Can Atheon Be Soloed in Destiny 2? The Definitive Answer
The short answer is: partially, yes, but not completely in the current state of Destiny 2. While the entire Vault of Glass raid has been documented as being completed solo, it’s crucial to understand the context. Successfully soloing the entire raid, including Atheon, involved a combination of factors, including exploiting specific character builds and seasonal power level advantages that no longer exist. While the majority of the Vault of Glass can be tackled alone, the Atheon encounter presents significant challenges that make a complete solo run currently exceptionally difficult, if not practically impossible, for most players.
The Legacy of Solo Atheon
Back in Season 14, Atheon’s solo defeat was primarily achievable due to a specific Sunsinger Warlock build. This strategy revolved around dying just before Atheon teleported the player, then utilizing the Warlock’s self-resurrection ability. By strategically leveraging the “Radiant Skin” perk, the player could deal a significant amount of damage during the brief window after resurrection, capitalizing on the lower enemy power levels to eke out enough damage per damage phase.
However, several factors have changed since then:
- Light Level Scaling: Power level advantages no longer trivialize encounters to the same degree. The current enemy scaling makes Atheon’s damage output and health pool considerably more challenging for a solo player.
- Class Ability Tuning: The Sunsinger Warlock subclass has undergone significant revisions, removing its self-resurrection ability and rendering the original strategy obsolete.
- Weapon Meta Shifts: The optimal weapons for Atheon damage have shifted over time. While certain powerful weapons exist, they may not provide the consistent damage output required for a solo encounter.
Therefore, while archival footage and stories persist of Atheon being soloed in the past, attempting the same feat today presents an entirely different landscape. The changes to Destiny 2’s sandbox, enemy scaling, and class abilities makes current attempts to solo Atheon highly improbable for most players.
Vault of Glass: A Partially Soloable Raid
Despite the Atheon challenge, much of the Vault of Glass raid can still be soloed. The opening encounters, the Templar encounter, and the Gorgon Maze all are possible to do as a solo player. These portions of the raid feature mechanics that can be managed by a single player with the right build and strategy. It is Atheon that is the most difficult encounter to solo within Vault of Glass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Atheon Soloable in Destiny 2 Today?
No, not practically. While theoretically possible with an extremely niche build and near-perfect execution, the changes to light level scaling, class abilities, and weapon metas have made it exceedingly difficult. The historical Sunsinger Warlock strategy is no longer viable.
2. What Class is Best for Soloing Content in Destiny 2?
There’s no single “best” class, as it depends on the specific encounter. However, Warlocks with Voidwalker and Well of Radiance builds are generally favored for their survivability and damage output. Hunters with Nightstalker are great due to their invisibility and crowd control abilities, while Titans using Void builds provide damage resistance and offensive options.
3. What is the Easiest Raid to Solo in Destiny 2?
According to this article, the easiest raid to solo in Destiny 2 is hands down, the Deep Stone Crypt.
4. Are Any Destiny 2 Raids Completely Soloable?
No. While dungeons, like the Shattered Throne, are designed with the idea that players can clear them solo, the vast majority of Destiny 2 raids require at least two people.
5. Can I Solo the Root of Nightmares Raid?
Skilled players might be able to complete the Root of Nightmares raid solo, especially with a Warlock, however, it still requires a high skill level and a particular type of build.
6. Is the Vault of Glass Possible Solo?
Vault of Glass can be soloed up to Atheon, and as the article states, he was soloed back in Season 14, however, the article also states that Atheon is difficult to solo with the most recent updates to Destiny 2.
7. How Difficult is the Pit of Heresy Dungeon to Solo?
The Pit of Heresy can be completed alone, but it is a challenging endeavor and requires a high skill level.
8. What is the Hardest Dungeon to Solo in Destiny 2?
Duality is considered the most challenging dungeon to solo in Destiny 2.
9. What is the Hardest Raid in Destiny 2?
The Last Wish raid from the Dreaming City is widely regarded as the most challenging raid in Destiny 2.
10. Is the Prophecy Dungeon Hard to Solo?
Yes, the Prophecy dungeon is difficult to solo, particularly the first boss encounter due to spammy Taken enemies and Taken snipers.
11. Is Shattered Throne Easy to Solo?
Yes, Shattered Throne is one of the easiest dungeons to solo, especially with an invisibility-focused build. It is considered the second easiest solo to complete right after Pit of Heresy.
12. Can Vow of the Disciple Be Soloed?
While the entire raid cannot be soloed, it’s possible to obtain the first chest in the Vow of the Disciple raid solo.
13. How Powerful is Atheon?
Atheon is an entity that has control over time within the Vault of Glass, and converges multiple pathways from every axis in space-time. Atheon can send Guardians into the past or future at will.
14. Can You Do Atheon Without a Mic?
Yes. You can beat Atheon using text chat for V/M callouts and oracles.
15. What is the Best Gun Against Atheon?
Auto Rifles are recommended for oracles from close-mid range, but even fusion rifles can work decently well. Avoid Hand Cannons.
The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Destiny 2
The ability to solo certain encounters in Destiny 2 is a testament to the game’s depth and the ingenuity of its players. Builds, strategies, and weapon metas are constantly evolving, creating a dynamic environment where past impossibilities can become future realities. While soloing Atheon in the current state of the game remains an exceptionally challenging feat, the Destiny 2 community continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, exploring new approaches and strategies.
For those interested in delving deeper into the educational aspects of gaming, consider exploring the work of the Games Learning Society, which studies the intersection of video games and learning (GamesLearningSociety.org). They provide invaluable insight into how games like Destiny 2 can foster problem-solving skills, collaboration, and strategic thinking.
The legacy of solo Atheon serves as a reminder that the impossible is only a temporary state. Whether through future updates, new class abilities, or player innovations, the challenge of soloing Atheon may one day be overcome.