How To Stun Nezarec: A Comprehensive Guide
Stunning Nezarec, the Final God of Pain and the formidable final boss of Destiny 2’s Root of Nightmares raid, is a critical step in surviving and ultimately defeating this powerful Disciple of the Witness. Unlike conventional enemy stuns, Nezarec’s “stun” isn’t about immobilizing him; it’s about manipulating his attention and vulnerability. Mastering this mechanic is essential for raid success. Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively “stun” Nezarec:
The core mechanic revolves around his shoulders and chest, which act as his primary weak points, similar to those of a Tormentor. The process goes as follows:
- Distraction: One player must consistently shoot one of Nezarec’s shoulders . This action isn’t about dealing damage, but rather triggering a crucial reaction.
- Light Release: Shooting a shoulder will cause Nezarec to release a burst of either blue (Light) or orange (Dark) light. This visual cue is essential.
- Chest Vulnerability: When either the Light or Dark burst is released, his chest becomes temporarily vulnerable to damage.
- Attention Grab: Shooting his chest will shift Nezarec’s focus to the player who fired the shot. This player will then be afflicted with Nezarec’s Hatred, a debuff that draws all of Nezarec’s attacks to them for approximately 10 seconds, buying time and safety for the rest of the team.
It is vital to understand this is not a traditional “stun.” This sequence creates the opportunities needed to damage Nezarec effectively and manage his aggressive attacks.
Understanding Nezarec’s Light and Dark Mechanic
After successfully triggering the initial vulnerability by shooting a shoulder and then his chest, a new layer of complexity is introduced: Nezarec will begin to flash either Light (white) or Dark (orange). This is crucial for avoiding the raid’s wipe mechanic.
Identifying Nezarec’s Light or Dark State
To determine whether he is in his Light or Dark state, players need to observe his shoulders after both have been shot. If Nezarec is glowing white, then he has entered his Light state; if he is glowing orange, then he has entered his Dark state.
Removing the Light or Dark Notification
To remove the notification and avoid a wipe, players must do the following:
- Light State (White Glow): Players need to pick up the Light buff and shoot Nezarec’s shoulder again.
- Dark State (Orange Glow): Players need to pick up the Darkness buff and shoot Nezarec’s shoulder again.
Failing to remove the corresponding Light or Dark notification by acquiring the correct buff and then shooting his shoulder results in a team wipe. This makes coordination and quick reactions essential throughout the encounter.
Mastering the “Stun” Cycle
The “stun” cycle, therefore, requires players to consistently engage with Nezarec’s mechanics. One player must distract him, another must shoot the chest, and multiple players need to be ready to address the Light/Dark mechanic. Effectively staggering these roles and responsibilities is necessary to survive the fight.
The process can be summarized:
- Shoulder Shot: One player continuously shoots one of Nezarec’s shoulders.
- Light/Dark Release: Observe whether Nezarec releases blue (Light) or orange (Dark) light.
- Chest Shot: A player shoots his chest, drawing aggro.
- Light/Dark Identification: Monitor if Nezarec is flashing Light or Dark and take note of which buff will be needed to continue the fight.
- Buff Acquisition and Shoulder Shot: Players acquire the correct Light or Dark buff and then shoot Nezarec’s shoulder to dispel the Light or Dark notification.
- Damage Phase: With the debuff removed, you move into the damage phase.
- Repeat: The cycle repeats for the duration of the encounter.
Effectively managing these steps consistently throughout the encounter is the key to “stunning” Nezarec and ultimately defeating him.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding Nezarec and his encounter, providing additional context and information:
1. What are Nezarec’s primary weaknesses?
Nezarec shares similar weak points with Tormentors: his shoulders and chest. Shooting his shoulders triggers specific mechanics, while shooting his chest allows for damage opportunities.
2. What is Nezarec’s Hatred?
Nezarec’s Hatred is a debuff applied to the player who shoots Nezarec’s chest after triggering the vulnerability. This debuff causes Nezarec to focus his attacks exclusively on that player for about 10 seconds, keeping the rest of the team safe.
3. How do you avoid the wipe mechanic caused by Nezarec’s Light/Dark states?
To avoid the wipe, players need to identify whether Nezarec is flashing white (Light) or orange (Dark), then pick up the corresponding buff (Light or Dark) and shoot one of his shoulders again.
4. Is it possible for Nezarec to come back to life?
Lore suggests Nezarec may be able to return from death, as the lore tab for Nezarec’s Sin states “He shall rise again.” This is contrary to the Witness’s belief that death is the final shape, creating a lore conflict.
5. Is Nezarec a Tormentor?
Nezarec strongly resembles a Tormentor and is implied to be related to them. Tormentors often bear titles like “Imprint of Nezarec” or “Cavum of Nezarec.” However, they may be different types of the same species.
6. Why do Rhulk and Nezarec look similar?
They both are considered chimeras – a fusion of multiple different things. The red armor is a feature of the Witness’s creation.
7. What is Nezarec’s Sin?
Nezarec’s Sin is an Exotic Warlock helmet in Destiny 2. It has lore connections to Nezarec and unlocks hidden dialogue when worn.
8. What is the recommended power level for the Root of Nightmares raid?
The recommended power level for the Root of Nightmares raid is 1770.
9. What kind of attacks does Nezarec use?
Nezarec uses long range void attacks. Players can use Glaives for defense to help with survival.
10. What are the main roles in the Nezarec fight?
Key roles are distraction, chest shot, buff management for Light and Dark states, and node runners for initiating the damage phases.
11. How does the glaive shield help?
Using a glaive shield is a viable strategy to block Nezarec’s long-range void attacks, making it easier to survive his aggro during Nezarec’s Hatred.
12. Is Nezarec a Vex?
While some early speculation suggested a Vex connection, this has been largely disproven. However, the strike Hypernet Current revealed Nezarec’s voice claiming a portion of Vex space for his own.
13. What is the “Curse of Nezarec”?
The “curse of Nezarec” refers to the fact that wielding relics slowly drains the user’s life force according to old Dark Age texts.
14. How do I get Unfinished Business?
Unfinished Business is available after completing the main Lightfall campaign. Visit Nimbus in Neomuna to acquire the quest.
15. What is Master Nezarec challenge?
The Master Nezarec challenge requires all players to shoot at least one Light node and one Dark node before damage phase and requires the final node shot simultaneously. Failure to do so results in challenge failure.
By understanding these mechanics and answering these frequently asked questions, players will be well-prepared to engage Nezarec and secure victory in the Root of Nightmares raid. The key to success lies in proper communication, coordination, and a deep understanding of Nezarec’s unique mechanics.