The universe of Destiny 2 is filled with mysterious locations, ancient rituals, and terrifying enemies that constantly challenge Guardians. Among the most recent and intriguing additions are the Altars of Summoning, tied closely to Xivu Arath and her brood. These encounters combine lore, combat mechanics, and cooperative play into a system that not only tests a player’s strength but also deepens the narrative surrounding the Hive. For fans of the franchise, understanding the details of Xivu’s brood and the rituals of summoning provides both practical gameplay benefits and a richer appreciation of the evolving storyline.
Who is Xivu Arath?
Xivu Arath is one of the Hive Gods in Destiny lore, the sister of Savathûn and Oryx. Known as the Hive God of War, she thrives on conflict and conquest, spreading her influence through battle. Unlike Savathûn, who manipulates through trickery and deceit, Xivu Arath embraces open warfare. Her brood follows her philosophy, creating structures, rituals, and battlegrounds designed to glorify destruction. The Altars of Summoning serve as one such stage where her brood channels their devotion through combat against Guardians.
Understanding the Altars of Summoning
The Altars of Summoning is a gameplay activity in Destiny 2 introduced in connection with seasonal content that highlights Hive magic and rituals. These altars function as arenas where Guardians face waves of enemies tied to Xivu’s brood. Players must interact with ritual structures, defeat summoned enemies, and maintain control to succeed. More than just combat encounters, the Altars are tied to the Hive’s dark lore, where every victory fuels the Guardian’s power and every defeat strengthens Xivu Arath’s influence.
Key Features of the Altars
- Ritual-based encounters requiring activation by Guardians.
- Summoning of Hive enemies connected to Xivu’s brood.
- Escalating difficulty with multiple waves of combat.
- Loot and seasonal rewards tied to successful completions.
- Integration into seasonal progression and storylines.
How to Access the Altars of Summoning
Guardians can find the Altars of Summoning activity through seasonal quests and objectives. Access usually requires progression through story missions that reveal the Hive’s ritualistic practices. Once unlocked, players can repeatedly enter the Altars to farm rewards, gather seasonal materials, and gain experience. This repeatability ensures that the activity remains engaging while also serving as a grind-friendly arena for Guardians seeking powerful loot.
Gameplay Mechanics and Strategies
The Altars of Summoning are designed to encourage team play, though solo players may attempt them at higher risk. The central mechanic revolves around activating ritual platforms, which trigger the summoning of Hive enemies. Each wave increases in difficulty, introducing stronger enemies and additional mechanics such as cursed thralls, Hive knights, or wizards empowered by Xivu’s war magic.
Strategies for Success
- Team CoordinationCommunication ensures that Guardians cover different sides of the altar and prevent being overwhelmed.
- Subclass ChoicesUsing supers that control crowds, such as Warlock Well of Radiance or Hunter’s Shadowshot, helps manage waves.
- Weapon SelectionHeavy weapons like rocket launchers or linear fusion rifles deal effectively with Hive bosses.
- MobilityStaying mobile prevents Guardians from being cornered by swarms of thralls.
- Focus FireCoordinated fire on mini-bosses or champions prevents prolonged encounters.
The Lore Behind the Rituals
In Destiny’s lore, the Hive rely on rituals and offerings to channel the power of their gods. The Altars of Summoning are not merely combat arenas but also symbolic spaces where Xivu’s brood reaffirms their devotion. Each enemy wave represents a sacrificial offering, and each Guardian who enters is seen as a challenger against the Hive’s dominance. For Xivu Arath, every conflict is a prayer, and the Altars of Summoning become temples of war where her power echoes through every strike and death.
Xivu’s Brood and Their Influence
Xivu’s brood in Destiny 2 embodies the Hive’s hunger for combat. They see battle as sacred and believe that through destruction, they grow closer to their god. The Altars of Summoning therefore act as both battlegrounds and spiritual sites, merging gameplay mechanics with storytelling. Guardians who participate are not just fighting enemies-they are disrupting Hive worship and weakening the ritual power that fuels Xivu’s expansion.
Rewards from the Altars
Completing the Altars of Summoning grants Guardians access to unique rewards. These include seasonal weapons, armor sets, and materials required for crafting or upgrading gear. In addition, Guardians can earn progression toward seasonal challenges and triumphs. This makes the activity a cornerstone for those aiming to maximize their seasonal pass and power levels. The balance of lore and loot ensures that players are motivated both narratively and mechanically to return to the altars.
Types of Rewards
- Legendary and seasonal weapons tied to Hive themes.
- Armor with perks optimized for seasonal play.
- Crafting materials and enhancement items.
- Experience points for seasonal rank progression.
- Triumph completions and lore entries expanding Hive history.
Challenges Guardians Face
The Altars of Summoning are not without difficulty. The sheer volume of Hive enemies, combined with champions and bosses, can overwhelm unprepared teams. Time limits on certain encounters add pressure, while modifiers may enhance enemy resilience or damage. This ensures that even seasoned Guardians find the activity challenging, requiring planning and execution. These obstacles make success rewarding and highlight the thematic strength of fighting Xivu’s brood on their own terms.
Why the Altars of Summoning Matter
The significance of the Altars extends beyond loot. They reflect the ongoing battle between Light and Darkness in the Destiny universe. For Xivu Arath, they serve as sacred sites of worship and demonstrations of her power. For Guardians, they represent opportunities to disrupt Hive expansion, secure resources, and protect humanity. This duality ensures that the Altars remain central to both the narrative and gameplay of the season in which they appear.
Future of Hive Rituals in Destiny
As Destiny 2 continues to expand, the role of Hive rituals such as the Altars of Summoning will likely evolve. Bungie frequently introduces new seasonal activities that build on established lore, and Xivu Arath’s presence suggests that her brood will remain a significant threat. Future updates may expand on these rituals, adding new variations, tougher challenges, or even larger arenas where Guardians must battle against overwhelming odds.
Xivu’s brood and the Altars of Summoning encapsulate the essence of Destiny 2’s Hive narrative-dark rituals, relentless combat, and the eternal struggle between war and survival. For players, these encounters provide both a thrilling gameplay challenge and a deeper connection to the Hive lore. Whether entering for loot, story progression, or the sheer joy of combat, the Altars stand as a symbol of the Hive’s devotion to their god of war. By confronting Xivu’s brood in these summoning rituals, Guardians not only earn rewards but also strike at the heart of Hive worship, turning their temples of war into battlegrounds for the Light.