In the ever-evolving world of Destiny 2, Bungie has always maintained a sense of mystery, intentionally leaving some aspects of the game’s mechanics shrouded in enigma. This deliberate opacity allows players to relish the joy of discovery, keeping the gameplay experience fresh and exciting. One such intriguing addition to the Destiny 2 universe is the Deck of Whispers system, introduced in the Season of the Witch. This novel deck-building mechanic bestows players with random buffs and perks based on the cards they’ve unlocked, and if you’re eager to unravel its secrets, you’re in the right place.
The Mysterious Opaque Cards
As you embark on your adventures in the Season of the Witch, you’ll quickly encounter a collection of Opaque Cards. These seemingly unassuming cards hold the key to unlocking the Deck of Whispers. Each Opaque Card can be likened to a sweepstakes ticket, hiding its contents until you decide to unveil them. To reveal the secrets hidden within these cards, you’ll need to make your way to the HELM, traverse into the Athenaeum via the Hive portal, and approach the Lectern of Divination. This mystical table, located just in front of the seasonal vendor, the Ritual Table, will be your gateway to understanding the Opaque Cards’ true potential.
The Three Outcomes of an Opaque Card
Once you access the Lectern of Divination and examine the list of Opaque Cards before you, you’ll notice that your card corresponds to only one of them. By selecting your card and unlocking it, you set in motion a process with three possible outcomes:
- Major Arcana Card: Your Opaque Card might transform into a Major Arcana card, marked with a distinct number. However, you won’t be able to immediately use these Major Arcana cards; they require activation through unique quests.
- Minor Arcana Card: Alternatively, your Opaque Card could become a Minor Arcana card. These cards offer one-time-use perks or abilities, providing you with special opportunities, such as upgrading a weapon draft from the Ritual Table.
- Item: The third possibility is that your Opaque Card will metamorphose into an item, which could range from an Exotic Engram to an Enhancement Prism or another high-value item in the game.
Unveiling the Major Arcana Cards
Major Arcana cards represent a significant step toward completing your Deck of Whispers. These cards, distinguished by their numbered markings, cannot be immediately used upon unlocking. Instead, each Major Arcana card initiates a unique quest, which you can find in your Seasonal tab within the Quests menu. These quests often require completing seasonal activities, collecting Insights, or defeating enemies with specific weapon types.
Upon successfully completing a quest associated with a Major Arcana card, you must return to the Lectern of Divination to activate the card. This activation process brings you one step closer to forming your complete Deck of Whispers.
The Deck of Whispers Takes Shape
Once you’ve activated five Major Arcana cards, your Deck of Whispers will spring to life, ready to enhance your Season of the Witch experience. The Deck of Whispers is an assembly of cards displayed prominently in the Athenaeum’s main hall. Initially, if you haven’t activated any Major Arcana cards, your deck will appear empty. However, a closer look around the circular hall reveals 12 empty holders, grouped into three sets of four.
As you activate Major Arcana cards, these holders will fill, and it’s worth noting that there are 12 unique Major Arcana cards available for now. To activate your Deck of Whispers, you’ll need a minimum of five Major Arcana cards. If you have more Major Arcana cards at your disposal, you can strategically choose which ones to include or remove from your deck.
Unleashing the Power of the Deck
Once your Deck of Whispers is activated, it becomes an integral part of your arsenal. Each time you engage in combat during seasonal activities like Altars of Summoning, one card from your deck is randomly selected and activated. This activated card bestows your character with a corresponding buff that remains in effect for the duration of the battle.
To fine-tune your combat experience, you can choose to limit your deck size to five cards, increasing the likelihood of a specific card appearing in battle. Alternatively, you can leave all 12 cards active, embracing the unpredictability and variety they bring to your gameplay.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Destiny 2, the Deck of Whispers adds a layer of intrigue and strategy, offering players a fresh and engaging way to approach the challenges of the Season of the Witch. So, prepare your deck, activate your Major Arcana cards, and venture forth into the mysteries of this exciting season.