Any Destiny 2 player that has spent a little time exploring the Tower has likely seen something going on behind Ikora. It’s not clear at first glance what is happening, but it seems like something is being built. Bungie has not mentioned or even acknowledged what is going on, but some prior hints and in-game details should give players some clues as to what Ikora is building and what it means for the game’s future.
Over the last few weeks, more and more scaffolding appears behind Ikora with each weekly reset. Given the circular nature of the main structure that is being built, it seems very likely that Ikora is building a Vex portal. It makes sense since Ikora has been tasking players with collecting Vex parts each week in exchange for a powerful reward.
Why is Ikora Building a Vex Portal?
So, if Ikora is building a portal what is its purpose? Most players believe that Ikora’s Vex portal will lead players to a new area, or possibly a new version of the Vex Offensive activity. Bungie has already announced through its Season of the Undying calendar that there is an activity called Vex Offensive: Final Assault coming, so it stands to reason that the portal and Final Assault are connected.
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Taking things a step further, it seems logical that Destiny 2 players will find that the portal is complete on November 19th (the launch of Vex Offensive: Final Assault) and they will be sent somewhere to stop the Vex invasions. It will be a different version of the Vex Offensive activity that has some story stakes behind it.
We also know by looking at the Undying Title for Destiny 2 Season 8 that there is a Triumph for defeating the Undying Mind in Vex Offensive. However, currently the boss in Vex Offensive is not the Undying Mind. Most players know the Undying Mind from its role in a D1 strike and it seems very likely that the boss will return for Final Assault.
Vex Offensive: Final Assault
It’s then safe to assume that, based on its name, Vex Offensive: Final Assault will have some impact on the Vex invasions that are happening on the moon. Presumably, those will come to an end in December when Season of the Dawn starts, and Final Assault will be that inciting event.
Or maybe Bungie has more story elements planned that are not on the Destiny 2 Season 8 Calendar. Best that we can tell, Vex Offensive is not a permanent activity, as it is listed as the Seasonal Arena in the directory. Something is going to replace Vex Offensive and Guardians may have a role to play in what changes.
The Evolving World of Year 3 in Destiny 2
Pulling it all together, this is likely what Destiny 2 players can expect involving the portal behind Ikora.
- Each week the portal will continue to take form.
- November 19th the portal will be complete.
- Interacting with the portal will take players to Vex Offensive: Final Assault.
- In Final Assault, players will face off with the Undying Mind once again.
- Defeating the Undying Mind will bring closure to the Season of the Undying and the Vex Invasions.
When talking about Year 3 of Destiny 2, Bungie has stated multiple times that the goal is to build an evolving world. Each Season will lead into the next and there will be narrative elements to carry players through. Of course, because this is only the first Season of Year 3, players have yet to see those goals take shape, but there are hints at what Bungie has working behind the scenes. If nothing else it will be interesting to see how Destiny 2 ties everything together and pushes players into a new Season.
Destiny 2: Shadowkeep is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.