Destiny 2 Rite of the Nine event is a brand-new, limited-time activity coming in Episode Heresy Act 3. Here’s everything we know about this free event.
Destiny 2 Episode Heresy has been packed with new content, and Act 3 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting updates yet. Bungie is bringing a bunch of content, including the return of the Sunless Cell Strike, and a new PvP mode called Heavy Metal.
But one of the biggest additions is a brand-new free event called Rite of the Nine. Let’s break down everything we know.
Destiny 2 Rite of the Nine Release Date & Time
Bungie hasn’t given an exact date yet, but we do know that Rite of the Nine will arrive sometime during Act 3 of Episode: Heresy, after April 1, 2025. It’s a limited-time event, likely running up until the next major expansion, Codename Apollo.
The event will be available for all players, even those without a Dungeon Key, meaning everyone can jump in and play.
What is the Rite of the Nine Event in Destiny 2?
Rite of the Nine is a new, free event that focuses entirely on dungeons. Think of it as a Pantheon-style challenge, but for dungeons instead of raids. The event brings back three of Destiny 2’s dungeons: Prophecy, Spire of the Watcher, and Ghosts of the Deep, and adds new difficulty modes, updated loot, and a revamped farming system.
Players will head to The Third Spire, a returning social space from the old Trials of the Nine, where they can pick up bounties, attune to weapons, and launch into different dungeons. The Emissary of the Nine returns as the event vendor.
Each week, one dungeon will be featured, and players can complete it to earn rewards. There are three different difficulty options, allowing both new and experienced players to take part.
Destiny 2 Rite of the Nine Loot
One of the biggest reasons to play Rite of the Nine is the loot. Bungie is bringing back 12 dungeon weapons, giving them updated perks, a new Nine-themed aesthetic, and even Adept versions for those who take on the hardest challenges.
A new Origin Trait, called Gravity Well, is exclusive to these weapons. This trait automatically pulls in ammo bricks whenever you reload, making ammo management easier during fights.
Players can also attune specific weapons at the Third Spire social space, increasing the chances of that weapon dropping, similar to how Brave Arsenal worked in Into the Light.
Those who complete the dungeons on Ultimatum difficulty will be able to earn Adept versions of these weapons, featuring a unique Galaxy-themed effect that gives them a special Nine-inspired holographic glow, similar to shiny variants of Into the Light weapons.
Here are the 12 weapons coming with the Rite of the Nine event in Destiny 2:
- Prosecutor Auto Rifle
- Relentless Pulse Rifle
- Judgment Hand Cannon
- A Sudden Death Shotgun
- Wilderflight Grenade Launcher
- Long Arm Scout Rifle
- Liminal Vigil Sidearm
- Terminus Horizon Machine Gun
- New Pacific Epitaph Grenade Launcher
- No Survivors Submachine Gun
- Greasy Luck Glaive
- Cold Comfort Rocket Launcher
Other rewards include five new emblems, a new Title/Seal, and weapon skins.
Destiny 2 Rite of the Nine Difficulty Modes
Rite of the Nine features three different difficulty levels, allowing both casual and hardcore players to participate. Each mode changes how challenging the dungeon is, with the hardest level offering the best rewards.
These three difficulty modes are:
- Explorer Mode (Beginner-Friendly)
- Eternity Mode (Standard Difficulty)
- Ultimatum Mode (Endgame Challenge)
Explorer Mode (Beginner-Friendly)
This mode is perfect for new dungeon players who want to experience the content without feeling overwhelmed.
- No darkness zones, meaning no full-team wipes.
- Revive timer is only 5 seconds, making deaths much less punishing.
- Tooltips explain mechanics.
- Waypoints guide for players.
- Helper platforms appear when a player reaches a checkpoint, helping those who struggle with jumping puzzles.
Eternity Mode (Standard Difficulty)
This mode sits between Explorer and Ultimatum and is aimed at experienced but casual players.
- Scoring system based on performance (similar to Ultimatum but less punishing).
- Bungie hasn’t shared full details on this mode yet.
Ultimatum Mode (Endgame Challenge)
This is the hardest version, designed for those looking for a serious challenge.
- Contest Mode-level difficulty.
- “Notswap” Modifier: Swapping Exotic armor, Kinetic weapons, or Energy weapons drains all ability energy.
- Encounters are scored based on deaths: fewer deaths = better rewards.
- Adept weapons with double perks are exclusive to high scorers.
Is Rite of the Nine Free in Destiny 2?
Yes! Rite of the Nine is completely free for all Destiny 2 players. Unlike regular dungeons, which usually require a Dungeon Key or expansion purchase, this event is open to everyone. You won’t need to own Lightfall, The Final Shape, or any dungeon keys to participate.
Simply jump in when the event goes live!
Whether you’re a veteran looking for a new challenge or someone who’s always been curious about dungeons but never tried them, this event has something for everyone. With exclusive loot, revamped dungeons, and multiple difficulty levels, it’s a perfect opportunity to jump in and experience some of Destiny 2’s best content.
Destiny 2 Heresy Act 3 launches on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
