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Understanding the Taken in Destiny 2: A Deep Dive

The Taken are a unique enemy faction in Destiny 2, characterized by their corrupted, ethereal appearance and aggressive behavior. They are beings from various races and species, twisted and enslaved by a powerful force, exhibiting enhanced abilities and a hive-mind mentality. Essentially, the Taken are warped versions of existing enemies, their forms distorted and empowered by the Darkness.

The Origins of the Taken

The origins of the Taken are rooted in the Darkness and its manipulation of reality. The power to “take” comes from the Deep, a fundamental force that grants the ability to dominate and reshape other beings. The first known master of the Taken was Oryx, the Taken King, who gained this ability after communing with the Deep and killing Akka, the Worm of Secrets.

Oryx used this power to build his army, the Taken, drawing from various races encountered in his long, bloody campaign across the universe. He would rip creatures from their own reality, bending them to his will and augmenting them with the power of the Darkness. The Taken became an extension of Oryx’s will, relentlessly pursuing his goals.

The Taken in Destiny 2

After the events of Destiny: The Taken King, Oryx was defeated, leaving a power vacuum in the Taken hierarchy. Subsequently, Savathûn, the Witch Queen, manipulated events to seize control of the Taken. This control was not absolute, as Savathûn’s plans were often intricate and involved using the Taken as pawns in her grand scheme. The Taken continued to be a disruptive force, appearing across the solar system and posing a significant threat to the Vanguard and humanity. Now that Savathûn is gone, the Taken once again are without a leader.

The Taken in Destiny 2 are characterized by their:

Distorted Forms: Their bodies are warped, often featuring ethereal tendrils and a shadowy, smoke-like appearance.
Enhanced Abilities: Taken enemies possess modified and amplified versions of their original abilities, such as stronger attacks, teleportation, and the ability to summon Taken Blights.
Aggressive Behavior: The Taken are relentless and highly aggressive, often swarming players with coordinated attacks.
Taken Blights: These dark orbs are a signature feature of the Taken. They can suppress player abilities, heal nearby Taken enemies, and create zones of protection.
Faction Variety: The Taken faction includes variations of Fallen, Hive, Cabal, and Vex enemies, each with their unique Taken abilities.

Gameplay and Encounters

The Taken are a common enemy type found in various activities in Destiny 2, including:

Strikes: Many strikes feature Taken enemies, often as a primary threat or as a complicating factor.
Raids: Taken enemies have been featured in several raids, requiring coordinated strategies to overcome their unique abilities.
Gambit: The Drifter uses the Taken in Gambit, summoning them to attack the opposing team.
Patrol Zones: Taken can appear in patrol zones, often as part of public events or world quests.
Dungeons: Dungeons, such as the Shattered Throne, are excellent locations to encounter and farm Taken enemies.

Strategies for Fighting the Taken

Fighting the Taken effectively requires a specific approach:

Focus Fire: Prioritize eliminating Taken enemies quickly, as their enhanced abilities can quickly overwhelm players.
Destroy Taken Blights: These orbs can provide significant advantages to the Taken, so destroying them should be a priority.
Use Void Damage: Many Taken enemies have void shields, making void damage an effective tool against them.
Coordinate with Your Team: Communication and coordination are essential when facing large groups of Taken enemies.
Utilize Anti-Barrier Mods: Champions can appear within the Taken faction, and anti-barrier mods can allow you to pierce the shields of Taken Hobgoblins and other shielded enemies.

The Future of the Taken

With the story of Destiny 2 constantly evolving, the role of the Taken remains uncertain. As the Witness grows closer, the taken will continue to be a problem in the Destiny universe. The Taken are still roaming the solar system. It is up to you Guardian to stop them! You can also learn more about the broader implications of gaming and education at the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is the best place to farm Taken enemies in Destiny 2?

The Dreaming City is undeniably the best location to farm Taken enemies in Destiny 2. The Shattered Throne dungeon, in particular, offers a high concentration of Taken.

2. Who controlled the Taken before Oryx?

The Taken were originally created and controlled by the Witness through the power of the Deep. Oryx was granted this power after communing with the Deep and killing Akka, the Worm of Secrets.

3. What element are Taken enemies associated with in Destiny 2?

Taken enemies utilize various elements, including void, arc, and solar. Taken Wizards often have void shields, Taken Centurions have arc shields, and Taken Captains have solar shields.

4. Are the Hive and Taken allies?

Yes, the Taken are generally allied with the Hive because they historically shared the same master: Oryx, the Taken King. However, allegiances can shift with the changing power dynamics in the Destiny universe.

5. Is Oryx a Hive or Taken?

Oryx is primarily a Hive God-King. He gained the power to take, which allowed him to create the Taken, but he remained fundamentally a member of the Hive.

6. Can the Drifter control the Taken?

Yes, the Drifter has demonstrated a limited ability to control the Taken using Motes of Dark. The Nine can also create counterfeit Taken out of dark matter.

7. Who leads the Taken in Destiny 2 now?

Currently, with the death of Oryx and the deception of Savathûn, the Taken are once again lead by the Witness as the Taken follow the power of the Deep.

8. Was Oryx working for the Witness?

While Oryx was not directly a disciple of the Witness in the same way as other characters, his power to take was granted by the Witness through the Deep. Oryx was a tool, whether he realized it or not, in the Witness’s grand plan.

9. Did Oryx used to be a girl?

Yes, Oryx was originally female (Aurash) before transitioning to male (Oryx) through a transformative ritual that granted him immense power and his role as the Taken King.

10. Why is Oryx called the Taken King?

Oryx gained the title of Taken King after he discovered the power to “take” from Akka, the Worm of Secrets. This power allowed him to bend other beings to his will, creating the Taken army and establishing himself as their ruler.

11. Is there Taken armor in Destiny 2?

Yes, there are Taken-themed armor sets in Destiny 2. These sets often have a distinctive Taken aesthetic and can be obtained through various activities, such as dungeons and seasonal events.

12. Who is the main bad guy in Destiny 2?

While there have been many antagonists throughout Destiny 2’s lifespan, the overarching villain is now considered to be the Witness, a powerful entity that wields the Darkness.

13. Was The Taken King a Destiny 1 or Destiny 2 expansion?

The Taken King was a major expansion for Destiny 1, released in 2015. It introduced Oryx and the Taken as a primary threat.

14. Is the Drifter a good or bad guy?

The Drifter’s morality is ambiguous. He is not inherently evil but operates in the gray areas of the Destiny universe, often pursuing his own interests and experimenting with the Darkness.

15. What is a relevant website with more information?

Visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to learn more about the connection between games and education.

What are the taken in Destiny 2?