Destiny 2 players are no strangers to the weekly grind for loot, challenges, and activities that keep the game exciting and fresh. Among these activities, the Ascendant Challenge this week holds a special place in the hearts of Guardians. This mystical and thrilling activity in the Dreaming City combines puzzles, combat, and exploration, making it a fan favorite. If you’re curious about the Ascendant Challenge, how to access it, and tips to conquer it, you’ve come to the right place.
This article examines the Ascendant Challenge, its expected rewards, and how to prepare for this week’s adventure.
What Is the Ascendant Challenge?
The Ascendant Challenge is a weekly Dreaming City activity in Destiny 2 that rotates every Tuesday during the game’s reset. It’s a mystical, challenging event that involves entering a hidden portal within the Dreaming City to explore the Ascendant Plane, a dark, eerie, alternate dimension filled with Taken enemies.
The Ascendant Challenge changes its location, puzzles, and objectives each week, adding variety and encouraging Guardians to revisit it regularly. Completing the challenge often provides powerful rewards, including Dreaming City gear, enhancement cores, and more.
The key to accessing this activity is a consumable called the Tincture of Queensfoil, which allows players to see and interact with hidden Ascendant portals scattered around the Dreaming City.
Where to Find the Ascendant Challenge This Week
This week’s Ascendant Challenge is located in a specific area of the Dreaming City that changes every reset. You’ll need to discover the portal for this week’s challenge to find it to find it. This involves:
- Understanding the Weekly Rotation
- Destiny 2’s Ascendant Challenge follows a predictable six-week rotation, with each challenge offering a unique location and set of objectives. To find the Ascendant Challenge this week, consult community resources like Reddit or the Destiny 2 Wiki to determine which one is active.
- Using the Tincture of Queensfoil
- The Tincture of Queensfoil is a must-have item to make the Ascendant portal visible. You can obtain this consumable from chests scattered around the Dreaming City or by completing certain activities in the area. Once consumed, the tincture grants a buff called “Ascendance,” which allows you to see the portal and access the Ascendant Plane.
- Finding the Portal
- The location of the Ascendant Challenge portal varies. Still, popular spots include the Spine of Keres, Garden of Esila, Bay of Drowned Wishes, and other notable areas within the Dreaming City. Check for glowing black orbs that signify the portal’s entrance.
How to Prepare for the Ascendant Challenge This Week
The Ascendant Challenge is not for the faint of heart. It requires combat skill, puzzle-solving ability, and careful navigation through a dangerous environment filled with enemies and platforming sections. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Stock Up on Tinctures of Queensfoil
Without the Tincture of Queensfoil, you can’t access the Ascendant Challenge. Make sure to gather a few of these consumables before heading out. You can farm them by opening chests or completing patrols and events in the Dreaming City.
- Equip the Right Gear
Since the Ascendant Plane is filled with Taken enemies, it’s a good idea to equip weapons and armor that provide bonuses against the Taken. Weapons like Malfeasance, which deals extra damage to Taken, or mods like Taken Armaments, can give you an edge in combat.
Additionally, choose mobility-focused armor if you struggle with platforming, as this challenge often involves jumping puzzles.
- Study the Weekly Challenge
Each Ascendant Challenge has its unique objectives and hazards. For example, one week might involve defeating a powerful Taken boss, while another might require solving puzzles or platforming to reach a specific goal. Watch videos or read guides for tips on completing the particular challenge for the week.
Tips for Conquering the Ascendant Challenge This Week
Even seasoned players can find the Ascendant Challenge tricky. Follow these tips to improve your chances of success:
- Take Your Time
The Ascendant Plane is an unforgiving place. It’s easy to get overwhelmed between the Taken enemies, environmental hazards, and platforming sections. Take your time to assess your surroundings and plan your movements carefully.
- Watch Out for Environmental Traps
The Ascendant Plane has traps and hazards, such as spinning blades, disappearing platforms, and Taken projectiles. Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate dangers before they occur.
- Use Supers and Heavy Weapons Wisely
Many Ascendant Challenges feature tough Taken bosses or waves of enemies. Save your Super abilities and heavy ammunition for these moments to maximize your damage output and survive the encounter.
- Bring Friends
The Ascendant Challenge can be completed solo, but it’s always more manageable (and more fun) with a fire team. Having friends can make the platforming sections less punishing and help take down enemies more efficiently.
Rewards for Completing the Ascendant Challenge This Week
The rewards for completing the Ascendant Challenge this week are well worth the effort. You can expect to earn:
- Powerful Dreaming City Gear: Completing the challenge contributes to your weekly Dreaming City milestones, which reward high-stat armor and weapons.
- Enhancement Cores: These valuable items are used to upgrade your gear and masterwork your weapons.
- Dark Fragments: These tokens can be used to purchase items from Petra Venj, the vendor in the Dreaming City.
- Lore and Triumph Progress: Completing the Ascendant Challenge also contributes to certain lore books and triumphs, helping you achieve 100% completion in the Dreaming City.
Why the Ascendant Challenge Matters
The Ascendant Challenge is more than just a weekly activity—it’s a gateway to some of the best rewards and lore in Destiny 2. As part of the Dreaming City endgame, it ties into the larger story of the Awoken, the curse on the city, and the machinations of the Witch Queen.
For players seeking a challenge that tests their skills and provides meaningful rewards, the Ascendant Challenge remains a highlight of the Destiny 2 experience. It also keeps the Dreaming City alive and relevant as a destination, even years after its introduction in the Forsaken expansion.
Conclusion
The Ascendant Challenge this week is a must-do activity for any Guardian looking to test their mettle, explore the Dreaming City’s mysterious Ascendant Plane, and earn some powerful loot. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player exploring this activity for the first time, the Ascendant Challenge offers a rewarding experience filled with combat, puzzles, and exploration.
So grab your Tinctures of Queensfoil, gear up for battle, and dive into the Ascendant Plane. You never know what treasures or secrets await you in the ever-changing landscape of the Dreaming City. Make sure to complete it before the weekly reset—and good luck, Guardian!
