Destiny 2 Root of Nightmares second encounter guide: Scission

Destiny 2 Root of Nightmares is the latest Pinnacle Raid for the community, where players must head deep inside The Witness' pyramid. Scission, being the second major encounter in the Raid, splits all participating players into two different sides, following the orb mechanics from the first encounter.

The following article will break down all of the mechanics that are required to complete the second encounter of the Raid.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the assumption of Cataclysm clearance and on the fact that you're already accustomed to all of the basic mechanics and callouts.

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Scission encounter guide for Destiny 2 Root of Nightmares Raid (2023)

1) Core mechanics

Upon arriving at the rally banner, you will see two locations split into different parts, one with a Light orb and the other with a Darkness orb. Split your team into two parts, with each one having three players. Players from each side should be assigned to the orb on their side, linking them across the two sides of the arena.

A complete guide to the first encounter can be found in this link.

Destiny 2 Light and Darkness orb (Image via KackisHD)

For example, suppose you have picked up the light orb and have the Field of Light buff. Look for a slingshot mechanic that will launch you to the other side of the platform, and then search for a spiral to link the buff that you have. However, there will also be a debuff with a countdown saying Imminent Expulsion, which will wipe the fireteam upon hitting zero.

Destiny 2 buff depositing spiral (Image via KackisHD)

Hence, players with both the Light and Darkness orbs must keep switching sides and linking them by shooting spirals. After linking the first orb, special Shadow Legion enemies will spawn on both sides with a Light and Darkness aura around them. These can only be damaged by players with the Field of Light and Flux of Darkness buffs, respectively.

A Darkness-immune enemy (Image via KackisHD)

The remaining two players on each side can choose to stall these immune aura-infused enemies until the very last stage of linking. They must then stand inside the radius of the orb to obtain this buff, and shoot the immune enemies with their respective buffs. Repeat the same process on two additional floors to clear this encounter.

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2) Roles of each player

To be more precise with each player's role in this encounter, you must first split your team in two, with three players on each side. Have one player from each side assigned to orb linking, while the other two will have to clear adds (additional enemies).

Destiny 2 Light orb (Image via KackisHD)

Following the mechanics mentioned above, the add clearing team should stand inside the orb to obtain the buff on each side and shoot at the immune enemies.

Destiny 2 immune enemies (Image via KackisHD)

Each floor will give you approximately two minutes to complete everything, as shooting one orb will start the timer.

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3) Recommended builds

Commemoration Machine Gun (Image via Destiny 2)

Machine Guns, Gjallarhorn, or anything that can clear waves of enemies quickly are viable here. Commemoration is the most-picked weapon for this, as picking up an orb will grant the weapon Volatile Rounds. Champions at this stage include Barriers, which spawn after linking the third orb Arbalest and Radiant shots should easily take care of these elite enemies.