Is Root of Nightmares an Easy Raid? A Deep Dive
Yes, generally speaking, Root of Nightmares is considered one of the easiest raids in Destiny 2. However, “easy” is relative and depends on player experience, team coordination, and a solid understanding of the mechanics. While it’s not as mechanically dense as some of Destiny 2’s other raids, it still requires focus and execution. If you grasp the core mechanic—manipulating nodes of light and dark— the raid’s encounters become significantly more manageable. But let’s be clear: “easy” doesn’t mean a cakewalk. It means that with reasonable preparation and teamwork, most fireteams can successfully navigate the encounters.
The Core Mechanics: Simple but Crucial
The central mechanic of Root of Nightmares revolves around activating nodes of light and dark to create pathways and initiate damage phases. Think of it as an advanced version of the mechanics seen in the Spire of the Watcher dungeon. Players will need to coordinate, communicate, and move swiftly to link the correct nodes, all while contending with enemy threats. This doesn’t involve overly complex button sequences or memorization of elaborate paths. It’s more about reacting to the environment and executing a relatively straightforward pattern consistently. This accessibility is a large part of why many deem this raid “easy.”
Why It Feels Easier Compared to Others
Several factors contribute to Root of Nightmares being considered easier than other raids:
Streamlined Encounter Design
Encounters in Root of Nightmares typically involve fewer moving parts and less individual responsibility compared to raids like Last Wish or Garden of Salvation. The emphasis is on cooperation and synchronized action rather than complex individual roles. A small mistake by a single member isn’t as likely to lead to a full wipe.
Less Punishing Mechanics
While failure to execute mechanics can lead to death, the consequences aren’t as immediate or overwhelming as in some raids. A failed node link, for instance, typically results in a need to reset rather than an instant wipe. The forgiveness built into the encounter design makes the raid less stressful and more accessible for less experienced raid teams.
Lower Enemy Density in Key Areas
While there are moments of high enemy density, particularly in the final encounter, the raid is generally not as overwhelming as some others in terms of adds. This allows players to focus more on the mechanics and less on simply trying to survive.
The Solo Challenge: An Exercise in Patience
It is indeed possible to solo the Root of Nightmares raid. This, however, is a different story than completing it with a fireteam. Soloing Root of Nightmares is far from “easy” and is more of a test of a player’s understanding of the mechanics, class mastery, and sheer perseverance. It’s a significant achievement and shouldn’t be taken lightly. While the mechanics themselves are manageable, handling the adds, navigating the various rooms, and initiating damage phases alone takes considerable skill, build optimization, and a lot of practice. While the mechanics are simple in nature, soloing will demand a lot of patience, and an optimal build to survive. The challenge itself might not be the most rewarding solo experience, so proceed with caution.
Master Difficulty: A Genuine Increase in Challenge
Don’t let the perception of ease fool you into thinking Root of Nightmares lacks challenge completely. The Master difficulty version significantly increases the challenge, with higher health and damage for enemies. This variant also introduces additional mechanics, such as champions, that require careful weapon and ability choices. The Master version is much more difficult than the standard version, however, some players have found it easier than some day one raids. Success in Master Root of Nightmares is a true testament to a team’s skill and coordination.
Conclusion: Approachable but Not Trivial
In summary, Root of Nightmares is an approachable raid, thanks to its relatively straightforward mechanics and streamlined encounter design. However, it’s not entirely trivial. Teamwork, communication, and an understanding of the core mechanics are still vital for success. Whether you’re new to raiding or a seasoned veteran, Root of Nightmares provides a compelling experience that rewards patience, focus, and the ability to adapt to the environment. So, while the raid’s “easiness” has been a popular discussion, it doesn’t mean it’s not a worthy experience for any level of Destiny 2 player.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the recommended power level for Root of Nightmares?
The recommended power level for the standard Root of Nightmares raid is 1780 or higher. You can certainly approach this at a slightly lower level, but your experience will be much easier with a higher power level. The light level cap is 1810, but any level higher than 1780 should limit any gear related issues.
2. How long did it take for the first team to complete Root of Nightmares?
The first team to beat the Root of Nightmares raid, Team Hard in the Paint, completed it in 2 hours and 24 minutes. Another team shortly after completed it in 42 minutes, without suffering a single death.
3. How many teams completed Root of Nightmares on day one?
Over 17,400 teams completed the Root of Nightmares raid within the first 24 hours of its release, accounting for over 104,000 completions.
4. What exotic weapon drops from Root of Nightmares?
The exotic weapon you get from completing the Root of Nightmares raid is the Conditional Finality shotgun. This double-barreled shotgun is an exciting addition to your arsenal.
5. What weapons are recommended for Root of Nightmares?
For your loadout, consider bringing grenade launchers with disorienting grenades, submachine guns for clearing ads, and pulse rifles or scout rifles for long-range combat. Tailor your weapons to fit your playstyle and your team’s strategy.
6. Is there a Master version of Root of Nightmares?
Yes, there is a Master version of Root of Nightmares which offers a greater challenge and improved loot for the players who can complete it.
7. Is Master Root of Nightmares harder than Contest Mode?
While Master Root of Nightmares is more challenging than the standard version, some players argue it’s easier than Contest Mode, the initial 48-hour period of increased difficulty when a raid is first released.
8. What does completing Master Root of Nightmares reward you?
Completing Root of Nightmares on Master difficulty rewards players with an Exotic ship and once all challenges are available, a unique Exotic Sparrow can be earned as well.
9. What is the easiest raid to solo in Destiny 2?
The Deep Stone Crypt raid is generally considered the easiest raid to solo in Destiny 2 because of its simple mechanics and clear encounter patterns.
10. Who is the final boss of Root of Nightmares?
The final boss of the Root of Nightmares raid is Nezarec, Final God of Pain.
11. What is the Nezarec challenge in Root of Nightmares?
The Nezarec challenge requires each fireteam member to shoot one light node and one dark node before each damage phase. The final nodes must be shot close to each other for the challenge to be completed.
12. What is the All Hands challenge in Root of Nightmares?
The All Hands challenge requires each player to shoot one light and one dark node during each damage phase, with the final node on both sides shot around the same time.
13. How do you stun Nezarec?
To stun Nezarec, one player should shoot one of his shoulders, releasing a burst of blue or orange light. Shooting his chest when it is vulnerable will hold his attention for a short period.
14. What is a Root of Nightmares carry?
A Root of Nightmares carry is a service where players are guided or assisted through the raid, for a fee. The service usually includes the completion of full or partial runs of the raid and obtaining the legendary weapons, unique armor sets, and exotic shotgun.
15. How long does Contest Mode last in Root of Nightmares?
Contest Mode for Root of Nightmares lasts for 48 hours after the raid’s initial release. During this period, all player power levels are capped at 20 below each encounter level.