Witness Guide Destiny 2 provides a comprehensive walkthrough for the Salvation’s Edge raid in The Final Shape expansion, ensuring your Fireteam emerges victorious. At CONDUCT.EDU.VN, we equip players with the strategies and insights needed to conquer challenging encounters, secure valuable loot, and master the game’s mechanics. This guide includes encounter breakdowns, secret chest locations, and expert tips for defeating The Witness, empowering players to optimize gameplay and achieve success.
1. Understanding Salvation’s Edge Raid Mechanics
Before diving into specific encounters, grasping the fundamental mechanics of Salvation’s Edge is crucial. The raid revolves around manipulating energy, collecting Resonance, and activating conduits. Mastering these mechanics is essential for progressing through the initial encounters and setting the stage for the final confrontation with The Witness.
1.1 Activating Charging Plates and Wires
Many encounters feature pairs of plates connected by a wire. Activating these plates is the first step in generating Resonance. Here’s how it works:
- Unblock Plates: Defeat the enemies guarding the plates to unblock them.
- Activate Glowing Plate: One plate will begin to glow. Stepping on it sends energy to its paired plate via the wire.
- Rebound Energy: An ally must step on the receiving plate after it glows and before the energy dissipates. This rebounds the energy back to the original plate.
- Spawn Resonance: Rebounding the energy spawns Resonance pickups nearby.
1.2 Creating Resonance Pickups
Resonance comes in three shapes: triangles (Pyramidal Resonance), circles (Spherical Resonance), and squares (Hexahedron Resonance). These buffs are essential for activating conduits and extending the timer in encounters. The shapes available vary based on the encounter phase. Collecting more than three Resonance stacks leads to death, promoting strategic collection and teamwork.
1.3 Activating Conduits
Conduits are located near charging plates and require specific Resonance types to activate. Here’s the activation sequence:
- Energize the System: Step on the plate not connected to the conduit to send energy to the conduit plate.
- Shoot Conduit: A player with the correct Resonance buff (matching the shape displayed in the conduit) must shoot the conduit.
- Lock Conduit: Once the energy arrives, step on the plate near the conduit to lock it in place.
Successful activation causes the conduit to glow bright gold, consuming one stack of the player’s Resonance. Locking the conduit causes nearby Resonance to disappear. Coordinate Resonance collection to maximize efficiency.
1.4 Stopping and Resetting the Timer
Each encounter features a timer. To extend or reset it, deposit excess Resonance into the bank. The bank spawns after activating a set number of conduits. Effective time management is critical for raid success.
2. Substratum: Navigating the Opening Encounter
Substratum takes place on a 9×9 grid, with each grid representing a different room. Fireteams must navigate this maze to collect and bank Resonance, unlocking the path forward.
2.1 Clearing Rooms and Opening Doors
- Initial Resonance Bank: Deposit the initial triangle Resonance into the bank. This triggers the spawning of a Witness hand in the center and opens two random doors.
- Team Split: Divide into two groups of three.
- Room Navigation: Clear rooms by defeating Vex. Quantum Minotaurs in the second room trigger Vex Hydra spawns in the other team’s room, opening doors.
- Champion Encounter: One team will find an Overload Minotaur Champion, the Devotee of the Witness, in the third room. Killing it spawns a Tormentor, the Threshold Sentinel, in the central room.
- Tormentor Defeat: The entire Fireteam should converge to defeat the Tormentor. This activates the charging plates and conduits.
2.2 Charging the Conduits
- Repeat Opening: Repeat the initial steps. Send teams into newly opened doors, addressing Supplicants.
- Resonance Generation: The team encountering an open conduit and charged plate initiates energy bouncing to generate Resonance. The other team focuses on enemy and Champion elimination.
- Second Tormentor: After Resonance generation, the non-plate team returns to the middle to defeat the second Tormentor, charging another conduit-plate pair.
- Conduit Activation: Generate Resonance, pick up buffs, and have a player with Resonance shoot the conduit and then step on the nearby plate once it’s been filled with energy.
2.3 Timer Management
Lock conduits before the timer expires. The bank spawns after successful conduit locking. Deposit Resonance to extend the timer. Max timer extension gives you four minutes and 15 seconds. Repeat the process three times. Completion triggers a massive staircase descent, leading to the next phase.
3. Dissipation: Defeating Taniks, the Herald of Finality
Dissipation features Taniks, the Herald of Finality. This encounter requires coordinated teamwork and strategic damage-dealing.
3.1 Breaking Taniks’ Weakspot
- Team Composition: Bring a sword for close-quarters combat. The Lament and Falling Guillotine are excellent choices.
- Initial Setup: Divide into three teams of two, each assigned to an area: middle, left, and right.
- Start Fight: Break the Taken Blight in the middle to spawn Taniks.
- Enemy Waves: Clear three waves of enemies on each side. The third wave spawns a Taken boss-level enemy: a Trammel.
- Call to Reckoning: During the waves, three Fireteam members (one per side) will get summoned to the center of the arena, receiving the Call to Reckoning buff.
- Weakspot Damage: Jump into Taniks’ arena and shoot his forehead. Taniks summons a Taken Blight to shield himself. Shoot the Blight.
- Stolen Favor: Once the shield is down, continue shooting until Taniks’ weakspot is broken, granting the Stolen Favor debuff.
3.2 Charging and Reading Conduits
- Conduit Symbols: Each conduit will display a triangle or circle, determining the required Resonance.
- Plate Activation: Activate the plates, with one player per plate. The plate furthest from Taniks starts the energy flow.
- Resonance Spawning: Plates generate Pyramidal and Spherical Resonance.
- Resonance Collection: Collect Resonance, matching the conduit symbol. Players with Stolen Favor should prioritize.
- Missed Bounce: If a plate bounce is missed, the Trammel respawns and locks the conduit, potentially changing its symbol.
- Conduit Locking: Collect necessary Resonance, and lock the conduits.
3.3 Damage Taniks
Bank Resonance and damage Taniks with swords in the arena. Warlocks should use Well of Radiance or Song of Flame. Continue until Taniks becomes immune. Repeat the entire process. Reaching the final portion of his health triggers the final stand. Ignore the Trammel and focus on Taniks until he is defeated.
4. Repository: Opening the Path Through the Monolith
The Repository encounter requires repeating the core mechanics in increasingly complex environments.
4.1 Encounter Initiation
- Team Assignment: Assign teams of two to the left, middle, and right.
- Initial Bank: Pick up the Hexahedron Resonance and bank it. This spawns three Tormentors, one per side.
- Tormentor Defeat: Kill the Tormentor to gain the Stolen Favor buff.
- Architecture Energy: Energy flows into the architecture.
4.2 Core Mechanics
- Resonance Type: The Stolen Favor buff allows you to see what kind of Resonance each conduit needs to use to shoot it.
- Plate Activation: Activate plates.
- Resonance Spawning: Generate circle, triangle, or square Resonance. Coordinate team needs.
- Resonance Collection: Collect needed Resonance.
- Subjugator Elimination: Kill the Subjugator near your conduit.
- Conduit Locking: Lock the conduit in place.
- Bank Deposit: Bank Resonance, get time back.
- Unstoppable Champion: Defeat the Unstoppable Champion.
4.3 Room Variations
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Room 1: Straightforward plate lines.
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Room 2: The left plate wire crosses over the middle plate. The left plate conduit player ends up on a raised platform.
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Room 3: A hectic environment with pits and crossed wires. Tormentors spawn together in the front.
Repeat this process three times, adapting to the increasing complexity. Follow the path to reach Verity.
5. Verity: Dissecting and Moving Shapes
Verity is a puzzle-based encounter, reminiscent of The Vault from the Last Wish raid.
5.1 Reversing Catatonic Decimation
- Drip Check: Ensure Fireteam members have distinct appearances and Ghost Shells.
- Decimation: The Witness will decimate some or most of your Fireteam.
- Ghost Retrieval: Non-decimated players grab Ghost Shells.
- Statue Identification: Decimated players spectate through non-decimated teammates and identify their missing statues.
- Resurrection: Ghosts resurrect their corresponding Guardian at the statue.
5.2 Escaping the Shadow Realm
- Statue Observation: Shadow realm players observe the shapes on statues.
- Shape Calling: Relay the shapes (SCT for square, circle, triangle) to allies.
- Shape Domination: Kill Hive Knights and collect matching shapes.
- Shape Trading: Trade shapes with other shadow realm players until you have two shapes your statue isn’t holding.
- 3D Shape Collection: Kill Knights and grab both shapes simultaneously.
- Escape: Run through the barrier to rejoin your Fireteam.
5.3 Dissecting 3D Shapes
- Light Realm Setup: Divide into enemy slayers and a dissector.
- Object Terminology: Cubes, Spheres, Pyramids, Cylinders, Cones, Prisms.
- Dissection: Dissect the pre-existing 3D objects in each statue’s hand to remove all shapes that they are lord of from the 3D object
- Shape Dunking: Dunk shapes to trade places and dissect. You cannot dunk a shape into a statue where that shape isn’t present.
- Ogre Elimination: Kill Unstoppable Ogres.
5.4 Phase Progression
Reunite the Fireteam to start an onslaught. Five members are decimated. The one alive Guardian and team resurrect allies. Repeat this process three times.
6. The Witness: Defeating the Final Boss
The final encounter involves strategic positioning, precise timing, and maximum damage output.
6.1 Best Loadout Considerations
Hunters with Celestial Nighthawk and Marksman Golden Gun offer the highest burst damage. Other classes benefit from Microcosm, the heavy trace rifle. Machine guns and pulse rifles are valuable for enemy management.
6.2 Breaking Witness’ Glyphs
- Team Roles: Divide into Glyphbreaker and enemy slayer teams.
- Hand Assignments: Assign Glyphbreaker players to down, up, and wall hands.
- Glyphbreaker Activation: Stand in each hand’s targeted area, shoot the Resonance bangle, and identify the required buff.
- Buff Acquisition: Acquire the necessary Resonance buff from another hand.
- Hand Destruction: Return to your assigned hand, stand in its attack aura, and shoot the bangle to destroy the hand.
6.3 Surviving Witness’ Trap
- Trap Indicator: The Witness tests you message appears. Determine the hand type that spawned the test.
- Shape Creation: Create a square, circle, or triangle shape with floating Resonance crystals.
- Trap Aversion: All crystals that aren’t part of the square shape will kill if they are touched. When the correct shape is achieved, The Witness’ trap is foiled appears.
- Shockwave Dodge: Jump when The Witness’ eyes glow.
6.4 Damaging the Witness
- Platform Ascension: The platform rises to maximum height.
- Crit Spot Exposure: Target the glowing slit in its chest.
- Attack Evasion: Evade The Witness’ beams and jump during wipe mechanics.
- Final Stand: The Witness becomes briefly immune then resumes attacks. Push as hard as possible.
7. Essential Tips for Success
- Communication: Constant, clear communication is vital.
- Role Assignment: Clearly define roles within your Fireteam.
- Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust strategies.
- Loadout Optimization: Optimize gear for damage and survivability.
8. Ethical Gameplay and Community Standards
At CONDUCT.EDU.VN, we advocate for ethical gameplay. Respect your teammates, avoid exploiting glitches, and uphold community standards. Fair play contributes to a positive gaming experience for everyone.
9. Consequences of Unethical Conduct
Unethical conduct can result in penalties. These may include temporary or permanent bans from the game. Upholding ethical standards ensures a fair and enjoyable environment for all players.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the recommended power level for Salvation’s Edge?
A1: The recommended power level is 1945, but having at least one player at 1950+ is sufficient.
Q2: How do I get the Stolen Favor buff?
A2: By dealing the killing blow to the Tormentor on your side, or as a person who was called by the Herald and shooting his forehead until the shield breaks.
Q3: What are the three Resonance shapes?
A3: Triangle (Pyramidal), Circle (Spherical), and Square (Hexahedron).
Q4: How do I survive the Witness’ wipe mechanic?
A4: Jump when The Witness’ eyes glow.
Q5: What is the key to foiling The Witness trap?
A5: The last hand destroyed spawns the test so be careful when destroying the hands.
Q6: How do I deal with Overload Minotaur Champion?
A6: Use Overload weapons or abilities.
Q7: Can I collect more than three Resonance?
A7: No, collecting more than three Resonance will lead to death.
Q8: What is the purpose of conduit locking?
A8: Conduit locking spawns the bank and progresses the encounter.
Q9: What are the best weapons for the final boss encounter?
A9: Hunters should utilize Hunters with Celestial Nighthawk and Marksman Golden Gun. Other classes benefit from Microcosm.
Q10: What happens if I accidentally pick up the wrong shape in the shadow realm?
A10: It’s also important to only pick up and dunk one shape at a time, as picking up two will create a 3D object. Dunking a 3D object in a Guardian will despawn all your shapes and send them back to the Knights in your room. This isn’t helpful in progressing the fight, but it’s a great way to reset yourself if you accidentally pick up the wrong shape.
11. Further Assistance
Need more help with Salvation’s Edge or other Destiny 2 content? Visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN for detailed guides, strategies, and community support. Our resources empower players to excel and enjoy the game.
12. Navigating Rule Changes
Destiny 2 evolves through regular updates and rule changes. CONDUCT.EDU.VN ensures our guides remain current. Stay informed about the latest updates to optimize your gameplay.
13. Respectful Communication
Communication is critical in Destiny 2. Use clear and respectful language when communicating with teammates. Positive and cooperative communication enhances the gaming experience and builds a strong community.
14. Consequences of Inappropriate Communication
Inappropriate communication has consequences. These may include warnings, temporary suspensions, or permanent bans. Foster a respectful gaming environment.
15. Additional Resources
Explore these resources for additional help:
- Official Destiny 2 website: https://www.bungie.net/
- Destiny 2 Reddit community: https://www.reddit.com/r/destiny2/
- Destiny 2 forums: https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums
16. How CONDUCT.EDU.VN Can Help
Struggling with any aspect of Destiny 2? CONDUCT.EDU.VN provides easy-to-understand guides, detailed strategies, and effective tips for all levels of players. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran, our resources will help you improve your skills and enjoy the experience. Visit us at conduct.edu.vn to find the information and support you need.
For more information, reach out to us at 100 Ethics Plaza, Guideline City, CA 90210, United States, or contact us via Whatsapp at +1 (707) 555-1234. We are here to assist you.
This guide equips you with the knowledge and skills to conquer Salvation’s Edge in Destiny 2. Embrace the challenge, coordinate with your Fireteam, and emerge victorious against The Witness.
