Destiny 2’s The Nether: A Glimpse into the Dreadnaught
Destiny 2’s latest addition, The Nether, invites Guardians back to the iconic Dreadnaught, a location steeped in history and mystery. This new activity offers a blend of thrilling combat, intricate puzzles, and hidden treasures, making it a must-visit for any seasoned player. Each run of The Nether takes you through three of the four areas within the Dreadnaught, and while not all secrets will spawn every time, the allure of discovering something new keeps players engaged. Utilizing mods like the Wombo/Combo Detector on your Ghost can help you quickly locate treasure chests, and the “something strange is near” message often indicates a nearby secret.
Mausoleum: The Home of Ancient Secrets
The Mausoleum, one of the four areas, is almost cozy by comparison to the other zones, but don’t let that fool you. It harbors five major secrets and two collectibles, each with its own unique challenge. The first secret involves Toland, the Shattered, a floating orb of Light that has survived Eris’ incursion in the Hellmouth. To find him, follow the flickering light and bump into him several times until he leads you to a treasure chest. Another notable secret is the Fire pillars and Vorok, Excise Eternal. Locate the largest construction and light up three braziers to summon Vorok, a Taken miniboss, and claim your loot. The area also hosts Taken Blights with Cabal soldiers attached; shoot them to uncover more treasure. One of the most intriguing secrets is the Heretic altar, which can be accessed by defeating a Shrieker and navigating the Blighted Cyst. The Hive altar here is tricky, as using an offering will set you on fire, requiring you to quickly choose a chest to extinguish the flames. Finally, the Mausoleum is home to two Ravenous Worms, which are collectibles. One is on a ledge above the two plates you defend, while the other is in a small cave near the boss room, accessible by hugging the right side of the area.
Hall of Souls: Echoes of the Past
The Hall of Souls, a familiar area to veterans of the King’s Fall raid, is a treasure trove of secrets and collectibles. Among the finds is The Ravenous, a unique and endlessly respawning Thrall. To complete this puzzle, kite The Ravenous to various locations where it will evolve by eating Hive worms, eventually becoming a Knight. Defeat it to claim your prize. The area also features the Fire pillars and Vorok, Excise Eternal, a recurring Taken miniboss. Light up three braziers and take down Vorok to receive a chest. Keep an eye out for Toland, the Shattered, who often appears near the braziers and can lead you to treasure. One of the most challenging secrets in the Hall of Souls is the invisible platform puzzle. Use your Ghost to highlight the paths and make your way up the wall, being careful not to fall. Lastly, the Hall of Souls is home to two Ravenous Worms. One is by a pillar near the center, and the other is on a ledge above the south side exit.
The Founts: Hidden Symbolism and Dark Paths
The Founts, despite being the smallest area, is one of the most inhospitable. It is riddled with Hive symbolism and secrets. The most obvious secret is the Hive symbol wall. Match the symbols on a statue with those on the wall to summon a chest and a minor boon. This area also features a Secret Hive glyph door. After shooting the right symbols, you may find a Hive plate on the wall that opens a hidden door, leading to a hallway with a Suffocation debuff. Navigate this path to destroy a Taken Blight and claim a chest. Toland, the Shattered, makes another appearance in the Founts, often leading players through the balcony of the calcified structure. Two Ravenous Worms are tucked away in the Founts as well. One is on top of the wall with the Hive symbols, while the other is in the basement, behind a small crate. These collectibles add to the area’s rich tapestry of secrets and challenges.
Trenchway: Compact and Surprising
The Trenchway, though compact, is packed with secrets and optional bosses. The invisible platform puzzle is a highlight here, offering a mix of loot and lore. If you spawn on the outer part, head to the far left side of the inner wall to find a floating platform. Use your Ghost to reveal the outline of the invisible platforms and hop from one to the other. You’ll find a worm and a chest, as well as a statue with the Rites of the Deep Tithe, which is part of the seasonal story. The Trenchway also has two optional bosses: the Ascendant Ogre and Vorok, Excise Eternal. The Ogre can be summoned by lighting three braziers on the right side of the inner Trenchway, while Vorok appears on the Saturn side, requiring you to light two braziers on the left edge and one across from them. Keep an eye out for Toland, the Shattered, and the two Ravenous Worms. One is on a ledge above the Tormentor zone boss, and the other is near the hidden platform puzzles.
Navigating the Nether: Tools and Tips
To maximize your chances of discovering all the secrets in The Nether, equip your Ghost with the Wombo/Combo Detector mod to highlight treasure chests. The “something strange is near” message is your best friend, as it indicates the presence of a secret. Use your Ghost to reveal invisible platforms and hidden paths, and pay attention to the flickering lights that often guide you to Toland, the Shattered. The Ravenous Worms are a recurring collectible, with two in each area. They are often in inconspicuous locations, so explore thoroughly. Whether you’re kiting The Ravenous or navigating the suffocating halls of the Founts, the Nether offers a rewarding and immersive experience that feels like a trip back to the roots of Destiny 2.
The Ongoing Mystery: Lore and Reward
The Nether is more than just a loot-dropping activity; it’s a deep dive into the lore of the Dreadnaught and its dark past. Toland, the Shattered, and the Hive symbols hint at the ongoing conflict between the Light and the Darkness, adding layers to the narrative. Solving puzzles and finding secrets not only rewards you with seasonal resources and unique loot but also brings you closer to understanding the enigmatic world of Destiny 2. As you explore the Nether, you’ll encounter elements that tie back to previous expansions and raids, making this activity a perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh challenges. Even if you’re not a lore buff, the sheer thrill of uncovering hidden paths and battling formidable foes makes The Nether an essential part of the Destiny 2 experience.
