Raids are the crown jewels of Destiny 2. They represent the pinnacle of Bungie’s design philosophy: cooperative teamwork, intricate mechanics, and unforgettable encounters. Since the game’s launch in 2017, raids have evolved from experimental set pieces into finely tuned masterpieces that define the endgame. This article explores the best raids Destiny 2 has offered, analyzing their design, loot, and legacy across the years.
The Role of Raids in Destiny 2
Raids are six-player cooperative missions that demand communication, coordination, and mastery of mechanics. Unlike strikes or dungeons, raids are not designed to be soloed easily; they are the ultimate test of a fireteam’s synergy. Each raid typically introduces:
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Unique mechanics that require teamwork.
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Exclusive loot including exotic weapons and armor.
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Cinematic environments that immerse players in Destiny’s lore.
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Replayability through challenges, triumphs, and rotating weekly rewards.
Since launch, Bungie has released both original raids and reprised classics from Destiny 1, each contributing to the evolving narrative of the game.
Last Wish (Forsaken, 2018)
Few raids have left as lasting an impression as Last Wish. Released with the Forsaken expansion, it remains a benchmark for raid design.
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Atmosphere: Set in the Dreaming City, the raid immerses players in a mystical, cursed environment. The aesthetic is breathtaking, blending alien architecture with ethereal beauty.
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Mechanics: Encounters like Shuro Chi’s puzzle fight and Riven’s final boss battle demand precision and coordination. The Riven fight, in particular, is legendary for its scale and complexity.
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Loot: The raid introduced One Thousand Voices, a devastating fusion rifle that became one of the most sought-after exotics in the game.
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Legacy: Many players consider Last Wish the greatest raid in Destiny history due to its balance of challenge, lore significance, and spectacle.
Deep Stone Crypt (Beyond Light, 2020)
With Beyond Light, Bungie delivered Deep Stone Crypt, a raid that quickly became a fan favorite.
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Atmosphere: Set on Europa, the raid takes players into the Braytech facility and eventually into space. The transition to orbit, accompanied by the haunting soundtrack, is one of Destiny’s most iconic moments.
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Mechanics: The raid introduced operator, scanner, and suppressor roles, requiring players to juggle responsibilities across encounters.
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Loot: The exotic rocket launcher Eyes of Tomorrow became a coveted prize, alongside standout weapons like Heritage and Succession.
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Legacy: Deep Stone Crypt is praised for its accessibility. It is challenging but not overwhelming, making it a perfect entry point for new raiders while still rewarding veterans.
King’s Fall (Reprised, 2022)
Originally from Destiny 1, King’s Fall returned in Destiny 2 with updated mechanics and loot.
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Atmosphere: The Hive aesthetic dominates, with the Dreadnaught serving as a haunting backdrop. The scale of the raid feels immense, with towering architecture and ominous design.
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Mechanics: Encounters like the Warpriest and Oryx demand coordination, but the mechanics are intuitive once learned. The Oryx fight remains one of the most epic finales in Destiny history.
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Loot: The reprised version introduced modern perks and origin traits, revitalizing classic weapons like Doom of Chelchis.
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Legacy: Nostalgia and refined mechanics cemented King’s Fall as one of the best raids in Destiny 2, appealing to both veterans and newcomers.
Vault of Glass (Reprised, 2021)
The original Destiny raid, Vault of Glass, was reprised in Destiny 2, bringing back one of the most iconic experiences in gaming.
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Atmosphere: The timeless aesthetic of the Vex vault remains striking. The sense of mystery and discovery is unparalleled.
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Mechanics: Encounters like the Oracles and Atheon challenge players with coordination and time manipulation.
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Loot: The return of Vex Mythoclast excited fans, alongside refreshed versions of classics like Fatebringer.
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Legacy: While simpler compared to modern raids, Vault of Glass is beloved for its historical significance and accessibility.
Vow of the Disciple (The Witch Queen, 2022)
Vow of the Disciple is often hailed as Bungie’s most mechanically innovative raid.
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Atmosphere: Set in the Pyramid ship of Rhulk, the raid is steeped in darkness and mystery. The design is alien, unsettling, and deeply tied to the lore of the Witness.
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Mechanics: The raid introduced rune-based callouts, requiring players to communicate symbols across encounters. The Exhibition encounter is particularly unique, blending puzzle-solving with combat.
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Loot: The exotic glaive Lubrae’s Ruin and weapons like Submission and Deliverance became staples in raid arsenals.
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Legacy: Vow of the Disciple is praised for its originality, difficulty, and lore significance, making it one of the most respected raids in Destiny 2.
Garden of Salvation (Shadowkeep, 2019)
Though divisive, Garden of Salvation deserves mention.
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Atmosphere: Set in the Black Garden, the raid is visually stunning, with surreal landscapes and Vex architecture.
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Mechanics: The tether mechanic is infamous for its complexity. While frustrating for some, it remains a unique design choice.
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Loot: The exotic trace rifle Divinity is the raid’s crown jewel, offering a debuff mechanic that became essential in high-level play.
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Legacy: Despite criticisms of loot quality and mechanics, Garden of Salvation holds a special place for players who appreciate its aesthetic and innovation.
Root of Nightmares (Lightfall, 2023)
The Root of Nightmares raid, tied to the Lightfall expansion, brought a more accessible design.
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Atmosphere: Set aboard a Pyramid ship near Neomuna, the raid blends cosmic horror with vibrant visuals.
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Mechanics: The raid emphasizes movement and light/dark mechanics, making it less punishing than others.
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Loot: The exotic shotgun Conditional Finality became a meta-defining weapon.
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Legacy: While not the hardest raid, Root of Nightmares is praised for its fun factor and accessibility, appealing to casual raiders.
Crota’s End (Reprised, 2023)
Another Destiny 1 classic, Crota’s End, returned with modern updates.
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Atmosphere: The Hellmouth and Hive aesthetic remain iconic, with a dark, oppressive tone.
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Mechanics: Known for its straightforward design, the raid is shorter and simpler than others, making it ideal for quick runs.
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Loot: Updated weapons and perks revitalized the raid, though its simplicity limits replayability compared to larger raids.
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Legacy: While not as grand as King’s Fall, Crota’s End is appreciated for nostalgia and accessibility.
Ranking the Best Raids
Based on community consensus and design analysis, the best raids since Destiny 2’s launch can be ranked as follows:
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Last Wish – unmatched atmosphere and mechanics.
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Vow of the Disciple – innovative and lore-rich.
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Deep Stone Crypt – accessible yet memorable.
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King’s Fall – epic scale and nostalgia.
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Vault of Glass – iconic and timeless.
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Root of Nightmares – fun and accessible.
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Garden of Salvation – divisive but unique.
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Crota’s End – nostalgic but simple.
Conclusion
Destiny 2’s raids are more than just endgame activities; they are cultural milestones within the gaming community. Each raid reflects Bungie’s evolving design philosophy, from the grandeur of Last Wish to the mechanical brilliance of Vow of the Disciple. While debates over rankings will continue, one truth remains: raids are the heart of Destiny 2, offering unforgettable experiences that keep Guardians returning year after year.