Destiny 2: How To Make The Best Out Of The Nightfall Strike

For those currently enjoying Destiny 2 on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, strikes are a fantastic way to earn desired gear and up that power level. The Nightfall strikes take that even a step further; these specific events are meant to be extra challenging, moreso than the other strikes, with a rotating roster every week.

Though the Nightfall strikes are incredibly challenging and require good communication and in-game awareness, the payoff is worth it. The drops can be incredibly rewarding, as well as that feeling of total domination. So for those that are looking to get in on the Nightfall action, or perhaps those players that are just looking for a few additional tips, we’ve got you covered.

The basics:

The deal with Nightfall strikes is that they alternate events every week, with differing enemy levels, new challenges, and more aspects to make it a challenge. For Guardians that played the first Destiny, a few differences have been made to this type of event for the Bungie sequel. The inclusion of timers and rotating modifiers are just another way to bring the challenge. The way the timers work is that it will tick down from a 15 minute starting point with 0 marking player failure. Modifiers, just like much of the in-game content, comes with a weekly turnout that if used correctly – can make the world of difference for how the event plays out. 

The key to getting the most out of Nightfall is knowing what it offers. By knowing tricks like “Timewarp,” used to tack on extra time on top of the timer, the Nightfall strike can be taken on swiftly and effectively. But before going into all of that, for the new players let’s talk about how to even unlock Nightfall. 

For those that have yet to dip their toes into the strike sand, there are a few things you need to do before you can take on Nightfall. The first simply being unlocking strikes. From there, successfully complete two of them and achieve a power level of at least 230 (But we definitely recommend AT LEAST 240. 

To unlock strikes as a whole, simply complete the story mission “Fury”. After completion, Zavala will want to speak with you and from there, he will unlock the availability of strikes in the player Director. This will also count towards Milestones, which will ask that two strikes be completed throughout the playlist. Once those two are completed, head back to Zavala to cash in that loot and receive the Nightfall milestone. After that, rank up that Power level to 230+ and you are on your way. 

Modifiers and Timewarps, the different types:

As previously mentioned, there a few new aspects to these strikes and that is the addition of modifiers and timewarps. Here are the different types of each to help maximize Nightfall awareness: 

Nightfall Modifiers: 

• Prism 
  • A different way of using “burns” that allows for an additional damage boost to enemies for a limited amount of time. The display in the bottom left corner of the screen will show off which type of “burn” (Arc, Void, Solar) type it is, so pay attention to that and grant yourself a damage buff against the strike’s enemies! 
• Attrition
  • Health and Shield regen periods are incredibly limited. In order to obtain “Wells of Light”, defeat enemies to active those wells to instantly charge your Super as well as instantly restore health. These are incredibly important during the strikes, use these and you are maximizing your attack.
• Torrent
  • This is a simple modifier, it just increases the recharge rate for grenades as well as the player’s class ability. Still important, just very straight forward.
• Momentum
  • Spring to regenerate shield and health regeneratrion.

Nightfall Timewarps: 

• Killing Time
  • Grant yourself a little more time by taking down enemies, this will stack small amounts of time back onto the clock. This is a huge advantage, giving more time available to successfully complete Nighfall. Side tip: grenades are incredibly useful for hitting multiple enemies at once for that additional time boost.
• Anomalies
  • Shoot at these pockets of energy for additional time. Sometimes they can be hidden away, so keep on a lookout for these when winding down on time a little too fast for comfort.
• Rings
  • These glowing rings will add a whopping 30 seconds onto the clock simply by jumping through them. As players jump through them, more will spawn, which can be a stack that can save the game. 
• Zero Hour
  • Steering away from the above timewarps, this won’t grant any additional time. The time started out with is the time allocated. 

What is “Prestige Nightfall”?

For those truly sadistic players (or those just really wanting to show that they are the best), you may have noticed “Prestige Nightfalls” during your Destiny 2 journey. What that means is, to put it plainly, a hard mode decided to eat another hard mode to become ultra hard mode. 

Because this is even more challenging, it is recommended to have at very least a 300 power level. The time constraints are more restrictive, the enemies are a lot harder, and the loadout you go into the strike with; you’re stuck with. To prestige requires very careful planning and the best gear. The rewards are pretty sweet though, including a special Aura that surrounds the characters letting others know that you are a baller in the world of Destiny.

As far as just random oddball tips, make sure you know your loadout. You want range, variety, and control while still having the widest area of damage possible. Hitting multiple enemies at a time is a huge advantage, for takedown and time sake. Even if it switches that power level down a little bit, know the weapons inside and out … a slightly less PL could actually mean an advantage given the weapon type.

Also pay very close attention to the modifiers – it’s important, again, to have variety so our recommendation is make sure that every member of the fireteam has a different subclass to offer covering Arc, Void, and Solar. This will make the “burn” usage infinitely more effective and well-distributed.

We’ll be sure to have more guides as new specific events takes place. With the next Nightfall strike, we’ll provide a detailed tips and tricks guide to best utilise the aspects specific to the new event. 

Destiny 2 is now available for Xbox One and PlayStation 4, with a PC release slated for October 24th.