Destiny 2’s Iron Banner Event: Major Changes and Exciting New Rewards

Destiny 2’s first Iron Banner since the release of The Final Shape expansion kicks off on July 2, and it brings with it some significant changes from the PvP event’s past iterations. The biggest change is that, for the first time ever, Iron Banner will last two weeks, instead of the typical one.

Extended Duration and New Modes

Bungie detailed the Iron Banner changes in its latest This Week in Destiny blog post. In the past, Iron Banner has come with a specific game mode for its week-long tenure; it used to be Control, but Bungie has been changing that up lately for more dynamic, objective-based modes like Rift and Eruption. With the new two-week-long event, each week will feature a particular mode. For the first week, players will engage in the king of the hill-like Control mode. In the second week, the event will switch to Tribute mode, which is similar to Supremacy, where players pick up crests dropped by their fallen opponents.

The introduction of a two-week Iron Banner provides players with more time to engage with the event, reducing the pressure to grind intensely within a single week. This change allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, giving players ample opportunity to participate and earn rewards at their own pace. The variety in game modes over the two weeks also keeps the event fresh and exciting, encouraging players to adapt their strategies and enjoy different gameplay styles.

Easier Grind and Rewards

Extending Iron Banner to two weeks should change some elements of the event, making the grind easier to rank up the event’s reputation, gild its Triumph Seal, and earn specific rewards. The week-long duration of past Iron Banners meant that players had to play a lot to make the most of it. This longer version should make it less of a hassle for those looking to obtain its special weapons.

With more time available, players can focus on achieving their goals without feeling rushed. This change is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules, allowing them to progress at a comfortable pace. Additionally, the extended duration means that players have more chances to team up with friends and clan members, enhancing the social aspect of the event.

New Weapons in the Loot Pool

Speaking of weapons, the upcoming Iron Banner will add two new guns to the event’s loot pool. The first is an updated version of Cimril’s Dagger, a Kinetic hand cannon, which Bungie says has received a small boost to its stats and comes with a new pool of available perks. The second is Claws of the Wolf, the rapid-fire Void pulse rifle that has appeared in the event many times before. Claws of the Wolf can now roll with some of the new perks introduced in The Final Shape expansion.

These new additions to the loot pool provide players with fresh incentives to participate in Iron Banner. The updated Cimril’s Dagger offers a familiar weapon with improved performance, appealing to both veteran players and newcomers. Claws of the Wolf, with its new perk options, adds variety to the arsenal and encourages experimentation with different builds and playstyles.

Earning and Focusing Rewards

Bungie has also made the grind to unlock these weapons easier. Players need to rank up their reputation with Iron Banner vendor Lord Saladin by participating in the event. Cimril’s Dagger is unlocked at Rank 4, and Claws of the Wolf at Rank 7. Once these ranks are achieved, players can focus Iron Banner engrams earned from playing into whichever weapon they prefer. Additionally, more rewards will be given just for participating in matches. Wins will guarantee a random Iron Banner weapon and have a high chance to award an Iron Banner engram. Even defeats will yield higher drop rates for both weapon drops and engrams.

The new system of focusing engrams allows players to target specific weapons they want, reducing the randomness and frustration often associated with loot drops. This change increases the sense of progression and satisfaction, as players can work towards specific goals and see tangible results from their efforts.

Reputation Boosts and Final Thoughts

As in past events, players will receive a reputation boost for wearing Iron Banner armor, equipping Iron Banner emblems, and using Iron Banner weapons while participating in matches. This should make grinding for new gun rolls less arduous than in previous events. However, players will have to wait and see how these changes feel in practice when Iron Banner returns next week.

The extended duration and new mechanics of this Iron Banner event promise to keep players engaged and provide more opportunities to earn coveted rewards. With the addition of new weapons and easier ways to obtain them, this iteration of Iron Banner could become a favorite among Destiny 2’s PvP enthusiasts.

The changes implemented by Bungie show a commitment to improving the player experience and making events more accessible and enjoyable. By listening to player feedback and introducing thoughtful adjustments, Bungie continues to enhance the dynamic and evolving world of Destiny 2.