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MMOs like Destiny 2 have a way of becoming ever more complex to keep veteran players interested. Unfortunately, this means that new players have a steep learning curve. This guide will help new players in the PvP scene get started with Iron Banner.
Related: Destiny 2: Hunter Gunslinger Build Guide
Important information you will learn from our guide includes what Iron Banner is, when you can participate, how to unlock it, and what the possible rewards are for the event.
What is Iron Banner?
Destiny 2's Iron Banner is a week-long PvP mode in which 12 players go head-to-head for exclusive rewards such as exclusive gear sets, weapons, and pinnacle armor. This event happens three times a season, which works out to roughly once a month. The main NPC for this quest is Lord Saladin, who can usually be found right in front of you when you spawn into the Tower.
Iron Banner Game Modes
- Rift
- Eruption
- Control
- Fortress
The available mode will remain the same for the entire season.
Winning Iron Banner Matches
Most modes rely on killing as many enemies as possible while not dying yourself. Upon this framework is added some bells and whistles such as:
- Eruption's Surging and Primed buffs
- Rift's football-like scoring mechanics
- Capture's king of the hill points
For most of its history, Iron Banner factored power level into Guardian power, but that is no longer the case in Iron Banner. Even so, having the best possible gear equipped can make a big difference. For more on what gear will give you an edge in PvP modes, see our articles for Warlock PvP Builds, Titan PvP Builds, and Hunter PvP Builds.
Participating in The Iron Banner Event
Now that they've removed the quest prerequisite from Iron Banner, participating is simple.
- Go to your Director.
- Open the Crucible
- Select the Iron Banner playlist (available while the event is live)
- Queue up!
Iron Banner Reputation
Iron Banner Reputation is just one of the ways you will earn rewards during the Iron Banner event. Each match will earn you rank-up points (more for a win than a loss) and you will receive a reward at each rank, for a total of 16 ranks/rewards.
You will earn additional Iron Banner reputation per match by playing multiple games in a row (up to five) and equipping Iron Banner emblems, weapons, and gear.
Related: Destiny 2: Lightfall - Unfinished Business Exotic Quest Walkthrough
Rewards For Iron Banner
Rewards include exclusive armor sets, weapons, and tokens. You can both earn rewards via ranking up or by spending tokens with Lord Saladin. Previously, no rewards were awarded for loses in Iron Banner, but this has changed.
Iron Banner Weapon Rewards
You will earn two Iron Banner exclusive weapons via the rank system at ranks 4 and 7.
Other weapons are obtained from engrams. You can focus engrams to specific gear using an additional 25-50 Legendary Shards and 5,000 to 10,000 Glimmer. You can also decrypt the engrams directly from Lord Saladin for randomly rolled rewards.
Name | Type | Element |
|---|---|---|
The Wizened Rebuke | Fusion Rifle | Arc |
Roar Of The Bear | Rocket Launcher | Solar |
Jorum's Claw | Pulse Rifle | Solar |
The Hero's Burden | SMG | Void |
Gunnora's Axe | Shotgun | Arc |
Dark Decider | Auto Rifle | Arc |
Bite Of The Fox | Sniper Rifle | Kinetic |
Peacebond | Sidearm | Kinetic |
Riiswalker | Shotgun | Kinetic |
Razor's Edge | Sword | Void |
Occluded Finality | Sniper Rifle | Arc |
Frontier's Cry | Hand Cannon | Solar |
Forge's Pledge | Pulse Rifle | Solar |
Archon's Thunder | Machine Gun | Solar |
Iron Banner Armor Rewards
Similarly to the weapon drops, armor sets can drop from engrams and as rank up rewards. There are nine total armor sets associated with Iron Banner.
- Iron Truage Named Lords Ornament
- Iron Truage
- Iron Pledge Ornament
- Iron Remembrance
- Iron Fellowship
- Iron Symmachy
- Iron Will
- Iron Forerunner
- Iron Companion
Iron Banner Challenges
Each Iron Banner has a series of challenges attached to it which will net you extra rewards. You can also use Iron Banner matches to complete seasonal and Pinnacle challenges.
Seasonal Challenge
Players earn Bright Dust and XP for completing the seasonal challenge.
Pinnacle Challenges
You can earn a Pinnacle reward from completing enough Iron Banner matches during the week through the associated challenge. Iron Banner matches also contribute toward the weekly challenge to play through three Crucible matches.
Daily Challenges
Each reprisal of Iron Banner has a set of daily challenges attached. These challenges can be completed to earn the listed reward (most often a Pinnacle reward and Iron Banner rank points). You can complete challenges retroactively, meaning it is possible to do the entire week's challenged on the final day of the event.
To find the current Daily Challenge:
- Enter your Director.
- Navigate to the Crucible.
- Hover over Iron Banner.
- The current challenge should be bolded just below the event description.
