Destiny 2 overthrow bosses

Introduction to “Destiny 2” Overthrow Bosses

In Destiny 2, bosses are the towering obstacles that players must overcome to advance through the game’s many activities, whether they be story missions, strikes, raids, or dungeons. However, these battles aren’t just simple “point and shoot” encounters. Destiny 2 introduces a layer of complexity in these encounters through “overthrow mechanics” — methods or tactics that Guardians must employ to weaken or defeat a boss. Understanding these mechanics and how they apply to various bosses can be the key to success, especially in high-level content.

The act of overthrowing bosses is woven into the very fabric of Destiny 2’s design philosophy, encouraging teamwork, strategy, and careful preparation. This review will delve deep into what it means to overthrow bosses in Destiny 2, looking at specific examples of encounters, the mechanics that make them challenging, and tips for overcoming them.

The Anatomy of Destiny 2 Boss Fights

To fully grasp what it means to overthrow bosses in Destiny 2, we need to break down the elements that make up a boss encounter:

1. Boss Health and Immunity Phases

Most bosses in Destiny 2 are equipped with massive health pools that require sustained damage over time to bring down. However, many of these bosses cannot be damaged at all times. This introduces “immunity phases,” where the boss is invulnerable to any damage until certain conditions are met.

Example: Savathûn in The Witch Queen Campaign

In the final mission of the The Witch Queen expansion, Savathûn, the titular villain, has several phases where she becomes immune to all damage. To overthrow her, Guardians must destroy illusionary objects and kill specific enemies to remove her shield. This interrupts the immunity phase and allows players to dish out damage before she retreats to safety again.

2. Adds (Additional Enemies)

In almost every boss fight, waves of adds (short for additional enemies) spawn throughout the encounter. These enemies serve to complicate the fight, drawing attention away from the boss and forcing players to manage crowd control while also focusing on the main target. Learning to balance the need to eliminate adds while damaging the boss is a key aspect of overthrowing bosses.

Example: Riven in The Last Wish Raid

The Riven encounter from The Last Wish raid is a complex battle where defeating the boss is only part of the equation. In addition to fighting the massive Ahamkara, players must deal with a constant flood of adds, which are integral to the mechanics of the encounter. Managing these adds while completing intricate mechanics is essential for overthrowing this boss.

3. Mechanics and Objectives

In many encounters, simply shooting the boss will not be enough. Destiny 2 often layers in unique mechanics that must be completed to overthrow the boss. These can range from puzzle-solving elements to gathering items or using environmental tools to disable boss abilities.

Example: Atraks-1, Fallen Exo in Deep Stone Crypt Raid

One of the standout examples of an overthrow mechanic-heavy fight is the encounter with Atraks-1 in the Deep Stone Crypt raid. This fight requires players to pass around a debuff called “Replication” to ensure that it doesn’t wipe the team, all while dealing with adds and attempting to eliminate Atraks-1. Mastering these mechanics is essential to overthrowing this boss.

4. Timed DPS Windows

Some bosses only allow for limited opportunities to deal damage, often referred to as “DPS phases.” Players need to maximize the damage they deal within these small windows, usually after completing a mechanic that weakens the boss temporarily. Proper loadouts and communication become paramount in these situations.

Example: Aksis, Archon Prime in Wrath of the Machine

In the Wrath of the Machine raid, Aksis, Archon Prime, only takes damage during timed DPS windows after players trigger certain mechanics, like charging batteries and coordinating attack locations. Mismanaging these windows can lead to the boss surviving long enough to wipe the team.

Examples of Memorable Boss Overthrow Mechanics

1. Riven – The Last Wish Raid

Riven is perhaps one of the most iconic bosses in Destiny 2, not just for her size and grandeur but for the sheer complexity of the encounter. Overthrowing Riven involves multiple steps, mechanics, and team coordination, making her one of the most challenging bosses in the game.

Mechanics Breakdown

• Orb Passing Mechanic: Players must collect and pass orbs between each other to avoid a wipe mechanic.
• Damage Phase: Only after completing the correct set of steps can players deal damage to Riven. This requires careful coordination and synchronization between all six players.
• Ascendant Plane: A mechanic unique to The Last Wish raid, where players shift between the physical world and the Ascendant Plane to defeat illusionary enemies and complete objectives.

Riven’s fight demands perfection, as any misstep can lead to failure. The intricate nature of the encounter makes overthrowing her a true test of skill and coordination.

2. Taniks, the Abomination – Deep Stone Crypt Raid

Taniks has been a recurring villain in the Destiny universe, and his final form as the Abomination in the Deep Stone Crypt raid is an unforgettable encounter. The overthrow mechanics here require players to manage multiple roles, perform environmental objectives, and survive waves of enemies.

Mechanics Breakdown

• Nuclear Cores: Players need to collect and deposit nuclear cores while dealing with incoming enemies.
• Suppressor Role: One player must assume the role of Suppressor, stunning Taniks by interacting with floating drones.
• DPS Phase: Once the cores are deposited and Taniks is stunned, a brief DPS phase allows players to deal damage before repeating the cycle.

This encounter emphasizes role assignment and multitasking, as players need to manage adds, mechanics, and damage phases simultaneously.

3. Rhulk, Disciple of the Witness – Vow of the Disciple Raid

Rhulk is the final boss of the Vow of the Disciple raid and stands out due to his active participation in the battle. Unlike many stationary bosses, Rhulk moves aggressively toward players, forcing them to adapt on the fly.

Mechanics Breakdown

• Glaive Mechanic: Players must collect a special Glaive and use it to break Rhulk’s shield.
• Obelisks and Symbols: Throughout the fight, players need to identify specific symbols and activate the correct obelisks to progress the encounter.
• Movement and Positioning: Rhulk’s mobility and high-damage attacks require players to stay constantly aware of their positioning.

Rhulk’s encounter is dynamic and fast-paced, making overthrowing him a thrilling and challenging experience.

Loadouts for Overthrowing Bosses

Success in overthrowing Destiny 2 bosses is not just about understanding mechanics—players must also come prepared with the right loadouts. Here are some tips for building effective loadouts for boss fights:

1. Weapons

• High Burst Damage Weapons: Weapons like Gjallarhorn, Xenophage, and linear fusion rifles like Stormchaser are great for dealing massive damage during DPS phases.
• Ad-Clearing Weapons: Auto rifles like Gnawing Hunger and submachine guns like Riskrunner excel at clearing waves of adds, which is critical for managing crowd control during boss fights.
• Specialized Tools: Weapons that offer debuffs, such as Divinity (which applies a weakening field), or Anarchy (for consistent damage over time), are valuable for maximizing DPS windows.

2. Armor Mods and Builds

• Damage Buffs: Mods like High-Energy Fire and Well of Radiance offer excellent damage boosts during critical moments. Additionally, builds centered around supers like Golden Gun or Thundercrash can dish out massive damage.
• Survivability: Mods that increase resilience, recovery, and ability regeneration help players stay alive in high-pressure boss fights.
• Team-Oriented Builds: Some builds focus on enhancing the entire team’s performance, such as a Warlock Well of Radiance build or a Titan Bubble for defensive support.

The Importance of Teamwork and Communication

One of the standout features of overthrowing bosses in Destiny 2 is the emphasis on teamwork and communication. Raids, dungeons, and higher-level strikes require players to work together, calling out mechanics, sharing responsibilities, and coordinating DPS phases.

Many encounters involve specific roles that must be filled by team members, such as collecting orbs, stunning bosses, or managing enemy spawns. Without proper communication, even the most prepared team can falter in the face of complex mechanics.

Conclusion: The Thrill of Overthrowing Destiny 2 Bosses

Overthrowing bosses in Destiny 2 is not just about defeating a single enemy—it’s about mastering a series of intricate mechanics, honing teamwork, and optimizing your loadout for maximum efficiency. From the elaborate puzzles of raid bosses like Riven to the fast-paced action of encounters like Rhulk, each boss offers a unique and thrilling experience.

As Bungie continues to evolve Destiny 2, players can expect even more inventive boss fights that challenge their skills, coordination, and adaptability. The act of overthrowing a boss in Destiny 2 goes beyond brute force; it’s a dance of precision, strategy, and cooperation that keeps players coming back for more, seeking the ultimate victory against the darkness.