As Destiny 2's Episode: Revenant content drop unfolds, players are introduced to Vesper's Host, a three-player dungeon designed to provide a formidable challenge for endgame enthusiasts. This dungeon promises to be even more demanding during its inaugural weekend, as Bungie introduces a world's first completion race akin to those held for raids. Contest mode, which increases the difficulty to ensure a level playing field, will be in effect. Vesper's Host is packed with excitement, from the race to the new Exotic weapon, Ice Breaker, a beloved return from the original Destiny. Here's a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about Vesper's Host, including launch details, race information, contest mode specifics, and the recently announced disabled items for the world's first dungeon race.
First, take a look at Bungie's trailer for the dungeon, which offers a glimpse of the challenges within and hints at the return of Atraks, a boss from the Deep Stone Crypt raid. Vesper's Host becomes accessible in Destiny 2 starting at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET on Friday, October 11. To enter, players must form a fireteam of three and possess the Final Shape Dungeon Key. Additionally, they need to visit Spider in the Last City hub area to pick up the 'Rogue Network' quest for dungeon access. Similar to raids, Vesper's Host will feature a contest mode lasting the first 48 hours of its launch, ending at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET on Sunday, October 13. Contest mode caps player levels below the recommended level for encounters, ensuring a balanced challenge.
Completing contest mode is the key to obtaining Ice Breaker, the Exotic sniper rifle within the dungeon. While the rifle is a random drop, completing Triumphs within the dungeon may increase the chance of obtaining it. Contest mode also rewards players with the exclusive emblem, Orbital Tournament. If you prefer to avoid contest mode's increased challenge, normal mode will become available once the first three teams clear the dungeon, typically within the first few hours of its release.
Bungie has disabled six weapons, including the new grenade launcher Alethonym, for the race to complete Vesper's Host. These restrictions apply only to the dungeon race and do not affect other content. Even if you're not participating, you can watch the Vesper's Host race on Twitch's Twitch Rivals channel starting at 9:30 PT / 12:30 ET on Friday. Watching the coverage can earn you two emblems through Twitch Drops: Effortless Flow for watching two hours of any Destiny 2 streamer with Twitch Drops enabled, and Broadcasting from the Dark for subscribing to a Destiny 2 streamer with Twitch Drops enabled.
Ice Breaker, a Solar sniper rifle, is a significant draw for Vesper's Host. Originally released in Destiny 1, it was known for its unique auto-regenerating ammo feature. The Destiny 2 version, a Special ammo sniper, has been adjusted to maintain its power without being game-breaking. It has a chance to regenerate ammo with kills using other weapons, and tougher combatants offer the chance to generate multiple rounds. Like its predecessor, Ice Breaker causes enemies to explode, with precision kills and shattering frozen enemies triggering a Solar Ignition that spreads Scorch for burning damage to nearby targets.
While details about Vesper's Host are still emerging, the trailer and other hints suggest a connection to the Deep Stone Crypt raid. The dungeon's kickoff involves investigating a mysterious signal from a seemingly defunct Braytech facility, which may be linked to Clovis Bray's experiments with Vex technology. The trailer features Guardians in Deep Stone Crypt raid armor and hints at the return of Atraks, the first Eliksni Exo. Whether Atraks is working with Fikrul, the major villain of Revenant, remains unclear.
