProgressionTrack and complete weapon catalystsFocus on precision, multi-kills, and consecutive kills

Disclaimer

General disclaimer: All game images used in this blog belong to Bungie. They are used for informational/educational purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation with the rights holders.

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Leandro Sandmann

Leandro Sandmann

Leandro Sandmann, graduated in Computer Science from FEI, is the co-founder of ExitLag, a company created to improve stability and internet connections for online games. He has been sharing his knowledge about games and technology through various channels, contributing to the Blog's articles.

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