Mastering the Caretaker Challenge in Destiny 2 Vow Raid

The Vow of the Disciple raid in Destiny 2 stands as one of the most intricate and atmospheric challenges in the game’s history, set within the shadowy depths of a Witness-infused pyramid ship. At its heart lies the Caretaker encounter, a multi-phase boss fight that tests coordination, awareness, and precision. Introducing the Base Information challenge elevates this trial, enforcing strict rules on symbol collection to reward skilled fireteams with exclusive loot chests. This guide dives deep into strategies, role assignments, debuff management, and advanced tips to ensure your squad triumphs across all floors and claims victory over the Caretaker.

Understanding the Caretaker Encounter Mechanics

Before tackling the challenge, grasp the baseline encounter. The Caretaker patrols a circular arena divided into floors, slamming the ground to unleash attacks while spawning Taken and Scorn enemies. Fireteams must enter Darkness rooms to collect glowing symbols, deposit them into a central obelisk by shooting matching panels, and stun the boss via critical shots on its face and back after slams. Filling the obelisk nine times per floor triggers damage phases, progressing upward until the final stand.

The arena’s layout features a central obelisk, surrounding Darkness portals, and elevated walkways. Pervading Darkness debuff stacks inside dark rooms, dealing damage over time—speed is essential to avoid wipes. Scorn Abated Adherents pose the biggest threat, firing at the obelisk to accelerate its timer.

Core Rules of the Base Information Challenge

Activating this weekly rotating challenge modifies symbol gathering: only one player may hold a symbol at a time. Picking up a second glyph triggers instant failure, forcing a team wipe. This rule applies across all three floors and the final phase, totaling 27 symbols. Success unlocks a bonus chest post-boss with high-value raid gear, aiding seals like Disciple-Slayer.

Challenge failure stems from poor debuff management, mistimed entries, or weak stuns allowing obelisk damage. With practice, it’s accessible for average teams, emphasizing communication via callouts like “Triangle up!” or “Left rune grabbed.”

Optimal Team Composition and Role Assignments

Six Guardians divide into specialized roles for efficiency. Here’s a proven setup:

• Symbol Runners (2 players): Enter dark rooms sequentially, grab one glyph, deposit it immediately. Prioritize mobility subclasses like Hunter with high mobility or Warlock with speed boosts.
• Boss Stunners (2 players): Focus on slamming the Caretaker’s face (yellow glow) and back crits. Use rockets, linear fusions, or scouts for sustained DPS.
• Add Clearers (2 players): Eliminate Taken/Scorn waves, prioritizing Abated Adherents. Heavy weapons like machine guns shine here.

Rotate roles per floor to manage Light suppression. All should equip anti-Darkness mods like Well of Tenacity for survivability.

Step-by-Step Strategy Per Floor

Each floor mirrors the last but ramps in enemy density. Start by shooting the portal switch.

1. Initiate Relay: Runner 1 shoots door, dashes in, grabs nearest symbol (call it out), exits. Runner 2 shoots door if needed to hold it open.
2. Deposit Sequence: Obelisk prompts; Runner 1 shoots matching panel (orange glow confirms). Runner 2 enters immediately after.
3. Stun Maintenance: Stunners wait for Caretaker slam, unload on face/back. Aim for unbroken chains to extend runner time.
4. Enemy Control: Clearers focus Abated Adherents first—their obelisk shots are deadly.
5. Repeat x9: Clear all symbols; obelisk empties for damage phase. Stack wells, burst boss down.
6. Ascend: Move to next floor, reset positions.

Floor 3 intensifies with more adds; final stand demands full damage after symbols. Any floor failure restarts everything.

Advanced Techniques for Flawless Clears

Elevate your run with these pro tips:

• Door Coordination: Designate one non-runner to spam the switch, ensuring seamless entries/exits.
• Debuff Minimization: Runners grab closest glyphs; practice paths to limit Pervading stacks under 6.
• Stun Optimization: Position stunners opposite for back shots; use Izanagi’s Burden for precision.
• Callout System: Standardize: “Square in, depositing!” prevents overlaps.
• Three-Runner Variant: Riskier for speedruns—three enter simultaneously, but timing is critical to avoid doubles.

LFG groups benefit from Sherpa runs; watch for PvE experts via Discord or RaidReport.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even veterans falter here. Top errors:

• Double Glyphs: Runners wait for deposit confirmation before next entry. Solution: Strict one-in, one-out.
• Weak Stuns: Leads to runner pressure. Solution: Practice slam timing; swap stunners if DPS lags.
• Obelisk Damage: Adherents ignored. Solution: Clearers prioritize, use area denial like Divinity.
• Debuff Deaths: Lingering in dark rooms. Solution: Timer awareness; speed boosts.

Track progress via obelisk fills; 3/9 per floor is a checkpoint.

Gearing Up: Weapons and Builds

Loadouts matter. Recommended:

• Runners: Osteo Striga for self-clear, Star-Eater Scales for orbs.
• Stunners: Cataclysmic (rocket), Deliverance (fusion).
• Clearers: Commemoration (MG), Forbearance (GL).

Mods: Elemental Wells, Stacks on Stacks for add clear; Protective Light against Darkness.

Why Conquer This Challenge?

Beyond loot, Base Information completes raid seals, showcases skill in leaderboards, and unlocks triumphs. Bonus chests drop craftable weapons, red borders, and exotics like Cataclysmic precursors. It’s a gateway to contest mode mastery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion: Claim Your Victory

With disciplined relay running, relentless stuns, and vigilant clearing, the Base Information challenge becomes a highlight of Vow of the Disciple. Practice in normals first, then conquer on challenge mode for glory and gear. Gather your fireteam— the Caretaker awaits.