Destiny 2: Complete Guide to Conquering the Vesper’s Host Dungeon

The Vesper’s Host Dungeon in Destiny 2 marks a significant addition to the game’s endgame content. Released almost 10 months after the previous dungeon, Warlord’s Ruin, this one comes with new mechanics and challenges. Players must navigate through complex encounters, including a contest mode active for the first 48 hours, which puts a cap on player power levels adding an extra layer of difficulty.

If you’re looking to master the first encounter in the Vesper’s Host Dungeon called Vesper Station/Activation this guide will walk you through all the essential mechanics and strategies. With an understanding of how to use the Scanner and Operator buffs, as well as how to manage the enrage timer, you’ll be prepared to lead your fireteam to victory.

What to Expect from Vesper’s Host Dungeon

Before we dive into the specifics of the first encounter, it’s worth noting that the Vesper’s Host Dungeon has a unique design that closely mirrors some aspects of the Deep Stone Crypt raid. However, unlike previous dungeons, Vesper’s Host introduces a timed enrage mechanic during contest mode, running from October 11 to October 13, 2024.

During this period, players must beat the encounters within a time limit. It’s a high-stakes challenge, but with the right strategies, your fireteam can overcome the pressure. Let’s begin with an overview of the first encounter.

Mastering the First Encounter: Vesper Station/Activation

In the first encounter, you’ll face multiple mini-bosses, coordinate Scanner and Operator buffs, and manage Nuclear Cores. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to complete the encounter.

1. Getting Started: Scanner and Operator Buffs

The key to success lies in understanding two important buffs in Destiny 2: the Scanner and Operator buffs.

• Scanner Buff: Once you pick up the Scanner buff, a countdown timer will appear below your health bar. If it hits zero, you die. To reset this, you’ll need to locate a deposit station to drop the buff temporarily.
• Operator Buff: The Operator buff works similarly, but instead of scanning, this buff allows players to interact with consoles, shooting specific ones as called out by the Scanner.

As the Scanner, your primary task is to locate which consoles turn white and which ones disappear from your minimap. Only the white consoles should be called out to the Operator, as shooting the wrong consoles will result in death.

2. Basic Encounter Mechanics: Rebooting the System

• Start the encounter by interacting with the white dome in the center of the room to “Reboot System.”
• Immediately after, a large Fallen Brig will spawn in the middle. Defeat this enemy quickly while avoiding its crushing attacks.
• Once the Brig is down, a Scanner buff will appear. Pick it up and proceed through one of the three doors labelled Lungs, Heart, or Brain.

Inside each room, you’ll find more Fallen enemies, including two mini-bosses called Machine Priest’s Assistants. These bosses must be defeated before progressing. Once you eliminate them, your priority is to find the deposit station to reset your Scanner timer.

3. Fighting the Mini-Bosses and Using the Scanner

After clearing the first room and depositing the Scanner, another pair of Fallen bosses will appear inside a room full of consoles. Here’s what to do next:

• Scanner Role: Walk in front of each console and pay attention to which ones turn white. These are the consoles you need to call out to the Operator.
• Operator Role: Look for a Rocket Vandal outside the console room to acquire the Operator buff. Once you have the buff, shoot the consoles called out by the Scanner. Be careful not to shoot the wrong ones!

Completing this sequence will spawn a Nuclear Orb.

4. Handling the Nuclear Orb and Brig Bosses

With the Nuclear Orb in hand, your next task is to carry it to one of three stations in the middle of the arena. However, there’s a catch carrying the orb applies a Radiation debuff. When the debuff hits x10, the carrier will die.

To avoid this, the team must pass the orb between members or drop it temporarily to reset the debuff stack. Solo players can also drop and pick up the orb to refresh the Radiation timer.

After banking the first orb, repeat the process for the other two remaining rooms. Each room requires you to fight off more mini-bosses, manage the Scanner and Operator buffs, and collect another Nuclear Orb.

5. Final Phase: Banking the Cores and Defeating the Final Brig

Once all three Nuclear Orbs are banked, a massive Fallen Brig will spawn in the arena. Defeat this boss to complete the encounter. Remember to keep an eye on the enrage timer if you’re playing in contest mode failing to finish in time will result in a wipe.

Tips and Tricks for Managing Buffs and Radiation

1. Passing the Orb: When carrying the Nuclear Orb, communicate with your teammates to pass it at the right time. Passing the orb resets the Radiation debuff and keeps your team alive.

2. Solo Play Tip: If you’re playing solo, you can drop the orb on the ground to reset the Radiation timer before picking it up again.

3. Best Builds for the Encounter: Using crowd control and high-damage builds will make short work of the mini-bosses and Fallen enemies. Here are some of the best options:

• Titan Thundercrash: Great for eliminating the mini-bosses quickly.
• Riskrunner: Since this is a Fallen-themed dungeon, Riskrunner’s arc damage resistance and chain lightning make it perfect for dealing with the hordes of enemies.
• Heavy Grenade Launchers and Rocket Launchers: These weapons excel at taking down the Brigs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the best weapon loadout for the Vesper’s Host Dungeon?

A: The best weapon loadout depends on your playstyle, but for most players, a combination of high-burst weapons like Rocket Launchers and Grenade Launchers will be effective against the Fallen Brigs and mini-bosses. Riskrunner is also a standout choice due to the number of Fallen enemies in the dungeon.

Q2: How do you manage the Radiation debuff while carrying the Nuclear Orb?

A: The key to managing the Radiation debuff is communication. Pass the orb between fireteam members to reset the stack. If playing solo, you can drop the orb on the ground to reset the debuff before picking it up again.

Q3: What’s the enrage timer in the contest mode of Vesper’s Host Dungeon?

A: The enrage timer is a countdown mechanic that forces players to complete each encounter within a certain time limit. If the timer runs out, your fireteam will wipe, so speed and efficiency are crucial during contest mode.

Q4: How do the Scanner and Operator buffs work?

A: The Scanner buff shows which consoles turn white, while the Operator buff allows players to shoot these specific consoles. The key to success is communication between the Scanner and Operator roles to ensure the right consoles are shot.

Q5: Is Vesper’s Host Dungeon similar to the Deep Stone Crypt raid?

A: Yes, there are some similarities between the Vesper’s Host Dungeon and the Deep Stone Crypt raid, particularly in how the Scanner and Operator buffs work. However, Vesper’s Host has its own unique mechanics and challenges, especially with the timed enrage mechanic in contest mode.

With the right strategy, clear communication, and strong builds, you can conquer the Vesper’s Host Dungeon and emerge victorious. Whether you’re playing in contest mode or normal mode, understanding the key mechanics will give you a solid edge in every encounter.