Destiny 2 Iron Banner Guide
Iron Banner is a limited-time PvP event in Destiny 2, offering exclusive weapons, armor, and Pinnacle rewards. Hosted by Lord Saladin, this event runs multiple times per season, featuring unique game modes, reputation bonuses, and powerful loot.
Unlike standard Crucible, Iron Banner introduces rotating game modes, special ranking mechanics, and extra reputation for using Iron Banner gear. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Iron Banner in Destiny 2.
What is Iron Banner in Destiny 2?
Destiny 2 Iron Banner is a seasonal PvP event that runs for one week at a time, usually twice per season. Unlike Trials of Osiris, Power Level does NOT matter, meaning all players compete on equal footing.
How Iron Banner Differs from Crucible:
- Unique rotating game modes with special mechanics.
- Exclusive Iron Banner weapons and armor with unique designs.
- Iron Banner reputation system rewards frequent participation.
- Bonus rep for equipping Iron Banner gear and emblem.
- Special daily challenges boost progress significantly.
To participate in Iron Banner, players must:
Complete the quest "A Guardian Rises" and unlock the Tower.
Speak with Lord Shaxx in the Tower Courtyard and complete the "Light Reforged" quest.
Speak with Lord Saladin to unlock the Iron Banner playlist.
All players, including free-to-play Guardians, can enter Iron Banner.
Iron Banner Game Modes & How to Win
Each Iron Banner event introduces a specific game mode, altering traditional Crucible mechanics and requiring players to adapt their strategies. Below is an overview of the rotating Iron Banner game modes, their unique mechanics, and the best ways to secure victory.
Control
- Objective: A modified version of Control, where teams fight to capture and hold three zones.
- Unique Mechanic: If a team captures all three zones, they lock for 30 seconds, triggering "The Hunt." During this period, the controlling team earns increased points per kill.
- Strategy: Focus on holding two zones instead of pushing for all three. Overcommitting can lead to losing control when "The Hunt" ends.
Eruption
- Objective: A modified Clash mode where getting consecutive kills grants bonus ability and Super energy.
- Unique Mechanic:
- Surging (2 kills): Grants +20% ability energy and bonus score per kill.
- Primed (5 kills): Grants even more energy, but the player is highlighted on the map and must score another kill within 15 seconds or explode.
- Strategy: Aggressive play is rewarded, but avoid overextending. Flanking routes and team positioning are key to maintaining killstreaks.
Fortress
- Objective: Similar to Control, but players only earn points by capturing and holding zones.
- Unique Mechanic:
- At halftime, all zones lock, and a central Fortress spawns.
- Players must defeat Cabal turrets before capturing the zone for massive bonus points.
- Strategy: Don't rush the Cabal turrets immediately. Instead, focus on eliminating enemy Guardians first to avoid being overwhelmed.
Rift
- Objective: Teams compete to pick up the "Spark" and deliver it to the enemy Rift to score points.
- Unique Mechanic: Players carrying the Spark are visible on enemy HUDs, making them priority targets.
- Strategy: Stick with teammates when carrying the Spark and use movement abilities (like Icarus Dash or Grapple) to evade enemies.
Tribute
- Objective: Collect Engrams from defeated enemies and deposit them at Cabal Beacons scattered throughout the map.
- Unique Mechanic:
- The first team to deposit enough Engrams wins the match.
- A central Cabal Beacon spawns mid-match, triggering "The Hunt" for additional scoring opportunities.
- Strategy: Stick together to control Beacons and deny enemy teams deposits for a tactical advantage.
Iron Banner Daily Challenges
Daily Challenges in Iron Banner provide Pinnacle Gear and a reputation multiplier, making them one of the fastest ways to level up with Lord Saladin and earn top-tier Iron Banner rewards.
How to Complete Iron Banner Daily Challenges
- Hover over the Iron Banner playlist in the Crucible menu to view the current Daily Challenge.
- Complete three Iron Banner matches to earn progress toward the challenge.
- Every three matches completed increases the Iron Banner reputation multiplier, capping out at 12 matches played.
- This multiplier lasts for the entire week, making every game afterward more rewarding.
Episode-Specific Subclass Challenge
An additional challenge each week requires players to earn 50 points in Iron Banner while using a specific subclass element.
- Eligible elements include Arc, Stasis, and Void.
- Prismatic subclass counts if the selected Super matches the challenge’s listed elements.
- Completing this challenge awards Pinnacle Gear, helping players reach max Power Level faster.
Ranking Up in Iron Banner
Iron Banner uses a separate reputation system from the Crucible, meaning players must farm matches efficiently to maximize reputation gains and unlock Iron Banner weapons and armor faster.
How to Increase Iron Banner Rank Quickly:
- Win Matches: Winning matches provides double reputation compared to losing.
- Play Consecutive Matches: Maintain a five-game streak for a +20% rep boost.
- Equip Iron Banner Gear & Weapons: Gain up to a +200% reputation boost by equipping a full Iron Banner loadout.
- Complete Daily Challenges: Each Daily Challenge grants +50% bonus reputation (stacking up to +200%).
- Use an Iron Banner Emblem: Wearing an Iron Banner Emblem adds an additional +50% boost.
Fastest Ranking Strategy: Equip Iron Banner weapons, armor, and an emblem, complete daily challenges, and maintain a winning streak for maximum Iron Banner reputation gains.
Best Iron Banner Rewards and Weapons
Iron Banner in Destiny 2 is one of the best sources of exclusive weapons, armor, and Pinnacle rewards. Players can earn powerful gear by ranking up with Lord Saladin, completing Daily Challenges, and focusing Engrams for specific loot.
Iron Banner Rank Rewards
Progressing through Iron Banner ranks unlocks exclusive weapons, armor, and valuable materials.
Completing Daily Challenges and equipping Iron Banner gear speeds up rank progression significantly.
Iron Banner Featured Weapons
The 10 weapons available in the current Iron Banner event:
| Weapon | Type | Best PvP Perks | Best PvE Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
Archon’s Thunder
|
Stasis Machine Gun (High-Impact) | Dynamic Sway Reduction, Tap the Trigger | Target Lock, Onslaught |
Claws of the Wolf
|
Void Pulse Rifle (Rapid-Fire) | Headseeker, Snapshot Sights | Kill Clip, Destabilizing Rounds |
Crimil’s Dagger
|
Kinetic Hand Cannon (Aggressive) | Moving Target, Explosive Payload | Zen Moment, Adagio |
Lethal Abundance
|
Strand Auto Rifle (High-Impact) | Dynamic Sway Reduction, Keep Away | Hatchling, Target Lock |
Multimach CCX
|
Kinetic SMG (Lightweight) | Iron Reach, Kill Clip | Target Lock, Kinetic Tremors |
Peacebond
|
Stasis Sidearm (Adaptive Burst) | Lone Wolf, Kill Clip | Headstone, Subsistence |
Tinasha’s Mastery
|
Stasis Sidearm (Rocket-Assisted) | Moving Target, Desperate Measures | Chill Clip, Bait and Switch |
Tusk of the Boar
|
Strand Grenade Launcher (Wave Frame) | Slideways, Chain Reaction | Vorpal Weapon, Deconstruct |
Warlord’s Spear
|
Arc Trace Rifle (Adaptive) | Dynamic Sway Reduction, Target Lock | Detonator Beam, Jolting Feedback |
Legacy Iron Banner Weapons
These legacy weapons can only be obtained via Engram focusing but do not drop naturally from matches.
| Weapon | Archetype | Best PvP Perks | Best PvE Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
Allied Demand
|
Kinetic Sidearm (Adaptive) | Rapid Hit, Rangefinder | Multikill Clip, Frenzy |
Bite of the Fox
|
Kinetic Sniper Rifle (Aggressive) | Snapshot Sights, Moving Target | Explosive Payload, Opening Shot |
Dark Decider
|
Kinetic Auto Rifle (Rapid-Fire) | Dynamic Sway Reduction, Iron Grip | Voltshot, Dragonfly |
Forge’s Pledge
|
Solar Pulse Rifle (Adaptive) | Tunnel Vision, Zen Moment | One for All, Multikill Clip |
Frontier’s Cry
|
Solar Hand Cannon (Precision) | Rapid Hit, Tunnel Vision | Kill Clip, One for All |
Gunnora’s Axe
|
Arc Shotgun (Pinpoint Slug) | Hip-Fire Grip, Moving Target | Vorpal Weapon, Opening Shot |
Jorum’s Claw
|
Solar Pulse Rifle (Adaptive) | Offhand Strike, Moving Target | Incandescent, Kill Clip |
Occluded Finality
|
Arc Sniper Rifle (Aggressive) | Snapshot Sights, No Distractions | Firing Line, Opening Shot |
Point of the Stag
|
Arc Bow (Precision) | Archer’s Tempo, No Distractions | Golden Tricorn, Dragonfly |
Riiswalker
|
Kinetic Shotgun (Lightweight) | Killing Wind, Discord | Fragile Focus, Iron Reach |
Conclusion
Iron Banner Destiny 2 remains one of the most rewarding PvP events in Destiny 2, providing exclusive loot, a unique ranking system, and rotating game modes that challenge both casual and hardcore Crucible players. With new weapons, armor, and event mechanics, it continues to be a must-play activity for Guardians looking to improve their PvP skills and earn powerful gear.
To get the most rewards, win matches, equip Iron Banner gear, and complete daily challenges to boost your reputation quickly. Knowing the game mode and using the right loadouts will help you crush Iron Banner events. Grinding for Iron Banner ranks, god-roll weapons, and Pinnacle Gear takes time. Skip the grind and maximize your rewards with Destiny 2 Boost Services!
FAQ
Iron Banner is a limited-time PvP event hosted by Lord Saladin, featuring unique game modes, exclusive weapons, armor, and Pinnacle rewards. It runs multiple times per season and has a distinct reputation system separate from standard Crucible.
Iron Banner occurs twice per season and lasts for one week. Check the in-game event calendar or Lord Saladin’s vendor page in the Tower for the next scheduled event.
Each Iron Banner event features a different game mode:
- Control: Capture zones to activate "The Hunt" for extra points.
- Eruption: Killstreak-based mode where kills grant bonus energy.
- Fortress: Zone control mode with Cabal turrets adding extra objectives.
- Rift: A Capture-the-Flag style mode where teams must deliver the Spark.
- Tribute: Collect and deposit Engrams at Cabal Beacons for points.
Completing three Iron Banner matches increases your reputation multiplier for the week (caps at 12 matches).
A weekly subclass challenge rewards Pinnacle Gear for using Arc, Void, or Stasis abilities in matches.
Change Log
- 02.03.2025 - Destiny 2 Iron Banner Guide published.