Decoding Neomuna’s Mysterious Orange Crystals: Splinters of Darkness Explained
The enigmatic city of Neomuna in Destiny 2’s Lightfall expansion is filled with secrets, but few are as visually striking and functionally important as the floating, orange-hazed crystals scattered across its landscape. These are known as Splinters of Darkness, or Apogee Repeaters, and they play a crucial role in both the narrative and gameplay experience of Neomuna. These aren’t just decorative elements; they’re interactive collectibles that unlock rewards and contribute to a deeper understanding of the game’s lore. When activated, they vanish, leaving a lingering sense of mystery and a tangible reward for diligent players.
What Are Splinters of Darkness/Apogee Repeaters?
Essentially, Splinters of Darkness are stationary, floating crystals that appear after the initial completion of the Root of Nightmares raid. Each crystal is surrounded by a distinctive orange haze, making them relatively easy to spot against the vibrant backdrop of Neomuna. Activating a Splinter causes it to disappear and rewards the player with Strand Meditations, a valuable resource used for upgrading Strand abilities, as well as progress towards various in-game Triumphs.
There are 39 Apogee Repeaters in total hidden across Neomuna, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny of the city. They are often tucked away in hard-to-reach spots, requiring players to utilize their Strand grapple ability and environmental awareness to access them. Finding these hidden shards is not just about gaining resources; it’s about the journey of discovery within the rich world of Destiny 2.
Why Collect Apogee Repeaters?
Collecting all 39 Apogee Repeaters isn’t just for completionists. It offers tangible benefits:
- Strand Meditations: The most immediate reward for activating each Splinter is Strand Meditations, which are essential for unlocking and upgrading various Strand abilities.
- Triumphs: Collecting all the Apogee Repeaters will unlock the “Strange New Heights” Triumph, providing a sense of accomplishment and a mark of exploration expertise.
- Exploration: Seeking out all the Splinters encourages players to thoroughly explore Neomuna, discovering new viewpoints and secrets along the way.
Where to Find the Splinters
Finding these can be a challenge, but here’s a starting point to get you on the right track.
- Strider’s Gate: A great starting point for finding multiple Splinters. Many can be found on the surrounding structures and rooftops.
- Esi Terminal & Irkalla Complex: Navigating these areas carefully will reveal hidden crystals on walls, ledges and various structures.
- Destroyed Cannons: One method mentions starting at Strider’s Gate, moving through Esi Terminal and Irkalla Complex, then up onto a wall. Players should then head up each of the destroyed cannons and look in the direction they are pointing to reveal a Splinter of Darkness in the distance.
To make it easier, use your Strand Grapple ability to reach elevated or otherwise inaccessible locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Neomuna’s Orange Crystals
1. How do I activate a Splinter of Darkness?
Simply walk up to the crystal and interact with it by pressing the designated button. The crystal will then disappear, and you’ll receive your rewards.
2. Do Splinters of Darkness respawn?
No, once you’ve activated a Splinter, it will not respawn. There is a finite number of 39, so track your progress as you find them.
3. Can I use any class to collect the Splinters?
Yes, any class can collect the Splinters of Darkness. However, having the Strand Grapple ability is highly recommended to access certain locations.
4. Do Splinters of Darkness appear before completing the Root of Nightmares raid?
No, the Splinters of Darkness will not appear until after the Root of Nightmares raid is completed for the first time.
5. What are Strand Meditations used for?
Strand Meditations are used to unlock and upgrade Strand abilities. They are a key resource for optimizing your character’s build.
6. Is the “Strange New Heights” Triumph the only reward for collecting all Splinters?
While the “Strange New Heights” Triumph is the primary reward for collecting all 39, you also acquire Strand Meditations and gain a good amount of experience from each pickup.
7. How can I track how many Splinters I’ve collected?
Your triumph progress and in-game trackers will display how many Apogee Repeaters you’ve collected so far, helping you keep count of how many remain.
8. Are there any maps or guides that show all the Splinter locations?
Yes, many online resources and community-created maps will help locate all 39 Splinters. Search online communities and fan forums for visual guides.
9. Do I need to do the Root of Nightmares raid to access all the content of Neomuna?
While completing the Root of Nightmares is not necessary for general access to Neomuna, it is a requirement for the appearance of the Apogee Repeaters.
10. Can I use a sparrow to get around and find the crystals?
Yes, a sparrow can help you cover ground more quickly, but there will be some locations requiring you to get off your sparrow and use your grapple to reach certain crystals.
11. Are there any other secrets like the Splinters in Neomuna?
Yes, Neomuna is packed with secrets, including hidden Public Events like the Timed Vex Repulsion, and Shadow Legion events.
12. Can I collect the Splinters with other players?
Yes, you can collect the Splinters with a fireteam, but each player has to interact with them to get the reward, they are not shared.
13. What should I do after collecting all the Apogee Repeaters?
After completing this task, focus on finishing other Triumphs and exploring more of Neomuna’s activities. Consider trying the Vex Strike Force Public event or farming for Neomuna weapon patterns.
14. How does Neomuna’s magnetic field hide the city?
Neptune’s erratic magnetic field is what helps to hide the city. Neomuna is concealed more by its natural environment than other factors. This makes it less susceptible to detection than other locations.
15. Do any weapons have lore tied to the Apogee Repeaters or Splinters of Darkness?
While no weapons are directly tied to the Splinters or the Apogee Repeaters’ lore specifically, the items you acquire can help you access more powerful weaponry and enhance your performance.
Conclusion
The Splinters of Darkness in Neomuna are more than just a set of collectibles; they are a compelling example of how environmental interaction and exploration are integral to the Destiny 2 experience. They drive players to explore every inch of Neomuna, utilize their new Strand abilities, and unlock unique rewards. By understanding their significance and mechanics, players can further appreciate the complexity and depth of the game’s lore and gameplay. So go forth, Guardians, and collect those Apogee Repeaters!