Destiny 2 players have something exciting to sink their teeth into as the Iron Banner returns with a twist. The PvP event, a staple of the game for a decade, has evolved, bringing fresh changes and a broader window to engage with new mechanics. As fans dive back into the magic of multiplayer competition, it's essential to understand the ins and outs of the latest Iron Banner, especially if you haven't participated recently. Let's break down this event into key sections, ensuring that every Guardian knows how to make the most of their time in the Iron Banner.
The Revamped Iron Banner Experience
The Iron Banner is a beloved part of Destiny 2, but the latest expansion has introduced a significant overhaul to the event's structure. Gone are the days of a single week of intense competition; now, players can enjoy Iron Banner across an exhilarating two-week span. This change not only extends the duration of the event but also introduces new game modes to keep the action fresh.
During the first week, starting on July 2, participants will engage in “Control,” a classic mode that emphasizes teamwork through the capture and defense of three control points. Players earn points based on their kills, which increase dramatically once their team secures all locations. If a team manages to capture all three control points, a special scoring period begins, where kills are worth three points each until control resets.
The second week, beginning July 9, shifts gears to the “Tribute” mode. In this frantic and chaotic gameplay, players drop crests upon being defeated. Teams score points by collecting enemy crests as well as securing their own teammates' crests to prevent the opposing side from scoring. Gathering enough crests will spawn a control point in the center of the map, heavily guarded by Cabal turrets. This new mode promises a thrilling rush as everyone vies for domination and maximum points.
The Allure of Iron Banner Weapons
Every return of the Iron Banner comes with the promise of new gear, and this iteration is no different. Two familiar firearms make their return to the loot pool: the Claws of the Wolf pulse rifle and Crimil's Dagger hand cannon. Although these weapons have been available in the past, they now offer the opportunity to roll with exciting new perks, adding depth and potential to loadouts for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
To acquire these weapons, players will need to immerse themselves in Iron Banner matches. Each gun can be earned through various means, including random drops after matches or by progressing in Lord Saladin’s reputation track. The Claws of the Wolf becomes available at reputation level four, while Crimil's Dagger requires level seven for unlocking. Players who are keen to optimize their gear should refer to guides on ideal perk rolls to ensure they get the most out of their new weapons.
Maximizing Your Iron Banner Reputation
The path to reaping rewards in Iron Banner is through its reputation system, which incentivizes players to engage frequently. Unlike the reputation systems found in other activities, Iron Banner allows for faster progression through specific multipliers that enhance reputation gains. Two primary methods exist for boosting this experience: wearing Iron Banner gear and completing challenges exclusive to the event.
Equipping Iron Banner gear while battling increases reputation points earned—players can maximize rewards with a full set of five pieces, including an Exotic slot. Other than that, players can transmogrify existing armor into Iron Banner versions without losing the benefits. However, embracing the full set of armor can yield additional rewards like Enhancement Prisms, thanks to the new Iron Lord's Pride trait, which enhances drops from matches.
The Challenge System
Iron Banner challenges present an exciting opportunity to gather significant reputation bonuses. These goals are designed to gradually unlock as expectations are met, focusing on different achievements like securing a number of kills or successfully capturing control points. Players will find that maintaining a steady gameplay pace will naturally lead to completing many challenges, contributing to their overall reputation growth.
However, it’s essential to plan your playtime throughout the two weeks wisely. The challenges only unlock progressively, revealing one on the first day and opening up to four by day four. Therefore, strategizing gameplay for maximum efficiency as more challenges become available can enhance overall rewards significantly. What’s more, players can complete challenges across multiple characters, gaining bonuses with every completed task. For the completionists, tackling all four challenges on various characters in one event brings immense satisfaction.
The Rewards of the Iron Banner
With multiple strategies in place to accumulate reputation and unlock unique achievements, players have the potential to amplify their reputation multiplier to an impressive 10x. This boost ensures that grinding through matches becomes both rewarding and feasible within the expanded two-week window. As players engage in the frenetic competition of Iron Banner, they not only unlock exclusive rewards but also work towards the elusive Iron Banner seal, which further heightens the stakes of this legendary event.
In concluding this in-depth look at the Iron Banner's return, Guardians have a unique opportunity to dive back into the fray with new game modes, coveted weapons, and a well-structured reputation system that encourages collaborative play and skill development. As the event unfolds, embrace the excitement, strategize your gameplay, and enjoy the dynamic rewards awaiting every participant.