Who Holds the Ultimate Power in Destiny? The Definitive Guide to the Strongest Beings
Determining the single strongest being in the Destiny universe is a complex and often debated topic. Power in Destiny isn’t simply about raw strength; it’s a combination of Light, Darkness, cunning, influence, and even narrative weight. However, based on current lore, feats, and implications, the Witness stands as the most powerful entity. This being, the architect of the Collapse and the force behind the Black Fleet, has demonstrated the ability to manipulate reality, control entire races, and even erase civilizations. While Guardians like Osiris in his prime or Saint-14 are incredibly potent, they pale in comparison to the Witness’s cosmic scale of power. It’s not just about brute force, but about an all-encompassing control over the game itself.
The Contenders: A Deep Dive into Destiny’s Powerhouses
While the Witness might be the apex, numerous other characters vie for positions among the most powerful, each excelling in different areas.
Lightbearers: Guardians and Their Limitless Potential
- Osiris (Before Loss of Light): Renowned for his intellect, tactical genius, and mastery of the Light, Osiris was unmatched in his ability to manipulate time and predict enemy movements. His ability to create countless copies of himself made him incredibly dangerous.
- The Young Wolf (The Guardian): The player character, often referred to as the Young Wolf, stands as a unique case. Their repeated triumphs against seemingly insurmountable odds, fueled by both Light and Darkness, suggest a power ceiling yet to be fully realized. The narrative bends to their achievements, making them a crucial, potentially the most important, figure in the universe.
- Saint-14: The legendary Titan, known for his unwavering dedication and unmatched resilience. His battles against the Vex demonstrate an almost mythical level of endurance and unwavering Light.
- Ikora Rey: As the Warlock Vanguard, Ikora possesses an immense understanding of the Light and is known for her strategic brilliance. Her ability to manipulate Void energy is unmatched, and her knowledge is a potent weapon in itself.
The Hive Gods: Embodiments of Darkness and War
- Xivu Arath: The Hive God of War, embodies brute force and strategic military might. Her power grows with every act of war and conquest, making her a terrifying opponent.
- Savathûn, The Witch Queen: Beyond pure strength, Savathûn’s power lies in deception, cunning, and manipulation. Her ability to twist reality and rewrite history makes her an incredibly dangerous and unpredictable foe. Her acquisition of the Light further elevated her to a god-like status that demanded utmost respect.
- Oryx, The Taken King: Before his defeat, Oryx was the ultimate embodiment of the Hive’s power. His ability to Take other beings and bend them to his will made him a devastating force of nature.
Other Notable Entities: Influence and Unseen Power
- Mara Sov: The Queen of the Awoken, Mara Sov, wields tremendous political power, mastery over the Distributary and control over paracausal energies. Her intelligence, strategic thinking, and willingness to manipulate events from the shadows make her a constant threat.
- The Nine: Mysterious entities with influence over reality and space, the Nine are a wildcard in the Destiny universe. Their motives are unclear, but their power is undeniable.
- Rhulk, Disciple of the Witness: A physical powerhouse and the first disciple, Rhulk represents the Witness’s brute strength and unwavering loyalty. His mastery over Darkness makes him a formidable opponent.
Power is More Than Just Strength
It’s important to remember that power in Destiny isn’t solely about who can hit the hardest. Influence, knowledge, cunning, and the ability to manipulate events are all critical components. Savathûn, for example, wasn’t the strongest physically, but her ability to manipulate entire timelines and sow discord made her one of the most dangerous beings in the Destiny universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Guardian (The Young Wolf) the most powerful being in Destiny?
The Young Wolf, or the player Guardian, possesses incredible potential and has defeated numerous powerful foes. However, their strength is largely dependent on the narrative and their continued growth, and whether the player can use the Light and Dark equally. While they’re certainly a contender, their power is more about potential realized than absolute dominance compared to a being like the Witness.
2. How strong is Saint-14 compared to other Titans?
Saint-14 is arguably the greatest Titan in Destiny history. His legendary status stems from his unwavering dedication, resilience, and the sheer number of Fallen he defeated. He is one of the strongest Titans ever.
3. Why is Osiris considered so powerful?
Osiris’s power stems from his mastery over the Light and his unparalleled intellect. Before losing his Light, his ability to manipulate time and create countless projections made him nearly unbeatable.
4. Who is the strongest Warlock in Destiny lore?
Before losing his Light, Osiris was considered the strongest Warlock. Now, the title is arguably held by Ikora Rey because she still has the Light.
5. What makes the Witness so powerful?
The Witness is not about raw physical force, but rather its control over reality and the Darkness. They can manipulate entire civilizations and have engineered the Collapse, demonstrating a level of cosmic influence far exceeding any individual Guardian or Hive God.
6. How do the Hive Gods rank in terms of power?
The Hive Gods’ power fluctuated. Oryx at his peak (Taken King) was immensely powerful, but before his demise, he was surpassed by Savathûn’s cunningness. Xivu Arath, as the God of War, grows stronger with every conflict, making her a perpetual threat.
7. Is Mara Sov a Lightbearer?
No, Mara Sov is not a Lightbearer. She is an Awoken, a descendant of humans who were transformed by the Light and Darkness during the Collapse. Her power comes from her understanding of paracausal energies and her political influence.
8. What role do the Nine play in the power hierarchy?
The Nine are enigmatic entities whose origins and motives remain unclear. Their ability to manipulate space and reality suggests a level of power that surpasses most conventional forces in the Destiny universe.
9. Could a Guardian ever surpass the Witness in power?
Theoretically, yes. The Guardians wield both Light and Darkness, and if they could master these forces, the Guardians may surpass him.
10. How does the Darkness influence the power of characters in Destiny?
The Darkness offers different power sources compared to the Light, such as Stasis and Strand. Some characters may resonate more strongly with the Darkness.
11. What are some examples of Savathûn’s manipulations?
Savathûn’s manipulations are extensive, including rewriting timelines, sowing discord among factions, and even orchestrating events leading to her acquisition of the Light.
12. Is Dominus Ghaul a strong villain?
Dominus Ghaul was a significant threat due to his military might and his ambition to claim the Light. However, compared to the cosmic threats like the Witness or the Hive Gods, he falls short in terms of overall power.
13. How does the Traveler factor into the power dynamics?
The Traveler, the source of the Light, is a fundamentally powerful entity. Its presence has shaped the Destiny universe and bestowed incredible abilities upon Guardians. However, its motives and the full extent of its power remain somewhat mysterious.
14. Is there a “weakest” Titan in Destiny lore?
While all Titans are powerful, none specifically stand out as a weakest. Each Titan brings unique strengths and abilities to the Vanguard.
15. Where can I learn more about Destiny lore and power scaling?
Excellent resources include the official Destiny 2 game itself, its associated lore books, community-driven wikis like Destinypedia, and discussions within the Destiny community. You can also explore educational approaches to gaming at places like the Games Learning Society, where the intersection of games and learning is explored. Visit them at GamesLearningSociety.org.
The Ongoing Saga of Power
Ultimately, the question of who is the strongest being in Destiny is not static. The narrative constantly evolves, characters grow in power, and new threats emerge. While the Witness currently reigns supreme, the Guardians and other influential figures continue to strive for greater power, making the future of the Destiny universe a fascinating and unpredictable landscape.