Destiny 2’s latest update, 8.2.6, launches on May 6, 2025, introducing the limited-time event “Rite of the Nine,” alongside significant sandbox adjustments and new weaponry. This dungeon-focused limited-time event has some new core changes:
- Weapon sandbox tuning
- exotic adjustments
- subclass rebalancing
- and three new ritual weapons
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Rite of the Nine BoostThe Rite of the Nine is an exclusive event in Destiny 2 that revitalizes three iconic dungeons: Prophecy, Spire of the Watcher, and Ghosts of the Deep.
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Rite of the Nine Contest BundleTake on the ultimate challenge with our Rite of the Nine Contest Bundle, designed for Guardians aiming to conquer all three dungeons—Prophecy, Spire of the Watcher, and Ghosts of the Deep—on the highest difficulty available.
TL;DR: What’s New at a Glance
Table of Contents
Category | Key Changes |
Event | Rite of the Nine: Dungeon activity with 3 difficulty tiers |
PvP Sandbox | Nerfs to On the Prowl, Scatter Grenades, and Radiant Dance Machines |
PvE Sandbox | Buffs to Auto Rifles, Heavy Burst Hand Cannons, and Shotguns |
Exotic Changes | Lord of Wolves nerfed in PvE; Finality’s Auger gets quality-of-life buffs |
New Ritual Weapons | Nature Reclaimed, The Inquisitor, and Cruel Mercy |
⚔ Ability & Subclass Tuning
Crucible-Specific Nerfs
- On the Prowl (Void Hunter):
- Range reduced from 45m → 25m
- Duration capped at 15 seconds
- PvP dominance curbed for better balance
- Range reduced from 45m → 25m
- Scatter Grenade: 15% damage nerf vs players
- Prismatic Supers: Cooldown penalty reduced from 10% → 5%
Global Subclass Updates
- Hunters:
- Withering Blade +20% tracking, +10% damage
- Throwing knives now track correctly
- Withering Blade +20% tracking, +10% damage
- Warlocks:
- Lightning Surge now more consistent and balanced between classes
- Lightning Surge now more consistent and balanced between classes
💡 PvP Hunters may shift back to Light/Dark subclasses due to Void aspect tuning.
🔫 Weapon Archetype Changes
Weapon Type | Change Summary |
Pulse Rifles | Legacy Frames (Estoc, Battler) get reduced falloff; Rapid-Fires slightly buffed |
Hand Cannons | Heavy Burst gets improved falloff; Adaptive sees reload and handling buffs |
Auto Rifles | High Impact buffed across the board (+4% damage) |
Submachine Guns | Adaptive SMGs gain slightly more reach |
Shotguns | Heavy Burst Slugs now deal +8% more damage |
💡 Mid-range weapons see a return to form—Auto Rifles and Adaptive Hand Cannons are safer picks post-patch.
🧪 Exotic Weapon Updates
Exotic | Change |
Lord of Wolves | PvE hip fire damage reduced by 30% – no longer top DPS pick |
Finality’s Auger | Turret buffs: +10% damage, -85% self-damage, reload from reserves added |
Alethonym | Ammo brick creation costs halved; trait description clarified |
Truth / Two-Tailed Fox | Now get +2 ammo per crate in Crucible |
💡 Finality’s Auger becomes more practical for crowd control, especially in group PvE.
🛡 Armor Tuning Summary
Radiant Dance Machines (Hunter)
- Reduced hip-fire accuracy & aim assist bonuses
- Lower energy refund when class energy is not full
Lion Rampant (Titan) / Lunafaction Boots (Warlock)
- Inherit RDM-style hip-fire benefits for Primary weapons
- Warlock’s Rift range bonus halved in PvP only
💡 Crucible players will need to rethink builds relying on The Last Word and RDM synergy.
🎯 New Ritual Weapons
Playlist | Weapon | Notable Perks |
Iron Banner | Nature Reclaimed | Incandescent, Kill Clip, Box Breathing |
Trials of Osiris | The Inquisitor | Opening Shot, Fragile Focus, Cascade Point |
Nightfall | Cruel Mercy | Desperado, Headseeker, Jolting Feedback |
🌀 Rite of the Nine — Event Breakdown
- Activity Type: Dungeon-focused, score-based PvE event
- Difficulties:
- Explorer: Guided mode, no wipe zones
- Eternity: Standard score-based
- Ultimatum: Contest Mode difficulty with Adept loot
- Explorer: Guided mode, no wipe zones
- Loot:
- 12 reprised weapons
- New Origin Trait: Gravity Well (reload to pull nearby ammo)
- 12 reprised weapons
- Social Zone: The Third Spire returns as a reward hub
💡 Adept versions only drop in Ultimatum mode—perfect for hardcore PvE players chasing top-tier loot.
📅 Destiny 2 Update 8.2.6 Content Timeline
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Date |
Content |
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May 6, 2025 |
🔹 Update 8.2.6 goes live 🔹 Rite of the Nine event begins (3 dungeon modes) 🔹 Sandbox balance changes (PvP/PvE tuning) 🔹 New ritual weapons released |
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May 9, 2025 |
🔹 Collector’s Edition digital rewards begin distribution (Edge of Fate emblem, OST, code access) |
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May 21, 2025 |
🔹 Horrific Visions Revisited launches — updated BFA-style activity with helm enchants |
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June 4, 2025 |
🔹 Dastardly Duos arcade PvE event launches 🔹 Leaderboards, boss combos, rewards go live |
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Late June (TBD) |
🔸 Expected end date for Rite of the Nine event and Adept weapon availability |
🚀 Want the Best Loot Without the Grind?
Update 8.2.6 redefines the closing stretch of Destiny 2’s Heresy arc. With PvP tuning, mid-range weapon buffs, and exotic shakeups, the sandbox is undergoing a crucial realignment—just in time for the new Rite of the Nine event.
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Darya Chavez is a gaming journalist passionate about delivering the latest news from the world of video games. With a sharp eye for industry trends and updates, she keeps players informed about upcoming releases, events, and major game changes.