How Do Crucible Rewards Work in Destiny 2? A Comprehensive Guide
The Crucible in Destiny 2 is the player-versus-player (PvP) arena where Guardians test their skills and strategies against one another. But beyond the thrill of competition, the Crucible also offers a wealth of rewards. These rewards are tied to various factors, including performance, rank, and the type of game mode. In short, Crucible rewards function through a multi-layered system that provides players with incentives to participate, improve, and engage with the various modes and challenges it offers. This system includes rank-based rewards, activity-specific drops, and token-based exchanges. Players accumulate these rewards by playing Crucible matches and completing associated objectives.
The Crucible Rewards System Explained
Crucible rewards are not simply handed out randomly; instead, they’re designed to be both engaging and progressive. Here’s how it breaks down:
Rank-Based Rewards
As you compete in the Crucible, you’ll earn Valor and Glory depending on whether you’re in the standard Crucible playlists or the Competitive playlist. These points contribute to your overall rank, and leveling up unlocks new rewards from Lord Shaxx in the Tower. These rank-up rewards can include:
- Crucible Tokens: These are used to purchase engrams from Lord Shaxx.
- Crucible Engrams: These engrams contain Crucible-specific armor and weapons. They no longer require tokens, as they are obtained directly through rank progression on the progress bar for Lord Shaxx. These can be focused to roll on specific sets of armors or weapons
- Enhancement Cores: Used for upgrading gear.
Importantly, both Valor and Glory ranks feature win streaks. A series of consecutive wins will significantly accelerate your progression, making it faster to achieve higher ranks and their associated rewards. However, a single loss will reset the streak.
Activity-Specific Drops
Beyond rank-up rewards, you can also get direct loot drops after completing Crucible matches. These rewards are not guaranteed but have a chance to drop after each match, potentially including:
- Legendary Gear: This includes weapons and armor, some of which are unique to the Crucible.
- Rare Gear: Although less common than Legendary gear, it can still provide useful options, especially for newer players.
- Exotics: While rare, these can drop after completing a Crucible match. It is estimated they drop once every 50 matches or so.
The specific drops are often influenced by the type of Crucible mode you are playing, with certain playlists having an increased chance of dropping specific items.
Crucible Token Rewards (Historical Context)
In past seasons, Crucible Tokens were a key component of the reward structure. Players earned these tokens by participating in matches, with wins granting more tokens than losses. These tokens could then be turned in to Lord Shaxx for engrams and specific pieces of armor and weapons. However, with the introduction of focusing on the rank bar, Crucible Tokens are now largely obsolete. Bungie urged players to spend their tokens before the new season starts as they have been removed from the game.
Focusing Crucible Engrams
Crucible Engrams, now awarded directly from rank progress, can be focused to give you more specific armor and weapons. This means you can target particular pieces, like the armor you desire, making it less random. This focus system is a key way to optimize your gear and is an important aspect of the current reward system.
Competitive Mode Rewards
The competitive mode in the Crucible, which is part of the Glory ranking system, has its own rewards. The Rose Hand Cannon, for example, is awarded for completing the “Dividing the Ladder” quest from Lord Shaxx after completing seven placement matches. Some top-tier rewards, such as the Immortal SMG, can be earned through Trials of Osiris and require reaching specific rank milestones with Saint-14 or going flawless.
Iron Banner Rewards
During Iron Banner weeks, the Crucible offers another unique set of rewards. This event has its own set of armor and weapons that are only available during Iron Banner. Participating and ranking up during this event provides players the opportunity to collect exclusive gear.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Crucible Rewards
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions that delve deeper into the intricacies of the Crucible rewards system:
1. What are Crucible Tokens, and how do I get them?
Crucible Tokens were activity tokens rewarded from matches in the Crucible and Crucible-related challenges. Winning a match used to give 5 tokens, while losing gave 2. However, Crucible Tokens have been made obsolete and have been removed from the game.
2. What do I do with Crucible Tokens? (Historical Context)
In the past, Crucible Tokens were exchanged with Lord Shaxx for various emblems, shaders, and Crucible-specific weapons and armor sets. However, this system has been replaced with direct rewards through ranking up Lord Shaxx’s reputation track.
3. How do I get Crucible Engrams?
Crucible Engrams are now obtained directly through rank progression on the Lord Shaxx track. These are no longer token based and do not need to be purchased.
4. What can I get from Crucible Engrams?
Crucible Engrams can drop Crucible-specific armor and weapons. Now that they can be focused, you have a better chance of targeting specific sets.
5. How does ranking up work in the Crucible?
Ranking up occurs when you earn Valor or Glory points through playing Crucible matches. Higher ranks unlock more rewards. Win streaks significantly accelerate your rank progression.
6. What are win streaks, and how do they affect rewards?
Win streaks occur when you win consecutive Crucible matches. They provide bonus Valor and Glory points, accelerating your rank progression. The streak resets after one loss.
7. How can I quickly rank up in the Crucible?
The fastest way to rank up is by maintaining win streaks and focusing on game modes that provide higher points. Focusing on quests and challenges is also key to boosting rank.
8. Do Light Levels affect Crucible rewards?
While Light Level differences do not affect damage output/taken, your cooldown stats (intellect, discipline, and strength) are higher on higher-light-level gear, which can enhance your gameplay. Light level will not affect the rewards you receive, only the quality of gameplay.
9. Can I get exotic gear from the Crucible?
Yes, exotic gear can drop after Crucible matches, but it is relatively rare. Typically you can expect an exotic drop every 50 games or so.
10. What are the best game modes for rewards?
This often depends on the current season and events. Generally, the competitive playlist (Glory) tends to provide the best rewards, but standard playlists are consistent ways to obtain general loot.
11. What is the Immortal in Destiny 2 and how do I get it?
The Immortal SMG can be obtained by reaching rank 10 in Trials of Osiris reputation or going flawless in Trials.
12. Are there exclusive rewards in Iron Banner?
Yes, Iron Banner features its own unique set of weapons and armor. These items are only available during Iron Banner events.
13. What happens if I frequently leave Crucible matches?
Players who frequently quit or are removed from Crucible matches may receive a restriction or ban. A first offense results in a 2-week ban. Repeated offenses will result in longer bans.
14. What is the maximum Glory Rank in Destiny 2?
The maximum Glory Rank is Legend, obtained at 5500 Glory points.
15. Is Gold 1 better than Gold 3 in Crucible Ranks?
No, Gold 3 is a higher rank than Gold 1. Ranks go UP numerically. So Gold 1<Gold 2<Gold 3.
By understanding the various aspects of the Crucible reward system, players can maximize their efficiency and collect the gear they desire. From rank-based rewards to specific loot drops and focusing systems, Destiny 2’s Crucible provides a rich and engaging experience for Guardians of all skill levels. Keep grinding, Guardian, and may your loot be legendary!