Unlock Ghosts of the Deep Dungeon in Destiny 2

Destiny 2’s Ghosts of the Deep dungeon, released during the Season of the Deep, offers challenging encounters, unique rewards, and high-stakes gameplay set in the haunting depths of Titan’s architecture. This guide provides a complete walkthrough, from acquiring the Rise quest to defeating the final boss, ensuring players can access and conquer this pinnacle activity.

Acquiring the Rise Quest: Your Entry Point

The journey begins at the Tower with Banshee-44’s assistant, Hawthorne. Speak to her to pick up the Rise quest, which serves as the official gateway to the Ghosts of the Deep dungeon. This quest is essential for new players and veterans alike, as it integrates seamlessly with the dungeon’s launch sequence.

Once obtained, open your Director map and navigate to the H.E.L.M. location. Here, you’ll need to purchase the Lightfall Dungeon Key for 2,000 Silver from the in-game store interface. This key unlocks the dungeon node specifically under the Eternity destination or Rite of the Nine tab.

• Visit Hawthorne at the Tower.
• Claim the Rise quest from her inventory.
• Head to H.E.L.M. and acquire the dungeon key.
• Launch Ghosts of the Deep from the Director.

Power level requirements are strict: aim for at least 1945 for normal mode and 2000 for Master difficulty to avoid being underpowered.

Preparation Essentials Before Diving In

Before spawning into the dungeon, assemble a fireteam of three, as solo attempts are not supported without advanced loadouts. Recommended gear includes strong anti-Hive weapons like Trace Rifles, Rocket Launchers, and Exotics such as Leviathan’s Breath for boss damage phases.

Stock up on Heavy ammo finders and synthesizer mods for sustained firepower. Mobility and Recovery stats should prioritize survivability in underwater sections and tight arenas. Artifice armor from prior dungeons enhances mod flexibility for challenging modifiers.

Ensure all players have the Lightfall expansion and Season of the Deep content active, as prerequisites block access otherwise.

First Encounter: Mastering the Hive Ritual

Upon spawning on Titan’s Archology island, hop on your Sparrow and follow the linear path to a biodome filled with Hive statues. Place a rally banner and eliminate the Knights behind the statues to initiate the encounter.

The core mechanic revolves around Vestiges of Light. Locate and defeat the yellow-bar Soulfire Binder Ogre, which spawns on one of three paths (left, middle, or right). This drops a green goo trail leading to a glowing Hive rune—memorize its symbol.

Continue slaying Hive enemies until a Lightbearer (Knight or Wizard) appears. Crush its Ghost to grant one player the Vestige power for 60 seconds. Return to the statues and activate Deepsight by killing the Vale Weaver Wizard. Deepsight reveals the matching statue rune for dunking the Vestige.

Repeat this cycle multiple times, coordinating as a team to clear adds and manage Ogre spawns. A chest spawns upon completion, often containing the first secret collectible for Rite of the Nine triumphs.

• Kill Ogre for rune reveal and goo trail.
• Defeat Lightbearer and crush Ghost for Vestige.
• Use Deepsight to match and dunk at correct statue.
• Clear waves until progression unlocks.

Traversal and Secret Chest Opportunities

Post-ritual, a sealed door opens leading to a platforming section. Descend through underwater paths, following air bubbles and navigating jumping puzzles amid Dreadnaught wreckage. Watch for a ravine to the right containing the first secret chest—a guaranteed loot drop without checkpoint loss.

These chests reward pinnacle gear and dungeon-specific legendaries, making exploration crucial for efficient farming runs.

Second Encounter: Confronting Ecthar, Shield of Savathûn

Arrive at an arena with a central boss platform. Spawn in the Deepsight pool at the brazier, slay Acolytes, and note three illuminated Hive runes on the walls.

Dive underwater to locate and activate matching runes scattered below—use provided maps or team callouts for efficiency. HUD confirmation “Runes Align” signals success; surface via green air vents.

Defeat Blistered Knights to summon a Keeper of the Deep. Wellkeeper Knights drop Vestiges—dunk them into matching statues to lower Ecthar’s shield. Unleash damage when vulnerable, repeating until defeated. A second secret chest awaits atop a climbable building nearby.

1. Activate Deepsight and memorize wall runes.
2. Swim to activate underwater matches.
3. Summon and defeat Keepers for Vestiges.
4. Dunk to depower shield and DPS boss.

Final Showdown: Simmumah ur-Nokru, Birthmaiden

The climactic arena features Oryx’s remains. Approach green circles that appear on interaction, activating Deepsight to reveal a massive green triangle pointing to three body parts (e.g., shoulders, torso).

Line up small green circles with the Auric (Oryx) symbol over each point using Deepsight vision. Once aligned, all three display large Hive runes. Split into water wall side rooms: defeat Lucent Hive, note the Loose Hive’s symbol, crush its Ghost for Vestige, and dunk at the matching main room rune.

With all symbols powered, stand in goo piles to remove Simmumah’s shield. Prioritize high-burst Supers and Heavy weapons like Linear Fusion Rifles. Multiple phases demand tight coordination.

• Align circles with Auric symbols via Deepsight.
• Clear side rooms for symbol-specific Vestiges.
• Dunk all three to enable shield break.
• Rotate DPS until boss falls.

Exclusive Rewards and Loot Table

Victors claim Artifice armor sets with extra mod slots, legendary weapons like the Cradle (Rocket Launcher) and Forbearance (Grenade Launcher), plus increased Exotic engram chances. Master mode offers adepts for further customization.

Advanced Tips for Master and Solo Flawless

For Master, focus on add clear with Divinity or Well of Radiance. Communicate rune positions via Discord voice chat. Solo players should master Vestige timing and use invisibility for safe swims.

Triumphs like Rite of the Nine require secret chests and collectibles—scout ravines and post-boss climbs meticulously.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I get the Rise quest if it’s not showing?

Ensure Season of the Deep is active and speak directly to Hawthorne. Restart the game if bugged.

What’s the minimum power for Ghosts of the Deep?

1945 for normal; scale up for comfort.

Can I solo the dungeon?

Possible with LFG carries, but team recommended for consistency.

Where are secret chests exactly?

First: right ravine post-ritual. Second: climb after Ecthar.

Do I need Lightfall DLC?

Yes, plus dungeon key purchase.