Mastering the Presage Exotic Mission Solo: Essential Tips for Destiny 2 Players

In 2021, Destiny 2 introduced Presage, which garnered significant attention. The surprise addition brought a touch of horror to the game, resembling the eerie atmosphere of Dead Space. In addition to the existing terrifying Scorn enemies, players were unsettled by the haunting voice of the deceased characters speaking through the Locus of Communion. Completing this mission originally rewarded players with the Dead Man's Tale weapon.

Unfortunately, when Witch Queen launched, Presage was removed, depriving many players, especially newcomers, of experiencing this remarkable mission. However, Bungie made a wise decision to reintroduce Presage as a rotating Exotic Mission. While playing with others is enjoyable, undertaking this mission solo is equally fulfilling. Below are some useful tips for specific parts of Presage and how to adequately prepare for it.

How to Prepare For Presage

Presage has been significantly toned down since its return to Destiny 2. Initially, players were consistently 10 Power levels lower than the activity on Normal Mode. However, in the Legend version, players will be capped at 1815 Power, while Normal Mode does not have any power restrictions. Consequently, Presage is much less challenging compared to its initial release.

Nevertheless, it is still advisable for players to come prepared. Having effective add-clear weapons is crucial, considering the substantial number of enemies encountered throughout the activity. While subclass choice is not as significant on normal difficulty, Strand works quite well. Additionally, when players reach the Locus of Communion at the conclusion, it is important to have a reliable long-range DPS weapon at hand.

The Trash-Compactor

The Trash Compactor serves as the initial challenge in Presage, where players must eliminate three fuses to prevent the compactor from causing harm to those inside. The presence of Screeb in the central area adds an additional layer of chaos to the encounter. Utilizing methods to remain airborne would greatly aid players in locating the fuse locations. Alternatively, players can exploit the Screeb's abilities to reveal the fuse grates by detonating them.

Weapons with wide area of effect, such as Rockets and Grenade Launchers, prove highly effective against groups of Screeb. Nightstalker Hunters may choose to deploy a tether in the center of the room to limit the advancement of the Screeb. Notably, this encounter is brief and does not impose any restrictions on respawning. Players must act swiftly to destroy the fuses or face defeat. Nonetheless, by adopting an aggressive approach against the Screeb from a safe distance, the encounter should relatively pose little difficulty. Once all three fuses have been eliminated, players should seek out the grate surrounded by four red lights, which serves as the exit from the trash compactor.

Mid-Level Fight: The Hanger

To complete this encounter, players must eliminate the enemies in the Glykon's hangar. The primary targets are two large Abominations, as more enemies will keep appearing until they are defeated. Since there are numerous Scorn present, it is essential for players to stay on the move. A strong add clear build will greatly help in overcoming this encounter. Weapons such as Osteo Striga and Thorn are particularly effective, especially if Warlocks have equipped Necrotic Grips. Additionally, a powerful heavy machine gun can quickly deal with the Chieftains and Abominations.

Prioritize eliminating the Chieftains first, then eliminate any remaining lesser enemies, and finally focus on the Abominations. The Abominations are constantly vulnerable, so players can swiftly defeat them. However, it is important to note that as the Abominations sustain damage, more adds will continue to appear. To handle this, players can either fully commit to quickly eliminate the Abominations or take a more phased approach. Even after the Abominations are eliminated, players must still defeat any remaining enemies before completing the encounter. Therefore, it is crucial to remain aware of the surrounding waves of adds while dealing with the Abominations.

Final Fight: The Locus of Communion

The Locus of Communion is an enhanced version of a boss formerly found in the Destiny 2: Forsaken campaign, but has since been removed. To defeat this formidable opponent, players should equip a powerful long-range DPS weapon such as Izanagi's Burden, Cloudstrike, or Xenophage. It is also important to have a means of clearing out the smaller enemies that accompany the boss.

The boss possesses several threatening attacks that players must be wary of. With his flaming weapon, he can either charge at the player to deliver a fiery overhead attack that sends flames across the ground or swipe at them, hurling them into walls. The boss's attacks are incredibly lethal, so strategic positioning is crucial. Initially located in the main room, players must quickly deal enough damage to force him into the heated chamber below. Engaging the boss in close quarters is extremely perilous, so it is advisable to inflict as much damage as possible in a short amount of time.

Players must activate the three switches on the top floor before following the boss into the chamber below. After activating all the switches, players can safely descend to the lower level. Locate the Locus of Communion and ensure to maintain a safe distance from him, as he inflicts significant damage even on Normal difficulty. For solo players, it is recommended to utilize a long-range DPS weapon until the boss approaches too closely for comfort.

When this occurs, players should quickly ascend back to the top floor, as the boss will not pursue them. Rush to the alternative entrance leading to the bottom floor and descend. Take note that the boss does not immediately chase players, granting them an opportunity to resume DPS. Once the heat returns to the bottom floor, swiftly return to the top and handle the additional enemies that spawn. Reactivate the switches and continue damaging the Locus of Communion. Repeat this process until the boss is defeated. Upon crossing the bridge, players will acquire the ability to craft Deadman's Tale. Additional completions will permit them to obtain a more potent version of the intrinsic perk.

Tips for Legend Mode Presage

Players seeking a greater challenge must dare to embark on Presage at Legend Difficulty. The optimal power level for this challenge is capped at 1815, while adversaries will rise to 1830. Additionally, players will encounter the following modifiers to overcome:

- Locked Loadout

More Shields

Melee damage from opponents is increased

Players take 25% more damage

Scout Rifles do 25% more damage

Strand damage output is increased by 25%

Arc damage output is increased by 25%

Previously, the harder version of Presage had a 25-minute timer, but that is no longer the case. However, the modifiers in the mission make it considerably more challenging. Since Loadouts are locked, players cannot switch weapons between encounters. Therefore, they must prepare accordingly by having a build that enables them to efficiently eliminate enemies and deal strong damage when facing the Locus of Communion.

With the removal of the timer, players now have the freedom to be more cautious. Even the smallest mistake can result in death, so players should prioritize avoiding reckless actions and focus on controlling adds while avoiding powerful attacks from enemies like the Locus of Communion.

There are no additional rewards for completing the Presage mission solo, but players can obtain catalyst upgrades by doing so. If players only want to enhance the intrinsic trait of Dead Man's Tale, they can run the normal mode four times. Apart from catalyst upgrades, completing Presage on Legend difficulty is solely for bragging rights. Unfortunately, there is no emblem available like there was when this Exotic Mission was initially released.

Destiny 2 is currently accessible on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.