Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge: Location & Full Rotation Guide
The Dreaming City remains one of Destiny 2’s most enigmatic and rewarding destinations, filled with secrets that unfold according to a mysterious schedule. At the heart of this cycle are the Ascendant Challenges, weekly missions that test a Guardian's skill within the eerie Ascendant Plane. Completing these challenges is crucial for earning specific gear and triumphs, including the coveted Cursebreaker title.
Whether you're a new player venturing into the curse-stricken city for the first time or a veteran chasing that last piece of lore, our comprehensive guide has everything you need. Here, we'll detail this week's Ascendant Challenge, explain how to beat it, and provide a full breakdown of the six-week rotation so you're always prepared.
Preparing for the Challenge: The Tincture of Queensfoil
Before you can even attempt to find an Ascendant Challenge, you must first become "Ascendant." This status grants you the ability to see and interact with the hidden portals that lead to the Ascendant Plane.
To achieve this, you need to consume a Tincture of Queensfoil. This consumable grants the Ascendant buff for 30 minutes. Tinctures can be found in a few ways:
- Purchasing from Petra Venj: Petra sells them for 50 Legendary Shards.
- Regional Chests: These hidden chests throughout the Dreaming City have a chance to drop a Tincture.
- Public Events and Patrols: Completing activities in the Dreaming City can sometimes reward you with this item.
Once you’ve consumed a Tincture, you're ready to hunt down the portal. Remember that the buff has a timer, so it's best to activate it once you are near the challenge's general location.
This Week's Ascendant Challenge: Forfeit Shrine (Growing Curse)
This week, as the Dreaming City's curse grows stronger, Guardians are tasked with conquering the Forfeit Shrine. This challenge is a frantic race against time and overwhelming odds, demanding both speed and combat prowess.
Location: Gardens of Esila
The portal to the Forfeit Shrine is located in the Gardens of Esila, a beautiful but treacherous area in the southernmost part of the Dreaming City. To get there:
- Load into the Divalian Mists landing zone.
- Head straight and to the right, passing the entrance to the Blind Well.
- Follow the path into The Strand.
- Once in The Strand, hang a right and look for a cliffside path leading up into the Gardens of Esila.
- With the Ascendant buff active, make your way to the large central gazebo at the top of the gardens. The portal will be shimmering in the air above it.
How to Complete the Forfeit Shrine
The Forfeit Shrine is a straightforward but intense challenge. The objective is to cleanse the area by dunking three Arc charges (which look like orbs of Light) into a central well, all while surviving relentless waves of enemies.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Enter the Portal: Jump through the portal to enter the Ascendant Plane version of the Gardens of Esila. You'll notice a central platform with a well of Light.
- Locate the Charges: Three Arc charges will spawn around the arena on floating platforms. You can typically see their bright glow from a distance. A helpful wisp of light (representing the Ahamkara researcher Toland) will often guide you toward their locations.
- Secure the First Charge: Make your way to the first charge. As you pick it up, powerful Ascendant Knights will spawn and begin attacking you. You cannot sprint or double jump while holding the charge, making you vulnerable.
- Dunk the Charge: Carefully navigate back to the central well and deposit the charge. Each time you dunk a charge, the Knights will despawn temporarily, giving you a brief moment to regroup.
- Rinse and Repeat: Repeat this process for the remaining two charges. The enemy spawns, including hordes of Shadowbeasts, will become more aggressive with each dunk.
- Defeat the Final Bosses: After the third charge is deposited, the challenge's final phase begins. Two powerful Abyssal Champions (Taken Knights) will spawn alongside a large wave of enemies. Focus on taking down the Knights to complete the challenge.
- Claim Your Reward: Once the final Knights are defeated, a chest will appear on the central platform. Open it to claim your loot and complete the weekly challenge.
Understanding the Full 6-Week Ascendant Challenge Rotation
The Ascendant Challenge changes every Tuesday at the weekly reset, following a fixed six-week rotation that is tied to the Dreaming City's three-week curse cycle. Knowing this schedule allows you to plan ahead for specific Triumphs or gear.
Here is the complete rotation:
- Week 1 (Weak Curse): Agonarch Abyss
- Location: Bay of Drowned Wishes
- Week 2 (Growing Curse): Cimmerian Garrison
- Location: Chamber of Starlight
- Week 3 (Strong Curse): Shattered Ruins
- Location: Spine of Keres
- Week 4 (Weak Curse): Ouroborea
- Location: Aphelion's Rest
- Week 5 (Growing Curse): Forfeit Shrine
- Location: Gardens of Esila
- Week 6 (Strong Curse): Keep of Honed Edges
- Location: Harbinger's Seclude
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the rewards for completing an Ascendant Challenge?A: You will receive a piece of Powerful Gear from the Dreaming City loot pool (weapons or armor) and progress towards various Triumphs. Petra Venj also offers a weekly bounty that requires you to complete the challenge for additional rewards.
Q: Where can I find Petra Venj?A: Petra Venj also moves locations based on the curse week. During the weak curse, she is in The Strand. During the growing curse, she is in the Divalian Mists. During the strong curse week, you can find her in the Rheasilvia area.
Q: Can I complete the Ascendant Challenge solo?A: Yes, all Ascendant Challenges are designed to be completable by a solo player. However, bringing a fireteam can make some of the more combat-heavy challenges, like the Forfeit Shrine, much easier to manage.