Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge Guide: How, Where, Why It Matters

What Are Ascendant Challenges in Destiny 2

Ascendant Challenges are weekly tests inside a special part of The Dreaming City called the Ascendant Plane. When you use an item called Tincture of Queensfoil, you gain the “Ascendance” buff, which lets you see hidden portals scattered around the city.

These portals lead to challenging mini-missions where you fight Taken enemies and solve platforming puzzles. They are meant to test both combat and movement skills and refresh every week.

How to Access Them

To start an Ascendant Challenge, first head to Petra Venj in Dreaming City and pick up the weekly bounty she offers. Next you’ll need a Tincture of Queensfoil which you can find around the Dreaming City or buy from vendors.

Once you have that, go into the area indicated in the bounty. Use the Queensfoil buff to reveal portals that are invisible otherwise. The portal gets you into the challenge. If you die inside, you respawn outside and can try again just take care and plan your path.

Rotating Challenges & Their Locations

Each week, one of six different Ascendant Challenges is active. Some of the known locations include Gardens of Esila (Forfeit Shrine), Spine of Keres (Shattered Ruins), Harbinger’s Seclude (Keep of Honed Edges), Bay of Drowned Wishes (Agonarch Abyss), Chamber of Starlight (Cimmerian Garrison), and Aphelion’s Rest (Ouroborea). Rotations are predictable, so many players follow a schedule or tracker so they know which challenge is live and plan accordingly.

Rewards and Why They Matter

Completing the weekly Ascendant Challenge gives you Dreaming City gear weapons or armor items. The first completion per character per week guarantees gear with good stats, and the bounty from Petra Venj gives extra loot.

Also, there are triumphs tied to finishing all the challenges or completing the timed versions. Players love these because they help with progression and power level while also unlocking lore and cosmetic rewards.

Best Tips & Strategies

Because these challenges combine platforming with enemies, it’s smart to prepare both movement and combat. Choose gear that deals well with Taken enemies and helps clear groups quickly.

Mods that boost survivability or speed are helpful. Make sure your light or power level is good enough for the enemies at the location. Also, using Queensfoil early helps you spot portals before you wander too far.

For time-trials (hidden speed runs), learn the route and avoid unnecessary fights. Reddit discussions also recommend doing them with friends for safety and better team coverage.

Why Players Still Love Ascendant Challenges

Players enjoy Ascendant Challenges because they mix lore, exploration, and difficulty in just the right amount. The Dreaming City feels mystical, mysterious, and a bit hidden using Queensfoil to see things regular players can’t adds excitement.

The loot is good, triumphs are satisfying, and the world-building is rich. Plus, the weekly rotation means there’s always something new, keeping things fresh even for long-time Destiny 2 veterans.