Can You Solo the Leviathan Raid in Destiny 2? A Deep Dive
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is: no, you cannot solo the Leviathan raid in Destiny 2 in its entirety as originally designed. While enterprising Guardians have achieved some incredible feats of two-manning or even soloing parts of the Leviathan raid, the mechanics of certain encounters inherently require multiple players to successfully complete.
Now, before you toss your Ghost in the trash and resign yourself to never experiencing the opulence and grandeur of Calus’s ship, let’s unpack that answer. We’ll explore why it’s impossible to solo the whole raid, what parts can be soloed or duoed, and delve into the incredible strategies employed by players who have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in Destiny 2. And finally, remember that the best learning experiences can sometimes happen through games, as you can see at the Games Learning Society.
Understanding the Leviathan Raid
The Leviathan raid, released with Destiny 2’s Year 1, was a departure from previous raid designs. It emphasized communication, coordination, and puzzle-solving more than raw damage output. This made it both accessible to newcomers and challenging for experienced raiders.
The raid consisted of several encounters, each with unique mechanics:
- The Royal Pools: Requires coordinated cleansing of pools using lanterns and plates.
- The Pleasure Gardens: Involves sneaking around and damaging Royal Beasts in specific orders.
- The Gauntlet: A complex coordination challenge involving running through portals and shooting symbols.
- Emperor Calus: The final boss fight, a multi-stage encounter with mechanics in both the Throne Room and the Shadow Realm.
It’s these mechanics, particularly in the Royal Pools and the Calus fight, that prevent a full solo clear.
Why a Full Solo Clear is Impossible
The core reason Leviathan can’t be fully soloed lies in its design:
-
The Royal Pools: Specifically, the mechanic requires more than one person to stand on a plate to cleanse it. Without multiple Guardians, the cleansing process stalls, and the encounter cannot be completed.
-
Emperor Calus: While some parts of the Calus encounter have been soloed, or at least sections of the encounter, the sheer volume of damage needed and the simultaneous mechanics in the throne room and shadow realm require multiple players to realistically manage. The requirement to damage Calus from the shadow realm while also preventing Psionic projections from reaching the throne room is too much for one person to handle.
What Can Be Soloed or Duoed?
While a full solo run is impossible, dedicated players have conquered significant portions of the Leviathan raid with only one or two Guardians.
- Sections of the Gauntlet: The first part, where you have to traverse the gauntlet, can be soloed through skilled movement.
- Pleasure Gardens: A skilled player can take out all of the dogs solo without issue.
- Throne Room – Calus: The throne room part of the final boss encounter has been done by individuals but they still require other members to complete the rest of the raid with them.
These achievements are testaments to player skill, game knowledge, and creative use of Destiny 2’s sandbox. Remember, these solo or duo runs often rely on very specific builds, weapons, and strategies, and may not be accessible to all players. If you are a teacher or educator, you might find value in the research coming out of GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Soloing Leviathan
Here are 15 common questions about soloing the Leviathan raid in Destiny 2, addressing various aspects and related mechanics:
Q1: What Light Level is Recommended for Attempting to Solo Parts of Leviathan?
While Leviathan’s original recommended Light level was 300, the current power level system significantly overshadows this. The higher your power level, the easier it will be to survive and deal damage. Focus on optimizing your build and strategy rather than strictly adhering to a specific number.
Q2: What are the Best Classes and Subclasses for Attempting Leviathan Solo Content?
Classes and subclasses for soloing highly depend on what part you are trying to solo. Generally, Warlock and Hunter are common choices due to their survivability and damage-dealing potential. Specific subclasses such as Voidwalker Warlocks for healing and invisibility hunters are usually the top choices.
Q3: What Weapons and Armor Are Best for Soloing Leviathan Content?
Survival is key, so prioritize weapons and armor that offer sustain. Some popular choices include:
-
Weapons: Osteo Striga for ad clear, Retrofit Escapade for single target DPS, or Izanagi’s Burden for burst damage.
-
Armor Mods: Mods that enhance health regeneration, damage resistance, and ability uptime are highly valuable.
Q4: Are There Any Specific Exotic Armor Pieces That Are Must-Haves?
Exotic armor pieces like Lorely Splendor Helm (Titan), Omnioculus (Hunter), and Phoenix Protocol (Warlock) can significantly boost survivability and ability regeneration, making challenging solo encounters more manageable.
Q5: How Important is Build Crafting When Attempting to Solo Leviathan Encounters?
Build crafting is crucial. A well-optimized build that synergizes your weapons, armor, and subclass can drastically increase your chances of success. Focus on creating a build that balances survivability, damage output, and ability uptime.
Q6: Can You “Cheese” Any Parts of the Leviathan Raid to Make Soloing Easier?
While some exploits and glitches existed in the past, many have been patched. However, clever use of the environment and game mechanics can still provide an advantage. Search online for up-to-date strategies, but be aware that these may be patched at any time.
Q7: How Much Time Should I Dedicate to Learning the Leviathan Raid Before Attempting to Solo Parts of it?
It’s highly recommended to familiarize yourself with the raid mechanics and layouts before attempting any solo content. Watch videos, read guides, and, ideally, complete the raid with a team first to gain a solid understanding of each encounter.
Q8: Are There Any Good Resources for Learning Solo Leviathan Strategies?
YouTube is your best friend. Search for “Destiny 2 Leviathan solo” and you’ll find countless videos demonstrating strategies and techniques. Pay attention to the build used, the encounter setup, and the player’s execution.
Q9: What Happens if I Die During a Solo Attempt?
In most raid encounters, dying will reset the encounter. Be prepared to restart from the beginning and learn from your mistakes.
Q10: How Much Patience is Required to Successfully Solo Content in Leviathan?
Patience is paramount. Soloing raid content is challenging and requires numerous attempts. Be prepared to wipe multiple times and remain persistent in your efforts.
Q11: Does Team Composition Affect How Easy it is to Duo Leviathan Encounters?
Yes. Having two Guardians with complementary builds and playstyles can significantly increase your chances of success. Coordinate your loadouts and strategies to maximize your effectiveness.
Q12: What’s the Difference Between Soloing and Flawlessing an Encounter?
Soloing simply means completing an encounter without any other fireteam members. Flawlessing means completing the entire raid without a single death for any member of the fireteam. These are completely different achievements.
Q13: How Does the Leviathan Raid Compare to Other Raids in Terms of Solo Difficulty?
Leviathan is considered one of the more accessible raids in Destiny 2, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to solo. Its mechanics still require precise execution and a deep understanding of the game.
Q14: Will Soloing Leviathan Content Provide Any Unique Rewards or Achievements?
While there are no specific rewards for soloing parts of Leviathan, the sense of accomplishment and the bragging rights are significant.
Q15: What Is the Future of Solo Content in Destiny 2?
Bungie has shown an increased interest in creating challenging solo content, such as Legend and Master Lost Sectors. While we may not see entirely soloable raids in the future, expect more opportunities to test your skills and builds in difficult solo activities.
Conclusion: A Testament to Player Ingenuity
While a full solo Leviathan raid remains impossible due to its inherent mechanics, the creativity and skill of Destiny 2 players continue to push the boundaries of what’s achievable. The attempts to solo and duo parts of this classic raid highlight the depth of the game, the dedication of its community, and the endless possibilities for strategic gameplay. Even if the Leviathan has now been sunset and is no longer able to be played, these attempts will continue to show the capabilities of the players.