What is the Max Level Cap in Destiny 2?
The maximum attainable Power level cap in Destiny 2, specifically during the Lightfall expansion, is 1810. However, this doesn’t mean that’s the absolute highest level you can reach. The 1810 cap refers to your base Power level, which is determined by the average level of your equipped gear. Beyond this, you can further enhance your character’s overall effectiveness by leveling up your Seasonal Artifact. This artifact provides bonus Power levels, allowing you to exceed the hard gear cap, and it resets every season. In essence, while gear stops increasing your power level at 1810, the Artifact’s bonus levels provide an ongoing progression system.
Understanding Power Level in Destiny 2
Destiny 2 uses a Power level system to measure your character’s strength and determine how well you perform in various activities. Understanding the different caps and how to reach them is key to conquering challenging content.
Soft Cap
Every player begins their journey with a starting Power level set at the beginning of each expansion. During Lightfall, that starting point was 1600. As you progress through the story and engage in activities, you’ll start to collect gear that increases your Power level. This phase of progression takes you up to the soft cap. With Lightfall, the soft cap was set at 1750. This is the point where gear begins to slow down in how much Power level it provides, and you begin to rely on other methods to progress further.
Powerful Cap
The next milestone in the power progression is the Powerful cap, which in the case of Lightfall is 1800. Once you’ve reached the soft cap of 1750, you need to start pursuing specific Powerful gear sources to reach 1800. These sources include activities such as playlist completions (Strikes, Gambit, Crucible), vendor ranks, completing bounties, Season Pass rewards, and Trials of Osiris. These Powerful gear items will boost your level more significantly than standard drops.
Pinnacle Cap
The ultimate goal in terms of base gear level is the Pinnacle cap, set at 1810 for Lightfall. To increase your Power level from 1800 to 1810, you can no longer rely on standard Powerful gear. You will need to complete specific activities that reward Pinnacle gear. These are typically the most challenging activities in the game, such as raids, dungeons, and high-level Nightfall Strikes.
Beyond the Pinnacle Cap: Artifact Power
It’s important to note that reaching the Pinnacle cap of 1810 is not the end of the road. Your Seasonal Artifact provides additional Power levels which are separate from your base gear level. These levels are acquired through earning experience (XP) in Destiny 2 and they reset every season. This ensures a continual sense of progress even after you’ve maxed out your gear’s power. So, while gear caps at 1810, your overall Power level, including the artifact bonus, will continue to grow throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Starting Power Level in Destiny 2: Lightfall?
Every player began Lightfall at a starting Power level of 1600.
2. How do I reach the soft cap in Destiny 2?
You can reach the soft cap of 1750 by simply playing the game and completing activities. All gear drops at this stage will contribute to raising your Power level.
3. What is the Powerful cap in Destiny 2: Lightfall?
The Powerful cap in Destiny 2: Lightfall is 1800.
4. How do I get from the soft cap to the Powerful cap?
You need to obtain Powerful gear from specific sources, such as completing playlist activities (Strikes, Gambit, Crucible), increasing vendor ranks, completing bounties, Season Pass drops, and Trials of Osiris (third win).
5. What is the Pinnacle cap in Destiny 2: Lightfall?
The Pinnacle cap in Destiny 2: Lightfall is 1810.
6. How do I increase my power level beyond 1800?
To increase your power level beyond 1800, you need to acquire Pinnacle gear from activities like raids, dungeons, and high-level Nightfall Strikes.
7. How can I get over 1810 Power level?
You can exceed 1810 by leveling your Seasonal Artifact. The Artifact provides bonus Power levels that increase as you earn XP, these levels reset every Season.
8. What are some sources for Powerful Gear?
Powerful gear drops from playlist activities such as Strikes, Gambit, and Crucible, vendor rank rewards, bounties, season pass rewards, and the third win in Trials of Osiris.
9. What are some sources for Pinnacle Gear?
Pinnacle gear drops from raids, dungeons, and high-level Nightfall Strikes.
10. What is Powerful Gear Tier 1?
Powerful Gear Tier 1 drops at +3 Power levels compared to the player’s current maximum equipable Power level.
11. What is Powerful Gear Tier 2?
Powerful Gear Tier 2 drops at +4 Power levels compared to the player’s current maximum equipable Power level.
12. Does my Power Level reset each season in Destiny 2?
Your base gear Power level does not reset each season, however, the Seasonal Artifact’s bonus power levels do reset when a new artifact is released.
13. What is the recommended Power level for Root of Nightmares?
The recommended Power level for Root of Nightmares is 1780 or higher.
14. What is the recommended Power level for Ghosts of the Deep?
The recommended Power level for Ghosts of the Deep is 1790, though enemies can be as high as 1810.
15. What Power Level is the Master Vault of Glass Raid?
The Master Vault of Glass raid has a recommended Power level of 1840.
Conclusion
Reaching the maximum Power level in Destiny 2 is a multifaceted process, involving understanding soft, Powerful, and Pinnacle caps, as well as the bonus Power levels provided by the Seasonal Artifact. While the gear Power level stops increasing at 1810, your character’s overall power can continue to grow by maximizing your Seasonal Artifact’s bonus levels. By understanding how to achieve each milestone and taking advantage of available gear sources, you can equip yourself for any challenge the game throws your way.