Is Destiny 2 Vault of Glass Free? A Definitive Guide
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Yes, Vault of Glass is free for all Destiny 2 players. You don’t need to own any DLC or Season Pass to access and play this iconic raid. This makes it a fantastic entry point for new players or returning veterans looking to relive a classic experience without any financial commitment. This article dives into the details, providing everything you need to know about accessing, completing, and enjoying the Vault of Glass in Destiny 2.
What is Vault of Glass?
Vault of Glass is a six-player raid originally introduced in the first Destiny game. It was brought to Destiny 2 as part of a content update and is located on Venus. The raid involves navigating complex puzzles, defeating challenging enemies, and ultimately confronting Atheon, Time’s Conflux, the final boss. Its iconic status and engaging encounters have made it a favorite among Destiny players.
How to Access Vault of Glass
Accessing Vault of Glass is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Legends Node: Open the Director (the map screen) and look for the Legends node, typically found next to the usual Crucible, Vanguard, and Gambit options.
- Select Vault of Glass: Within the Legends node, you’ll find the Vault of Glass raid icon.
- Form a Fireteam: Gather a team of six Guardians. While it’s possible to attempt some parts solo or with fewer players, the raid is designed for a full fireteam.
- Launch the Raid: Select the difficulty (Normal or Master) and launch the raid.
Encounter Overview
The Vault of Glass raid consists of several distinct encounters, each requiring teamwork, communication, and skillful gameplay:
- Opening the Vault: Players must stand on three plates to activate a spire, defending against waves of Vex enemies, including a powerful Cyclops.
- The Confluxes: Guardians defend three confluxes from waves of enemies. Coordination is key to preventing the Vex from sacrificing themselves.
- The Oracles: Teams must eliminate specific Oracles in a precise sequence, requiring excellent communication and timing.
- The Templar: Guardians battle the Templar, preventing it from teleporting while also dealing with Oracles.
- The Gorgon’s Labyrinth: A stealth-based section where players must navigate a maze filled with deadly Gorgons, which instantly wipe the team if detected.
- The Gatekeepers: Divided teams enter portals to Mars and Venus, collecting relics and defeating Gatekeepers to power the central conflux.
- Atheon, Time’s Conflux: The final battle against Atheon, involving teams being teleported to the past or future, dealing with Oracles, and utilizing the power of the relic to deal damage.
Why Play Vault of Glass?
Even as a free raid, Vault of Glass offers a compelling experience:
- Iconic Encounters: Relive the classic moments and puzzles that made Vault of Glass a legendary raid.
- Rewarding Loot: Obtain unique weapons and armor, including the coveted Vex Mythoclast fusion rifle. The raid also offers opportunities to acquire highly sought-after weapon rolls, such as a god roll Fatebringer.
- Challenging Gameplay: Test your skills and teamwork with encounters that require coordination and strategy.
- Free Access: Enjoy a complete raid experience without needing to purchase any DLC or Season Pass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I get the Vault of Glass in Destiny 2?
You access Vault of Glass through the Legends node in the Director (the map screen). No specific quest or DLC is required; it’s available for all players.
2. Do I need DLC to do raids in Destiny 2?
No, you don’t need DLC for all raids. Vault of Glass and King’s Fall are currently free-to-play raids, accessible without any DLC or Season Pass ownership.
3. Is Vault of Glass worth playing?
Absolutely! Vault of Glass offers a challenging and rewarding experience, filled with iconic encounters and desirable loot. The Vex Mythoclast, along with other sought-after weapons like Fatebringer and Hezen Vengeance, make it a worthwhile raid to farm.
4. Can Vault of Glass be soloed?
While some skilled players have managed to solo specific sections of Vault of Glass, the entire raid is not designed to be soloed. It requires a coordinated team effort. Soloing the Gatekeepers encounter is considered one of the most challenging solo feats in Destiny.
5. How long does it take to complete Vault of Glass?
Completion time varies based on experience and team coordination. First-timers can expect 4-8 hours, while experienced players can complete it in around 2 hours on normal difficulty.
6. Is Destiny 2 Vault of Glass the same as Destiny 1?
The encounters are largely similar to the Destiny 1 version, but with some adjustments and additions. For instance, the spire encounter now features an Ultra Cyclops that applies pressure on players.
7. Where do I launch Vault of Glass from?
You launch Vault of Glass from the Legends node in the Director, located alongside other playlist activities like Crucible and Vanguard Strikes.
8. What is included in the free version of Destiny 2?
The free-to-play version of Destiny 2 includes access to several playlists like Vanguard Strikes, Crucible, and Gambit. You can also access seasonal events, the Prophecy Dungeon, and certain campaigns and raids, including Vault of Glass.
9. How many secret chests are in Vault of Glass?
There are four optional chests to find in Vault of Glass, offering additional loot opportunities. These chests are hidden throughout the raid and require some exploration to locate.
10. What weapons should I use for Vault of Glass?
Effective weapons for Vault of Glass include Void shotguns and machine guns for dealing with enemies like Praetorians. Hand cannons are useful for general combat but may need to be swapped out for more specialized weapons during the final battle against Atheon.
11. Who is Atheon in Destiny 2?
Atheon, Time’s Conflux, is the final boss of Vault of Glass. It is an entity with control over time within the Vault, capable of sending Guardians into the past or future.
12. What is the easiest Destiny 2 raid?
Based on community consensus, Root of Nightmares and Crota’s End are considered the easiest Destiny 2 raids. Vault of Glass is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty.
13. What can you do in Destiny 2 without DLC?
Without DLC, you can participate in core playlist activities (Vanguard Strikes, Crucible, Gambit), seasonal events, the Prophecy Dungeon, and access the Vault of Glass raid. The “New Light” questline and Guardian Rank onboarding are also available.
14. Are there any free Destiny 2 campaigns?
Yes, the “New Light” introductory campaign is free. There were also the Red War, Curse of Osiris, and Warmind campaigns, but they’ve been vaulted.
15. Is free Destiny 2 worth playing?
Yes! The free-to-play version offers substantial content, including playlists, events, and the Vault of Glass raid. It’s a great way to experience the core gameplay loop and determine if you want to invest in additional content.
Staying Informed
The Destiny 2 landscape is ever-changing, with frequent updates and content releases. To stay informed, consider following official Destiny 2 channels and community forums. You can also explore resources such as the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for insights into the educational and social aspects of gaming. The Games Learning Society is a great resource for understanding the broader impact of games on society.
Conclusion
Vault of Glass remains a cornerstone of the Destiny 2 experience, offering challenging gameplay, rewarding loot, and a compelling story. The fact that it’s free-to-play makes it an excellent choice for both newcomers and returning veterans. Gather your fireteam, dive into the Vault, and claim your place in Destiny history!