Destiny 2’s The Final Shape campaign introduces Cooperative Focus missions, a challenging variant designed to test fireteams in new ways. Specifically featured in missions like Iconoclasm, Cooperative Focus elevates the difficulty through unique mechanics that demand strong communication and coordinated strategy. These missions are not just about increased enemy toughness; they layer in puzzles and debuffs that require players to work together to survive and succeed. While these enhanced co-op encounters are essential for completing certain quests and challenges, they also offer enticing rewards, including Pale Heart weapons and coveted Ascendant Shards. This guide will delve into the intricacies of Cooperative Focus mode within Destiny 2, with a special emphasis on the Iconoclasm mission, providing you with the knowledge to conquer these demanding activities.
Understanding Cooperative Focus in Destiny 2
Cooperative Focus mode in Destiny 2 is a modifier set that amplifies the need for teamwork and communication within a fireteam. Applied to specific campaign missions like Ascent, Dissent, and Iconoclasm from The Final Shape expansion, it introduces additional mechanics and heightened enemy aggression. These missions are accessible on the Pale Heart map under the “Replayable Missions” section, marked with activity nodes indicating Cooperative Focus.
While these missions present a greater challenge compared to their standard counterparts, they are designed to be rewarding, not insurmountable. A fireteam with at least one player at or above the 2005 Power level will find these encounters manageable, especially with effective coordination. The absence of enemy difficulty scaling based on fireteam size further encourages bringing a full three-person team to maximize survivability and efficiency.
Here’s a breakdown of the specific mechanics and modifiers that define Cooperative Focus missions:
Enhanced Enemy Aggression and Shielding
Cooperative Focus missions significantly ramp up enemy difficulty. Expect enemies to be more aggressive, heavily shielded, and present in larger numbers. The “Galvanized” and “Chaff” modifiers are active, meaning enemies possess increased health and are more resistant to being stunned. Furthermore, the “Chaff” modifier disables your radar, emphasizing situational awareness and communication for enemy detection.
Limited Revives in Restricted Zones
Survival in Cooperative Focus missions is further complicated by limited revives. Within designated “Restricted Zones,” each player receives only one Revive Token. Upon a player’s death, a 90-second timer begins. Teammates must revive the fallen Guardian within this timeframe to prevent a team wipe and encounter reset. Alternatively, a coordinated push to complete the encounter before the timer expires can result in all deceased players being revived upon success. This mechanic stresses careful gameplay and strategic revives.
Fallen Berserker Shield Mechanics
Certain pathways and objectives within Cooperative Focus missions are protected by shielded Darkness splinters. These shields are linked to Fallen Berserker enemies. To disable the shields, fireteams must strategically eliminate the Berserker. This requires a coordinated two-player approach: wait for the Berserker to generate its slowing bubble, then simultaneously shoot the red panels on its chest and back. Successful execution will kill the Berserker, allowing players to then shoot the splinters in unison to clear the path. This mechanic highlights the need for synchronized actions within the fireteam.
Fractured by the Witness Debuff Management
A central mechanic in Cooperative Focus missions is the “Fractured by the Witness” debuff. One player will be randomly afflicted with this debuff, accumulating stacks over time. Reaching x7 stacks impairs movement by preventing sprinting and jumping. At x10 stacks, the debuffed player will die. To mitigate this, another fireteam member must interact with the debuffed player to “take on Fracture,” transferring the debuff. The player who takes the debuff then begins accumulating stacks, while the previous carrier gains “Fracture Recovery,” temporarily preventing them from taking the debuff again. Effective communication is crucial to manage this debuff, ensuring timely transfers before stacks become lethal.
Glyphtouched Player and Glyph Mechanics
Encounters in Ascent and Iconoclasm Cooperative Focus missions involve glyph puzzles. These puzzles require players to identify and collect splinters with symbols matching glyphs revealed by defeated enemies. In Cooperative Focus, this is complicated by assigning the “Glyphtouched” buff to only one player. The Glyphtouched player can exclusively see the glyphs on the splinters, while other fireteam members can only see the glyphs dropped by enemies. Therefore, the Glyphtouched player must communicate the splinter glyphs to their team, enabling coordinated splinter collection and puzzle progression.
Aegis Shield Restrictions
Missions like Dissent and Iconoclasm feature encounters involving the Aegis shield. In Cooperative Focus mode, only the player designated with the “Granted Aegis” buff can wield and utilize the Aegis shield. This restriction necessitates strategic planning for shield usage and coordinated protection of the Aegis holder, particularly during challenging combat sequences. Note that this restriction does not apply to the final Witness fight within the Iconoclasm mission.
Rewards for Iconoclasm Cooperative Focus Missions
Successfully completing Cooperative Focus missions, including Iconoclasm, yields significant rewards. These missions are essential for acquiring the Microcosm Exotic weapon. Beyond this, completing any Cooperative Focus mission guarantees a Pale Heart weapon and Ghost Reputation, with a chance to also earn valuable Ascendant Shards.
Furthermore, a weekly Cooperative Focus challenge rotates between the three missions. Completing this weekly challenge on Cooperative Focus mode awards an Ascendant Shard, a Deepsight Pale Heart weapon at Pinnacle power, and a substantial surge of Ghost Reputation. These enhanced rewards make engaging with Cooperative Focus missions, especially Iconoclasm, a worthwhile endeavor for dedicated Destiny 2 players seeking powerful gear and progression.
By understanding and mastering the mechanics of Cooperative Focus, particularly within the Iconoclasm mission, fireteams can overcome these challenging encounters and reap the valuable rewards they offer, enhancing their Destiny 2 experience and progression within The Final Shape campaign.
