Destiny 2 Episode of Heresy
The Destiny 2 Episode of Heresy introduces a thrilling new activity known as The Nether, challenging Guardians with its unique mechanics, deadly enemies, and valuable rewards. As part of this latest expansion, Bungie has crafted an experience that demands teamwork, strategy, and mastery of new mechanics. Whether you’re a seasoned Guardian or a newcomer, understanding The Nether will be essential for maximizing your rewards and progression.
This guide covers everything you need to know about The Nether, from accessing the activity to mastering its mechanics, earning exclusive loot, and applying advanced strategies to ensure success.
Understanding The Nether Activity in Destiny 2 Episode of Heresy
The Nether is a three-player PvE (Player vs. Environment) activity set in a mysterious, shadow-infested realm. Unlike traditional Vanguard strikes or seasonal events, this activity brings a darker, more intricate challenge filled with dimly lit corridors, shifting platforms, and overwhelming Hive enemies.
The key appeal of The Nether is its dynamic level design, which constantly evolves as players progress. Rather than a linear path, players will navigate through different dimensions using Shadow Portals, uncovering hidden secrets and engaging in unique puzzle-based encounters. The environment itself is designed to keep players on edge, as enemies frequently spawn from the darkness, making situational awareness crucial.
This activity is designed for both casual and hardcore players—while standard completion offers solid rewards, those who push for additional challenge tiers will be greatly rewarded. Bungie has implemented multiple difficulty layers, including timed objectives, boss modifiers, and increased enemy spawns for those seeking a higher level of challenge.
How to Access The Nether
To enter The Nether, players need to navigate to the Episode of Heresy tab within the game’s main menu. Here, they will find The Nether listed among the available activities. Unlike Nightfall Strikes or Gambit matches, The Nether is only accessible at specific times within the in-game rotation, meaning players need to check availability before attempting it.
Once the activity is unlocked, players can enter it solo, though it is highly recommended to tackle it with a full fireteam of three players. While matchmaking is available for lower difficulty tiers, the hardest versions of The Nether require a pre-formed fireteam, encouraging coordination and strategic planning.
Before entering, players should prepare by selecting their best gear, weapons, and subclass abilities, as The Nether presents unpredictable challenges that require versatility. Understanding enemy types and bringing the right elemental weapons for countering Hive shields will significantly improve survival chances.
Key Mechanics and Challenges in The Nether
The Nether introduces a variety of new and complex mechanics that players must learn to overcome. Some of the most significant include:
1. Shadow Portals
Throughout The Nether, players will encounter Shadow Portals, which transport them between different sections of the activity. These portals play a crucial role in progression, as they can lead to puzzle rooms, secret loot areas, or dangerous ambush zones.
- Some portals require a specific action before they become active, such as eliminating a mini-boss or collecting a Hive artifact.
- Portals can also close after a short duration, forcing teams to act quickly to avoid being stranded in deadly areas.
2. Hive Relics
During key encounters, Hive Relics will appear. These relics grant temporary abilities that help overcome certain enemy mechanics. Relics may include:
- Void-Touched Scythes: Capable of breaking enemy shields and dealing massive damage to Hive bosses.
- Shadow-Infused Lanterns: Used to illuminate dark sections of the map, revealing hidden paths or enemies.
- Ethereal Keys: Unlocking hidden doors that contain valuable loot chests.
Players must decide who carries these relics, as holding them may limit movement or disable the use of certain weapons.
3. Void Corruption
A unique environmental hazard in The Nether, Void Corruption is a stacking debuff that slowly drains players’ health over time. This effect increases the longer players remain in The Nether and can only be removed by cleansing at designated purification points.
- If Void Corruption reaches its maximum level, players will take continuous damage until death.
- Some purification points are located in enemy-controlled areas, requiring teams to fight their way through before cleansing.
4. Timed Encounters
Certain sections of The Nether require players to defeat waves of enemies within a set time limit. If the objective is not completed in time, the area collapses, instantly killing any remaining players. These encounters test a team’s ability to coordinate efficiently and maximize DPS against powerful Hive adversaries.
Rewards and Exclusive Loot
Players who complete The Nether will be rewarded with a variety of exclusive loot, including powerful weapons, armor sets, and cosmetics. Some of the most sought-after rewards include:
Legendary and Exotic Weapons
- The Nether’s Bane (Exotic Auto Rifle) – A unique weapon that applies a stacking Void Corruption effect on enemies.
- Heresy’s Call (Legendary Pulse Rifle) – Features a special perk that increases damage when fighting Hive enemies.
Armor Sets
- Eidolon’s Wrath Set – A thematic armor set offering enhanced resistance against Hive elemental attacks.
- Vestments of the Abyss – A Warlock-exclusive robe set with Void-based buffs.
Cosmetic Rewards
- Exclusive shaders and emblems featuring dark, ethereal designs.
- A special Ghost shell with a Nether-themed aesthetic.
- Unlockable title and Triumph Seals for completing challenge objectives.
Higher difficulty tiers yield enhanced versions of these rewards, making it worthwhile for dedicated players to push for the toughest challenges.
Strategies for Success in The Nether
To efficiently clear The Nether and maximize loot potential, players should employ the following strategies:
1. Team Composition Matters
- Have a designated DPS player for dealing with Hive bosses.
- Assign one Guardian to mob control, ensuring large groups of enemies don’t overwhelm the team.
- Use a support subclass (such as Warlock’s Well of Radiance) for healing and team sustain.
2. Manage Void Corruption Efficiently
- Track cleansing locations and rotate through them at regular intervals.
- Avoid overstaying in corrupted zones, as increasing debuff stacks will drain resources.
3. Master the Use of Hive Relics
- Always communicate who is carrying a relic and when it will be used.
- Some relics can be used strategically—saving them for boss fights can drastically shorten encounter times.
4. Adapt to Environmental Hazards
- Shadow Portals can be unpredictable, so be ready to improvise if a shortcut leads to an enemy ambush.
- Timed encounters should be prioritized—eliminating enemies quickly prevents collapses.
By implementing these strategies, teams can complete The Nether more efficiently and claim their well-earned rewards.
Conclusion
The Destiny 2 Episode of Heresy delivers one of the most engaging and intense activities in the game’s current cycle. The Nether tests players’ adaptability, teamwork, and combat skills through its unique mechanics and relentless Hive enemies. Guardians who master this activity will walk away with some of the best weapons and armor in the game, as well as a sense of accomplishment.
For those who find the challenge too daunting or want to speed up their progression, a Destiny 2 Boost can help you obtain high-tier rewards more efficiently, ensuring they stay competitive in both PvE and PvP content. Whether you’re seeking to dominate The Nether or simply acquire exclusive loot, this latest update is a must-play experience for all Destiny 2 fans.