Do you want to quickly rack up on Ascendant Shards in “Destiny 2”? These rare and valuable materials hold great significance, allowing you to upgrade important gear, weapons, and armor. However, collecting enough Ascendant Shards can often feel like a daunting task. In this article, we will unveil a comprehensive strategy guide that will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to farm these elusive resources efficiently, empowering you to enhance your gameplay experience significantly. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, this detailed exploration will guide you towards amassing a substantial supply of Ascendant Shards, enhancing your in-game potential.
One of the most reliable methods for farming Ascendant Shards is through the completion of Nightfall Strikes. These challenging cooperative missions offer players the opportunity to acquire a variety of rewards, including Ascendant Shards. By increasing the difficulty of the Nightfall Strike, you can increase the chances of obtaining Ascendant Shards as a reward. Additionally, participating in Nightfall Strikes with a fireteam of three players also increases the likelihood of receiving these valuable resources. However, it is important to note that Nightfall Strikes are not a guaranteed source of Ascendant Shards, and farming them can require patience and persistence.
Introduction: Understanding Ascendant Shards
Ascendant Shards are a rare and valuable currency in Destiny 2. They are used to purchase powerful gear and materials from vendors, and they can also be used to upgrade certain items. Ascendant Shards are not easy to come by, but there are a few ways to farm them.
Farming Ascendant Shards
The most efficient way to farm Ascendant Shards is to complete the weekly Ascendant Challenge. This challenge is available in the Dreaming City, and it can be completed once per week. Completing the challenge rewards you with 5 Ascendant Shards as well as powerful gear and experience.
Another way to farm Ascendant Shards is to complete the Nightfall The Ordeal on the Master or Grandmaster difficulty. The Nightfall is a weekly activity that rewards you with powerful gear and experience, and it also has a chance of dropping Ascendant Shards.
Ascendant Shards can also be obtained by completing the following activities:
| Activity | Reward |
|---|---|
| Petra’s Bounties | 1 Ascendant Shard per bounty |
| Dreaming City Weekly Missions | 5 Ascendant Shards per mission |
| Shattered Throne Dungeon | 5 Ascendant Shards per completion |
| Last Wish Raid | 10 Ascendant Shards per encounter |
Ascendant Shards are a valuable resource in Destiny 2, and they can be used to purchase powerful gear and materials. By completing the activities listed above, you can farm Ascendant Shards and use them to improve your character.
Identifying Ascendant Energy Sources
Ascendant Shards are a valuable resource in Destiny 2, used to upgrade Exotic armor and weapons to their maximum potential. To farm these Shards efficiently, it is crucial to identify the primary sources of Ascendant Energy, a key component used in their creation.
Master Raids and Dungeons
Master-level raids and dungeons offer the most consistent and generous drops of Ascendant Energy. Completing these challenging activities guarantees a quantity of the resource, making them an ideal farming route for dedicated players. The table below summarizes the specific rewards from each Master-level activity:
| Activity | Ascendant Energy Reward |
|---|---|
| Master Vow of the Disciple | 10-15 |
| Master King’s Fall | 10-15 |
| Master Garden of Salvation | 5-10 |
| Master Deep Stone Crypt | 5-10 |
| Master Vault of Glass | 5-10 |
Ascendant Challenge
The weekly Ascendant Challenge offers a moderate amount of Ascendant Energy upon completion. While the exact location and requirements vary each week, the Challenge generally involves navigating a secret location and defeating hidden enemies. The reward is typically around 5-10 Ascendant Energy.
Public Events and Lost Sectors
Heroic Public Events and Lost Sectors have a chance to drop Ascendant Energy as a rare reward. While not as reliable as the previous sources, these activities can provide a supplemental source of the resource, especially when combined with other farming methods.
Shadowkeep Campaign
The Shadowkeep campaign is the primary method of obtaining Ascendant Shards. You’ll get your first Ascendant Shard as a reward for completing the first mission of the campaign, “The Arrival.” You’ll also get an Ascendant Shard as a reward for completing the following missions:
- “The Waking Nightmare”
- “The Silent Fang”
- “Beyond”
In addition, you can find Ascendant Shards hidden throughout the Shadowkeep campaign. Be sure to explore every nook and cranny, and keep an eye out for chests and other containers.
Ascendant Challenges
Once you’ve completed the Shadowkeep campaign, you’ll be able to access Ascendant Challenges. These are weekly missions that take place in the Ascendant Plane. To start an Ascendant Challenge, you’ll need to find a portal in the Hellmouth.
Ascendant Challenges are a great way to farm Ascendant Shards. Each challenge rewards you with two Ascendant Shards, and you can complete each challenge once per week.
Here are some tips for completing Ascendant Challenges:
- Be sure to bring a fireteam with you. Ascendant Challenges can be difficult to complete solo.
- Take your time and explore the challenge area thoroughly. There are often hidden Ascendant Shards to be found.
- Don’t be afraid to use your Super and heavy weapons. Ascendant Challenges are a great place to use your most powerful abilities.
Ascendant Challenge Rewards
| Challenge | Rewards |
|---|---|
| Keep of Honed Edges | Two Ascendant Shards |
| The Shattered Throne | Two Ascendant Shards |
| The Corrupted | Two Ascendant Shards |
Weekly Activities: Strikes, Crucible, and Gambit
Every weekly reset, you will have a chance to earn Ascendant Shards from participating in Strikes, Crucible, and Gambit activities. Each completion of these activities guarantees a small chance of an Ascendant Shard drop in addition to the usual rewards.
Strikes are probably the most accessible way to farm Ascendant Shards as they can be completed with matchmade teammates. Crucible, the PvP mode, presents a more difficult challenge but potentially higher rewards. Gambit is a hybrid PvE and PvP activity that can also yield Ascendant Shards.
Nightfall: The Ordeal
Higher-level difficulties of Nightfalls, known as The Ordeal, offer increased chances of Ascendant Shard drops. The difficulty levels in order of highest to lowest chance are:
| Difficulty | Chance |
|---|---|
| Master Nightfall | 15% |
| Grandmaster Nightfall | 25% |
| Legend Nightfall | 10% |
| Hero Nightfall | 5% |
Shattered Throne Raid
The Shattered Throne raid offers a consistent way to acquire Ascendant Shards. To begin, gather a raid team of six players and navigate to the Dreaming City patrol zone. Activate the hidden portal by interacting with a specific statue and proceed through the dungeon. Completing encounters and the final boss fight awards a guaranteed Ascendant Shard.
Pit of Heresy Raid
The Pit of Heresy raid also presents reliable opportunities to farm Ascendant Shards. Similar to the Shattered Throne, assemble a raid team of six and initiate the raid from the Moon patrol zone. Progress through the dungeon, defeating enemies and completing encounters. The final boss encounter rewards both Spoils of Conquest and an Ascendant Shard.
Spoils of Conquest Conversion
An alternative method for obtaining Ascendant Shards is converting Spoils of Conquest. This currency can be acquired through various endgame activities, including raids and seasonal challenges. Visit the Kiosk in the Tower and exchange 240 Spoils of Conquest for an Ascendant Shard.
| Activity | Spoils |
|---|---|
| Weekly Raid Completion (First Clear) | 20 |
| Weekly Raid Completion (Subsequent Clears) | 10 |
| Pit of Heresy Completion | 15 |
| Master Grasp of Avarice Completion | 20 |
| Seasonal Challenges (Weekly) | 10-15 |
By leveraging multiple methods, players can consistently farm Ascendant Shards to enhance their gear and progress their characters in Destiny 2.
Master Nightfall Ordeals
Master Nightfall Ordeals are scaled versions of regular Nightfall Strikes, featuring more potent adversaries and more challenging conditions. These Ordeals have a higher likelihood of rewarding Ascendant Shards, making them an efficient method for farming them. To access Master Nightfall Ordeals, players must be at least 1320 Power level and must complete the regular Nightfall Strike first.
Nightmare Hunts
Nightmare Hunts are solo missions that require players to defeat a powerful Nightmare boss. These bosses have a chance to drop Ascendant Shards as a reward. The rate of Ascendant Shard drops from Nightmare Hunts is not as high as from Master Nightfall Ordeals, but Nightmare Hunts can be completed relatively quickly, making them a viable alternative for farming Shards.
| Week | Nightmare | Recommended Power Level | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phylaks, The Warrior | 1060 | The Scarlet Keep |
| 2 | Zydron, Gate Lord | 1060 | The Pit of Heresy |
| 3 | Nokris, The Final Shape | 1060 | The Whisper |
| 4 | Omnok, the Denied | 1060 | Garden of Salvation |
Seasonal Events and Exotic Quests
Seasonal events often provide Ascendant Shards as rewards for completing activities. For instance, in the Season of the Lost, players could earn Ascendant Shards by participating in the Astral Alignment activity.
Additionally, some Exotic quests reward Ascendant Shards upon completion. For example, the quest “Presage” awards an Ascendant Shard as part of its final reward.
Master Raids and Dungeons
Master difficulty raids and dungeons offer a higher chance of obtaining Ascendant Shards. By completing the Master version of a raid or dungeon, you can significantly increase your chances of acquiring these valuable materials.
Weekly Bounties
Some of the weekly bounties offered by vendors in the Tower and other destinations reward Ascendant Shards. Completing these bounties consistently can provide a steady supply of Ascendant Shards.
Nightfall Strikes
Nightfall Strikes offer a chance to obtain Ascendant Shards upon completion. The higher the difficulty of the Nightfall Strike, the greater the chances of earning an Ascendant Shard as a reward.
The Pit of Heresy
The Pit of Heresy dungeon is a dedicated farming spot for Ascendant Shards. By completing the dungeon on its higher difficulties, players can acquire multiple Ascendant Shards in a single run.
Shattered Throne
The Shattered Throne dungeon is another viable option for farming Ascendant Shards. Similar to the Pit of Heresy, it offers a high chance of acquiring Ascendant Shards upon completion, especially on its higher difficulties.
Vendor Rank-Up Packages
Rank-up packages from vendors in the Tower and other destinations sometimes contain Ascendant Shards. By leveling up your reputation with these vendors, you can increase your chances of receiving Ascendant Shards as a reward.
| Activity | Ascendant Shards per Week |
|---|---|
| Master Raid | 1-2 |
| Master Dungeon | 1-2 |
| Weekly Bounties | 1-3 |
| Nightfall Strikes | 0-2 |
| The Pit of Heresy | 2-4 |
| Shattered Throne | 1-3 |
| Vendor Rank-Up Packages | 0-1 |
Prime Engrams
Prime Engrams are a type of loot that can be earned by completing certain activities in Destiny 2. Just like all the other Engrams, they can decrypt up to a Legendary Gear, but they have a higher chance of decrypting into an Exotic item. Prime Engrams also have a chance of containing Ascendant Shards, making them a valuable source of this rare material.
Xur’s Inventory
Xur is a vendor who visits the Tower on weekends. He sells a variety of items, including Exotic gear, Legendary weapons, and Engrams. Xur’s inventory also has a chance of containing Ascendant Shards, so it’s worth checking in with him every week to see if he has any in stock.
Master and Grandmaster Nightfalls
Master and Grandmaster Nightfalls are the most difficult versions of Nightfalls, and they offer the highest rewards. Completing these Nightfalls on a high score has a chance of rewarding you with an Ascendant Shard. The higher the score, the greater the chance of getting a shard.
Pit of Heresy Flawless
The Pit of Heresy is a dungeon that can be completed solo or with a fireteam. Completing the Pit of Heresy without dying grants you a chest that has a chance of containing an Ascendant Shard.
Garden of Salvation Raid
The Garden of Salvation is a raid that can be completed with a fireteam of six. Defeating the final boss of the Garden of Salvation has a chance of rewarding you with an Ascendant Shard.
Deep Stone Crypt Raid
The Deep Stone Crypt is a raid that can be completed with a fireteam of six. Defeating the final boss of the Deep Stone Crypt has a chance of rewarding you with an Ascendant Shard.
Vow of the Disciple Raid
The Vow of the Disciple is a raid that can be completed with a fireteam of six. Defeating the final boss of the Vow of the Disciple has a chance of rewarding you with an Ascendant Shard.
Kingsfall Raid
The Kingsfall is a raid that can be completed with a fireteam of six. Defeating the final boss of the Kingsfall has a chance of rewarding you with an Ascendant Shard.
Dismantling Legendary and Exotic Gear
Dismantling Legendary and Exotic gear is a reliable way to acquire Ascendant Shards. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:
1. Acquire Legendary and Exotic Gear
Obtain Legendary and Exotic gear through various activities, including Nightfalls, Raids, and Trials of Osiris.
2. Inspect the Gear
Hover over the gear piece in your inventory to view its details. Legendary gear will have a single Ascendant Shard icon, while Exotic gear will have two.
3. Dismantle the Gear
Press the designated button to dismantle the selected gear. This will automatically grant you Ascendant Shards based on the gear’s rarity.
4. Note the Number of Shards
| Gear Rarity | Ascendant Shards Granted |
|---|---|
| Legendary | 1 |
| Exotic | 2 |
5. Consider Dismantling Gear with No Value
If you have gear that you don’t need or use, consider dismantling it to acquire Ascendant Shards.
6. Prioritize Higher-Level Gear
Dismantling higher-level Legendary and Exotic gear yields more Glimmer and other materials, including Ascendant Shards.
7. Use the DIM Companion App
The DIM (Destiny Item Manager) app makes it easy to dismantle gear remotely, allowing you to manage your inventory from anywhere.
8. Don’t Dismantle Essential Gear
Avoid dismantling gear that you regularly use or that has high stat rolls or unique perks.
9. Dismantling Gear from Other Classes
If you have gear for classes you don’t play, consider dismantling it for Ascendant Shards. This is especially beneficial if the gear is high-level or Exotic.
Finishing Triumphs and Bounties
Triumphs are a series of milestones that can be completed in Destiny 2 to earn rewards, including Ascendant Shards. Here’s a table of some Triumphs that reward Ascendant Shards:
| Triumph | Reward |
|---|---|
|
Shadowkeep Campaign |
1 Ascendant Shard |
|
Season of the Worthy |
1 Ascendant Shard |
|
Season of Arrivals |
1 Ascendant Shard |
|
Season of the Chosen |
1 Ascendant Shard |
In addition to Triumphs, Ascendant Shards can also be rewarded for completing certain bounties. Here’s a table of some bounties that reward Ascendant Shards by Banshee-44, the Gunsmith:
| Bounty | Reward |
|---|---|
|
Gunsmith Materials Turn-In |
1 Ascendant Shard |
|
Daily Gunsmith Bounty |
1 Ascendant Shard |
|
Weekly Gunsmith Bounty |
1 Ascendant Shard |
|
Gunsmith Test Weapons |
1 Ascendant Shard |
How to Farm Ascendant Shards
Ascendant Shards are a rare currency in Destiny 2 that are used to upgrade Masterwork weapons and armor. They can be acquired through a variety of methods, each with its own pros and cons. Here are the most common ways to farm Ascendant Shards:
- Nightfall Strikes: Nightfall Strikes have a chance to reward Ascendant Shards upon completion. The higher the difficulty of the Nightfall, the greater the chance of getting an Ascendant Shard.
- Raid Encounters: Raid encounters typically reward Ascendant Shards upon defeat. The final boss of a raid is guaranteed to drop an Ascendant Shard.
- Crucible Matches: Crucible matches have a small chance to reward Ascendant Shards upon completion. The more competitive the match, the greater the chance of getting an Ascendant Shard.
- Gambit Matches: Gambit matches have a small chance to reward Ascendant Shards upon completion. The more successful you are in the match, the greater the chance of getting an Ascendant Shard.
- Seasonal Activities: Seasonal activities, such as the Menagerie, have a chance to reward Ascendant Shards upon completion. The more difficult the activity, the greater the chance of getting an Ascendant Shard.
People also ask
What is the best way to farm Ascendant Shards?
The best way to farm Ascendant Shards is through Nightfall Strikes. Nightfall Strikes are relatively easy to complete and have a high chance of rewarding Ascendant Shards, especially on higher difficulties.
Can I get Ascendant Shards from dismantling items?
No, you cannot get Ascendant Shards from dismantling items. Ascendant Shards can only be acquired through the methods listed above.
How often do Ascendant Shards drop?
Ascendant Shards have a low drop rate. The chance of getting an Ascendant Shard from a Nightfall Strike is about 10%. The chance of getting an Ascendant Shard from a raid encounter is about 25%. The chance of getting an Ascendant Shard from a Crucible match or Gambit match is about 5%. The chance of getting an Ascendant Shard from a seasonal activity is about 10%.
