The recent expansion, Destiny 2: The Final Shape, has not only revamped the gameplay with Prismatic changes but also significantly transformed the role of Exotic armor, particularly with the introduction of Exotic class items. Now, all Prismatic subclasses can use an Exotic class item instead of the standard Exotic armor piece, allowing players to benefit from the effects of two Exotic items simultaneously.
For Hunters, a powerful setup could involve using Caliban’s Hand alongside Synthoceps; Warlocks might pair Apotheosis Veil with Star-Eater Scales, and Titans can combine Assassin’s Cowl with Precious Scars. With numerous potent combinations available, the key is to gather the necessary gear first. This guide will lead you through the steps to complete the Dual Destiny mission, the hidden Exotic quest that yields this class item, while also displaying all the potential rolls for the Exotic class item you can obtain.
Updated October 20, 2024, by Charles Burgar: Bungie has introduced an Exotic perk attunement feature within the Exotic class item farming process, making it easier to acquire the specific roll you desire. This guide has been revised to clarify how this focusing system operates and how you can take advantage of it.
Unlocking the Dual Destiny Mission
The Dual Destiny mission can be found in the Pale Heart destination. To unlock it, you must complete the final level of the Overthrow activity and defeat a Secret-Keeper of the Witch Queen three times. To initiate this, start the Overthrow activity at The Impasse and finish it. Once the boss is defeated, keep an eye out for the notification stating, "A Secret-Keeper of the Witch Queen is nearby." Your next step is to head to the following locations and eliminate the Secret-Keepers:
- The Landing: Look in the bottom-right area of the map, tucked away inside a small cave.
- The Blooming: Go to the top-right corner of the map and enter the cave that is guarded by a Taken Eye—this is also where a Public Event can occur.
- The Impasse: This is located in the bottom-left corner of the map, near the rock ledges leading to a nearby Lost Sector.
You must complete the Overthrow and defeat the Secret-Keeper in all three places. After doing this, you should see a green beam of light in The Blooming. Teleport to that area and follow the beam—it will guide you to The Refraction.
At The Refraction, you’ll need to defeat nearby Dread enemies until a Subjugator appears. Deal damage to the Subjugator until it withdraws, dropping a Light or Darkness orb. A second Subjugator will spawn further into the area, which will provide the other orb you need. Deposit both orbs at the waypoint displayed on your HUD. Completing this will unlock the Dual Destiny mission for your character, and it will remain accessible from the Pale Heart map for future attempts.
Dual Destiny Walkthrough
The mission begins in the chamber where you dropped the Light and Darkness orbs. The Super ability you choose will dictate your alignment with Light or Darkness. This mechanic is essential for the mission’s progression. At the end of the chamber, you’ll see an energy field and two plates. You must stand on the plate that matches your elemental alignment—Light corresponds to white, while Darkness corresponds to orange. If done right, the energy field will disappear.
After a brief vertical jumping challenge, you will enter a two-level cave featuring a Light floor and a Dark floor. Both players need to defeat miniboss enemies aligned with their respective elemental types; this is because they will be invulnerable to those of the opposite type. Once you take down these enemies, they will drop motes that empower your character, enabling you to see nearby symbols.
Light players should look at pedestals and announce the symbols they observe from left to right. Darkness players will then shoot the symbols visible on the upper floor following the Light player’s orders. For instance, if a Light player calls out "Forsaken" and "Black Heart," the Darkness player must shoot "Forsaken" first and then "Black Heart." If executed correctly, both players will be transported to another room after a brief delay. Repeat this procedure three times, adding an extra symbol to the mix each time.
Platforming and Boss Fights
Your next challenge involves a longer platforming segment. Stay close to the Pyramid structure and watch for red lights. Use the images provided as a reference. After crossing several red gaps and navigating a blue-lit path, you will reach a room featuring a set of Light and Dark plates. Collaborate with your partner to empower all three sets of plates. Once they’re fully charged, the entrance to the upcoming encounter will become available.
In the next arena, you and your partner will need to communicate effectively. The exit is blocked by a series of Pyramid cruxes that are powering a barrier. You will observe different cruxes lighting up for each of you. Your objective is to shoot the cruxes that are active for both players. For example, if cruxes 4, 8, and 9 are highlighted, use a callout system resembling a clock to signal which cruxes to shoot. Only three cruxes will be active at any given time.
Before you can shoot a crux, you need to take down a Tormentor, which will spawn in the center of the enemy horde. Dispatch the Dread forces until the Tormentor appears, then eliminate it. The player who defeats the Tormentor should shoot the cruxes. Communicate which cruxes to fire at, and the barrier will weaken. Repeat this until the barrier is destroyed.
The final challenge is a fight against two Subjugators within a time limit of 18 minutes. The first Subjugator will engage you initially; the second will join the fight halfway through. Ensure your build is optimized for both survivability and single-target damage during this segment.
Fishing for the Exotic Class Item
Once you have completed the Dual Destiny mission, you can farm for your Exotic class item through a few different methods:
- Finish the Dual Destiny mission (guaranteed drop).
- Participate in an Overthrow activity (high chance of dropping).
- Open Pale Heart chests (rare drop).
The Dual Destiny mission is generally considered to be the most reliable option for skilled players who can communicate effectively. It can take roughly 20-25 minutes to complete when teaming up with a capable partner. Your initial clear of the week will also yield another class item.
If you prefer to tackle this solo, focus on the Overthrow activity at Pale Heart. A successful boss defeat in T4 Overthrow has approximately a 60-70% chance of dropping an Exotic class item based on personal observations. Furthermore, any chest discovered in Pale Heart has a slight chance of yielding an Exotic class item, although it’s estimated to be about a 1% drop chance.
Upon acquiring your first Exotic class item, you’ll unlock Exotic perk attunement. Visit your Ghost in the Pale Heart to access this menu, where you can select one of the 16 available perks as your focus. The selected perk will have a significantly higher likelihood of appearing on future class items, roughly 60%. Notably, you can attune yourself to any perk, even those not yet discovered.
The attunement applies to every Exotic class item for that character, and you can switch perks by conversing with your Ghost. Keep in mind that only one perk can be attuned at a time, meaning you can’t have multiple perks attuned from different columns.
Exotic Class Item Rolls
Your Exotic class item can have 16 potential perks, evenly distributed across two columns. These perks represent slightly weaker versions of existing Exotics, with some originating from other classes. For example, Hunters might get Synthoceps; Titans could potentially secure Verity’s Brow, and Warlocks may find Assassin’s Cowl among their rolls. Only one perk is rolled from each column, so if the outcome doesn’t meet your preferences, you’ll need to do some farming for another class item.
Here’s a breakdown of the available perks for each class:
Hunter Exotic Cloak:
- Offers perks like Assassin’s Cowl, which grants invisibility on finishers, and Synthoceps, which boosts melee damage when surrounded.
Titan Exotic Mark:
- Features perks such as Severnace Enclosure, where powered melee or finisher final blows create damaging explosions, and Point Contact Brace to deal with nearby enemies through electrical strikes.
- Warlock Exotic Bond:
- Includes perks like The Stag, providing damage reduction to allies standing in your Rift, and Vesper of Radius, releasing Arcs from your Rifts.
With strategic planning and collaboration, players can uncover a variety of powerful combinations that strengthen their gameplay, enhancing the overall experience in Destiny 2: The Final Shape.