Diving into Destiny 2: Your Guide to the Easiest Raids for Beginners
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re ready to take the plunge into Destiny 2 raids? Excellent choice, Guardian! Raids are the pinnacle of cooperative gameplay in Destiny, offering some of the best loot, toughest challenges, and most rewarding experiences. But with several raids available, knowing where to start can be daunting. The absolute easiest raid for beginners to cut their teeth on is Deep Stone Crypt.
Deep Stone Crypt stands out as the most accessible raid because its mechanics are relatively straightforward, and the coordination required is less demanding than other raids. Each encounter revolves around understanding and utilizing the “augment” system, where players pick up roles that empower them to perform specific tasks. Once you grasp these augments, the entire raid becomes significantly more manageable. Now, let’s delve deeper into why Deep Stone Crypt is beginner-friendly and answer some common questions.
Why Deep Stone Crypt is Perfect for Beginners
Here’s why Deep Stone Crypt is considered the friendliest raid for newcomers:
- Simplified Mechanics: As mentioned earlier, the core mechanic revolves around the augment system. While each augment provides unique abilities, the tasks themselves are relatively simple to execute. Compared to the complex symbol reading of Vault of Glass or the intricate puzzle-solving in Last Wish, Deep Stone Crypt’s mechanics are much easier to grasp.
- Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Each encounter clearly defines roles for players with augments. This makes it easy to understand what you need to do and how your actions contribute to the team’s success. There’s less ambiguity than in raids where multiple players have overlapping responsibilities.
- Forgiving Encounters: Some encounters in Destiny 2 raids are incredibly unforgiving, instantly wiping the team for minor mistakes. Deep Stone Crypt offers more leeway. Mistakes are generally less punishing, giving you a chance to learn and adapt without constant resets.
- Excellent Loot: Who doesn’t love good loot? Deep Stone Crypt has some fantastic weapons, including the Heritage shotgun and the Succession sniper rifle, both of which are highly sought after. Getting sweet gear is a great motivator for learning the raid.
- Atmosphere and Story: Beyond the gameplay, Deep Stone Crypt boasts an engaging story that explores the origins of the Exos. The raid’s atmosphere, set on Europa, is visually stunning and adds to the overall experience.
Mastering the Augments
The key to succeeding in Deep Stone Crypt lies in mastering the augments:
- Scanner: This augment allows the player to identify marked terminals or points of interest that are critical to the encounter. They are essential for directing the team.
- Operator: This augment lets the player interact with terminals to open doors, disable shields, or perform other actions that support the team. Good communication is crucial with this role.
- Suppressor: This augment enables the player to stun certain enemies or bosses by dealing damage while airborne. Coordination between suppressor players is often necessary.
Understanding how each augment works and how to effectively utilize them will dramatically improve your team’s chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Destiny 2 Raids for Beginners
Here are 15 FAQs designed to help you navigate the world of Destiny 2 raids, especially as a beginner:
1. What exactly is a raid in Destiny 2?
A raid is a six-player cooperative activity that represents the most challenging and rewarding content in Destiny 2. They typically involve intricate mechanics, challenging encounters, and require significant coordination among team members. Raids offer unique loot, including powerful weapons and armor.
2. What light level (power level) is recommended for Deep Stone Crypt?
While the base light level requirement for Deep Stone Crypt is relatively low, you should aim to be at or slightly above the recommended power level for the encounter. Check in game for current recommendations.
3. Do I need to own any specific DLC to play Deep Stone Crypt?
Yes, you must own the Beyond Light DLC to access Deep Stone Crypt.
4. How do I find a raid team?
There are several ways to find a raid team:
- Destiny 2 Companion App: The app has a built-in fireteam finder that allows you to create or join a raid team.
- Discord Servers: Many Destiny 2 communities have Discord servers with channels dedicated to raid organization.
- LFG (Looking For Group) Websites: Websites like DestinyLFG.net are popular platforms for finding raid teams.
- Clans: Joining a Destiny 2 clan is a great way to find regular raid partners.
5. What does “KWTD” mean in raid listings?
“KWTD” stands for “Know What To Do.” It typically means that the fireteam leader is looking for players who already have experience with the raid and understand the mechanics. As a beginner, you should look for listings that specifically welcome new players or are labeled as “teaching runs.”
6. What are “teaching runs” in Destiny 2 raids?
Teaching runs are raid groups that are specifically designed to guide new players through the raid, explaining the mechanics and strategies along the way. These are excellent opportunities for beginners to learn the ropes.
7. What is contest mode in Destiny 2 raids?
Contest Mode is a modifier applied to new raids for the first 24-48 hours after their release. It reduces the player’s power level, making the encounters significantly more challenging. This is to create a more even playing field for the World First race. It does not apply to older raids.
8. What kind of communication is required for raids?
Effective communication is crucial for success in raids. You’ll need to be able to clearly communicate your role, status, and any relevant information to your teammates. Using voice chat (e.g., Discord) is highly recommended.
9. What are some common raid terms I should know?
Here are a few common raid terms:
- DPS: Damage Per Second – referring to the amount of damage a player can inflict in a given time.
- Ad Clear: Clearing out waves of weaker enemies (adds).
- Buff/Debuff: Effects that increase damage output or decrease enemy resistance.
- Wipe: When the entire team dies, resulting in a restart of the encounter.
10. How long does a raid typically take?
The time it takes to complete a raid can vary depending on the raid itself, the team’s experience, and the group’s skill level. Deep Stone Crypt usually takes between 1-2 hours for a competent team.
11. What weapons and armor should I bring to a raid?
The optimal loadout depends on the specific encounter, but generally, you should bring a mix of weapons that are effective for ad clear, boss DPS, and dealing with Champions (if present). Armor mods that enhance survivability, such as damage resistance mods, are also beneficial. Check online resources for specific loadout recommendations for each encounter.
12. What if I make a mistake during a raid?
Everyone makes mistakes, especially when learning a new raid. Don’t be discouraged! Apologize, learn from the mistake, and focus on improving for the next attempt. Communication is key to avoiding repeating errors.
13. Can I solo a Destiny 2 raid?
Unlike dungeons, which are designed with tough-but-doable solo runs in mind, almost all Destiny 2 raids are literally impossible to solo. The mechanics are such where you simply cannot solo them, no matter your skill or luck, as you’ll likely need at least two people.
14. Are there different difficulty levels for raids?
Two difficulty levels exist for raids: normal, and hard (Prestige). The normal mode must be completed before the harder ones can be attempted.
15. Are there benefits to replaying a raid multiple times?
Yes! You can earn loot each week with your first clear per character. Replaying a raid is an excellent way to farm for specific weapons, complete triumphs, and further refine your skills. Raids and Dungeons have always been and continue to be the best way to spend one’s time in Destiny 2, even if raid content increasingly relies on re-releasing raids from the previous game.
Beyond Deep Stone Crypt: Other Beginner-Friendly Options
While Deep Stone Crypt is the easiest, here are a few other raids that are relatively accessible to beginners once you’ve gained some experience:
- Vault of Glass: A classic raid from Destiny 1, Vault of Glass is considered one of the easier raids in Destiny 2. It’s a good option for learning the basics of raid mechanics and teamwork. Overall, the Vault of Glass Raid is the easiest Raid in Destiny 2, with straightforward encounters and simple mechanics that even a team of four people can complete without a problem.
- King’s Fall: Returning from Destiny 1, King’s Fall is a well-designed raid with clearly defined roles and a satisfying learning curve. However, the original content has been revamped, so it’s difficulty is something to consider.
Easiest Titles to Acquire in Destiny 2
While conquering raids is a fantastic accomplishment, acquiring titles is another way to showcase your Destiny 2 prowess. Dredgen (the Gambit title) is considered the easiest overall. If you have the right light level and a dedicated group, seasonal titles are often relatively straightforward to obtain.
Dungeons: Bite-Sized Raid Experiences
If you’re hesitant to jump directly into a raid, consider starting with dungeons. Dungeons are shorter, three-player activities that offer a similar experience to raids, with challenging mechanics and rewarding loot. Shattered Throne is often considered one of the easiest dungeons to solo and is a great place to start. Shattered Throne felt like a test run for what the “dungeon” category of activities has developed into today.
The Importance of Community and Collaboration
Destiny 2 is, at its heart, a social game. Raids are designed to be tackled with friends and fellow Guardians. Embrace the community, find a supportive clan, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Together, you can conquer any challenge that Destiny 2 throws your way! Many Destiny 2 communities have Discord servers with channels dedicated to raid organization. It’s a great space to collaborate, learn, and engage.
Games Learning Society and the Educational Value of Gaming
Games like Destiny 2, with their complex mechanics, cooperative gameplay, and problem-solving challenges, offer significant educational value. They promote critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) are dedicated to exploring and promoting the educational potential of games.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on your first Destiny 2 raid can be an exciting and rewarding experience. By starting with Deep Stone Crypt, mastering the augment system, and embracing the community, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned raider. So gather your fireteam, prepare your loadout, and get ready to dive into the heart of Destiny 2’s endgame content! Good luck, Guardian!