Destiny 2 Vesper’s Host: Complete Guide to Defeating Raneiks, the Second Encounter Boss

If you’re stepping into the challenge of the Vesper’s Host dungeon in Destiny 2, the second encounter will have you facing off against a massive servitor boss known as Raneiks. While it might look intimidating, once you break down the mechanics and know what to expect, this battle becomes manageable, even if it introduces a few new elements to keep you on your toes. Let’s dive into the details of how to conquer this encounter and make your way through this dungeon like a pro.

Understanding the Raneiks Encounter

The second encounter in Vesper’s Host revolves around teamwork, communication, and timing. The fight introduces the Suppressor role for the first time in this dungeon, while the familiar Operator role from other encounters returns. However, unlike other battles, the Scanner Protocol doesn’t play a part in this encounter. Here, you’ll need to manage keypads, bombs, and a series of servitors to bring down Raneiks.

Key Encounter Mechanics: Suppressor and Operator Protocols

In this fight, the key mechanics revolve around roles particularly the Suppressor and Operator Protocols. While the Scanner Protocol is absent here, these two roles will be vital in progressing through the encounter. Let’s break them down.

1. Suppressor Protocol: This is introduced in the fight against Raneiks. It involves creating decoys to split Raneiks into smaller servitors. You’ll need to find the correct ones with glowing markings to input the correct numbers for the damage phase.
2. Operator Protocol: The Operator Protocol is responsible for inputting the numbers on the keypads to activate the DPS phase. Knowing when and where to use this role is crucial to success in the encounter.

Starting the Encounter: Gathering the Numbers

Your goal in this encounter is to gather and input four numbers into keypads located around the arena. These numbers are represented by Raneiks’ servitors, which will glow with specific numbers.

Here’s how to begin:

1. Activating Keypads: The keypads are scattered around the main arena, and you’ll need to find them. The numbers range from 0 to 9, with 0 functioning as 10. As the encounter begins, take a moment to identify the keypads’ locations. These will be essential in triggering the damage phase.
2. Eliminate Adds: As soon as the encounter starts, enemies will spawn. Among these enemies, one will drop the Operator Protocol. Be sure to bank this protocol for later use.
3. Enter the Upper Arena: After clearing the initial wave of enemies, Raneiks will summon a powerful miniboss called the Machine Priest. Defeating the Machine Priest will teleport your fireteam to the upper part of the arena.

The Upper Arena: Facing Shanks and Finding the Suppressor Protocol

Once you’ve made it to the upper level, you’ll encounter a host of shanks both explosive and regular. These enemies are more of an annoyance than a real threat, but be sure to take them out quickly, as Raneiks will also be lobbing bombs at you during this phase.

Here’s what to do:

• Look for the Suppressor Role: After defeating the initial wave of shanks, a Shank carrying the Suppressor Protocol will spawn. Kill it and assign the role to a team member.
• Create a Decoy: The Suppressor will need to use their Grenade ability to create a decoy near Raneiks. This will cause Raneiks to split into smaller servitors, two of which will have glowing markings.

Inputting the Numbers: What to Look For

Once Raneiks splits into multiple servitors, your task is to identify the two with glowing markings. These servitors hold the first two numbers that you’ll need to input into the keypads.

• Glowing Servitors: As you observe the servitors, make sure to take note of their markings. For example, if servitors marked “Raneiks-2” and “Raneiks-9” are glowing, the numbers 2 and 9 are part of the code you’ll need to input.
• Return to the Main Arena: After identifying the numbers, return to the lower arena and prepare to input them. You’ll need to use the Operator Protocol to shoot the correct keypads.

Initiating the Damage Phase: Time to DPS

With two numbers identified, the next step is to gather the remaining two. You’ll repeat the process again, looking for two more servitors with glowing markings, for a total of four numbers. Once all four numbers are known, you’ll use the Operator Protocol to input them into the keypads.

There’s no specific order required, but make sure you shoot only the correct keypads. If done correctly, this will trigger the DPS phase, allowing you to finally deal damage to Raneiks.

Dealing Damage to Raneiks

During the DPS phase, Raneiks will come down to the center of the arena. Now’s the time to unleash everything you’ve got. High-damage weapons like grenade launchers and burst supers will be incredibly useful here.

• Suppressor Protocol: The Suppressor role will come into play once again during the damage phase. As Raneiks takes damage, another enemy carrying the Suppressor Protocol will spawn. Kill the enemy, grab the role, and use your Grenade ability to create a decoy. This will once again split Raneiks into multiple servitors.
• Focus Fire: While in servitor form, Raneiks takes increased damage. Use splash damage weapons like grenade launchers or heavy-hitting supers to deal with the servitors.

Final Stand: Taking Raneiks Down for Good

Once you’ve whittled down Raneiks’ health to the final chunk, the fight becomes more intense. This final bit of health will take significantly longer to remove, so stay focused and keep your fireteam coordinated.

• Kill the Servitors: To finish off the encounter, focus on killing all the servitors. Once they’re down, Raneiks will drop orbs around the arena, signalling the end of the fight.
• Head to the Upper Arena: After the encounter is over, proceed to the upper part of the arena, where a door will have opened. This will lead you to the next part of the dungeon.

Congratulations you’ve successfully defeated Raneiks and cleared the second encounter of Vesper’s Host!

Best Builds for Raneiks Encounter

Here are some recommendations for optimal builds:

• Titans: Thundercrash with Cuirass of the Falling Star will deal immense damage during the DPS phase. Pair it with grenade launchers or linear fusion rifles.
• Hunters: If you’re running Stasis, Silence and Squall can provide excellent crowd control, freezing adds in place while you focus on damage. Gunslinger with Celestial Nighthawk can also deal huge burst damage.
• Warlocks: Chaos Reach with Geomag Stabilizers will help melt Raneiks, while Well of Radiance offers critical healing and protection for your team.

FAQ

Q: How do I deal with Raneiks’ bombs? A: During the upper part of the encounter, Raneiks will periodically throw bombs into the arena. Stay mobile and take cover behind walls or obstacles to avoid the damage.

Q: What’s the best way to juggle the Suppressor and Operator roles? A: Communication is key. Assign one player to each role and ensure they understand their tasks. Always keep an eye on your role timers and refresh them at terminals when needed.

Q: Can I solo this encounter? A: While soloing is possible, it’s extremely challenging. The encounter is designed for a fireteam, and juggling roles, killing adds, and inputting numbers all on your own will test even the most skilled players.

Q: What happens if I input the wrong numbers? A: If you input the wrong numbers on the keypads, the encounter won’t progress, and you’ll need to restart the number-gathering process.

Q: What weapons work best for this encounter? A: Weapons with high splash damage, such as grenade launchers, are particularly effective during the DPS phase. For single-target damage, linear fusion rifles and burst supers like Thundercrash are excellent choices.

By following these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the Raneiks encounter in Vesper’s Host dungeon. Good luck, Guardian!