Destiny 2 utilizes many types of currencies for all the loot and stuff available for the players to purchase. But some of these currencies can be hard to acquire in a seemingly free-to-play game. To be specific, we’re talking about Ascendant Shards which are the most sought currency in Destiny 2 to obtain legendary gear. So, here’s how you can get these shards.
Players can obtain unlimited Ascendant Shards in Destiny 2 by completing Platinum Runs of GrandMaster Nightfalls. This method can be repeated infinitely allowing experienced players to farm one to two Ascendant shards per 15-minute run.
To be fair, ascendant shards are extremely rare to come across and can only be found in one of the most important missions in Destiny 2. Players can either complete Europa’s hardest triumphs or obtain them through vendors.
How to Obtain Ascendant Shards in Destiny 2
Whether it be through the Season Pass or via Nightfalls, here are all the different methods you can use to get your hands on Ascendant Shards in Destiny 2:
1. Master or GrandMaster Nightfalls
Nightfalls are one of the best ways to get your hands on Ascendant Shards. To be specific, a Master Nightfall run has an average Ascendant Shard drop rate of 33 percent, according to the community.
Of course, if you opt for the much harder Grandmaster Nightfall, you’ll be guaranteed one shard for a Platinum finish, that is if you manage to get through a GM Nightfall in the first place.
So, if you want to avoid the contest modifier altogether, then a Master Nightfall is your best bet. But keep in mind, only 1 out of 3 attempts might gain you just a single Ascendant Shard in Destiny 2.
2. Vendors in Destiny 2
You can hook up with 5 different Vendors in Destiny 2. When you’re playing any of the below-listed modes, you’ll rank up with the mode’s vendors, allowing you to gain access to certain rewards along the way.
When you finally obtain a rank of 10,000, you’ll be given the option to reset your rank with the opportunity to obtain a single Ascendant Shard. Keep in mind, you can only do this once every season with each vendor. By doing this with each vendor, players can acquire 5 Ascendant shards which are pretty sweet after a solid grind.
- Saint-14: Trials of Osiris
- Drifter: Gambit
- Banshee-44: Gunsmith
- Zavala: Nightfalls and Strikes
- Shaxx: PVP Crucible
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3. Season Pass
If you have some bucks laying around, then buying the Season Pass allows you to obtain a total of three Ascendant Shard pretty quickly. Bear in mind, you need to level up to the following ranks to get these Ascendant Shards.
- Rank 80
- Rank 85
- Rank 94
4. Augmented Obsession Triumph
Head over to Variks the Loyal and complete Europa’s Augmented Obsession Triumph. To complete the Augmented Obsession Triumph, players need to complete all eight. This will take a bit of time considering you can only complete one per week because of the Braytech Transponders.
After you’re done, Variks will hand over one Ascendant Shard. Bear in mind, you get only one Ascendant Shard even if you decide to switch between characters.
5. Trials of Osiris in Destiny 2
You can obtain a single Ascendant Shard per week from the Lighthouse Chest for a flawless run but future flawless runs reward Enhancemnt Prisms. For this, players need to win seven games in a row in Trials of Osiris.
6. Ada-1 or Rahool
Make your way to the Tower and you’ll spot Ada-1 and Rahool. You can purchase Ascendant Shards from them for a hefty price along with some materials. Keep in mind, the planetary material request changes with time and stock.
- 50,000 Glimmer
- XX Planetary Material
- 10 Enhancement Prisms
Best Methods to Obtain Ascendant Shards in Destiny 2
So far, the best method to obtain Ascendant Shards in Destiny 2 is to complete Grandmaster Nightfall Runs. Each Platinum run guarantees at least one or even two Ascendant Shard drops. If you need to do it fast and clean, then your best bet is to hook up with some experienced friends in GM, and you’ll clear out a Nightfall in under 15 minutes.
Adding up the math, that’s four to eight Ascendant Shards in an hour, that is if you’re lucky. To make things interesting, wait it out for a double loot week to double the Ascendant Shard drop rate.
And these are pretty much the 6 best methods to obtain Ascendant Shards in Destiny 2. While the chances of getting your hands on them are pretty low, your best bet is to grind them out and try all the available methods to maximize your Ascendant Shard Yield. We’ll keep you updated with more methods as they’re added in the future.