Destiny 2: Pantheon Raid Mechanics Explained

Golgoroth Mechanics

Destiny 2 has introduced the limited-time Pantheon mode, which is a raid boss gauntlet that players must beat within a time limit to earn the prestigious title of “Godslayer.” Each week, new challenges are added with more bosses and reduced power levels. For those interested in participating in this event or for those who are unfamiliar with the mechanics of each boss, this guide will provide a detailed explanation of each encounter in a simple manner to help you understand the roles you need to play and how to execute them effectively.

When facing Golgoroth, it is recommended to have at least two Well of Radiance Warlocks for DPS, while two players should use Izanagi’s Burden to hold Golgoroth’s Gaze. This encounter involves two key mechanics, Golgoroth’s Gaze and Unstable Light. Teams must divide into two roles: The Gaze holders and the DPS team.

For the players handling Golgoroth’s Gaze, only two players should be appointed for this mechanic. The Gaze holders need to shoot the fleshy, glowing back of Golgoroth to maintain his gaze. The current Gaze holder will have a timer indicating how long Golgoroth is focusing on them. To prolong the damage phase, the other holder without the Gaze should shoot Golgoroth’s back to pass on the debuff. If you are holding the Gaze, seek cover and clearly count down the Gaze timer so your partner knows when to shoot the back. The Gaze holder should position themselves behind the team doing DPS to expose Golgoroth’s weak point on its stomach. Izanagi’s Burden is the recommended weapon for each Gaze holder, as shooting the back with Honed Edge x4 can deal over a million damage to Golgoroth, enabling you to provide substantial DPS in a supportive role.

For the DPS team, focus on shooting the bubble on the ceiling to identify the spots where you can deal DPS. Two random players in the DPS team will receive a debuff called “Unstable Light.” If you have this debuff, move close to Golgoroth and wait for the timer to expire, which will cause significant damage to the boss. Avoid standing near other players while holding this debuff, as your explosion could result in their death. Coordinate with the other player carrying the debuff to prevent simultaneous detonation and ensure maximum DPS output.

The Caretaker Mechanics

When facing The Caretaker, divide your team into three roles: Boss stun team, add clear team, and symbols team.

For the symbols team, two players must take turns entering the dark room behind the obelisk to collect symbols. Players on this team should gather the first three symbols they encounter inside the dark room and communicate the symbols to their partner for coordinated shooting on the obelisk. It is essential to remember the symbols picked up and shoot the same symbols on the obelisk with your partner to progress. While inside the dark room, players must move quickly to avoid receiving a debuff called Pervading Darkness, which will result in instant death after reaching 10 stacks. To initiate the damage phase, the team must deposit nine symbols on the obelisk.

For the stunning team, two players should remain near the boss at all times. Stunning The Caretaker involves shooting his face when it glows yellow after slamming on the ground. The player positioned behind the boss should then shoot the glowing spot in the coffin to stun him. Failing to stun The Caretaker before reaching the plates will result in a team wipe.

The add clear teams must prioritize eliminating the Taken Vandals, Ogres, and orange bar Scorn that spawn in the arena, as they pose a significant threat to the stun and symbols teams.

To deal damage, the team must stand on an orange glowing plate to bypass The Caretaker’s immunity. A popular strategy for optimal damage against The Caretaker involves using Special and Heavy weapon shots on the first plate, Primary weapons on the second plate, and heavy weapons and Supers on the third plate. Executing this strategy effectively can skip the third floor of the encounter and proceed directly to the last stand moment.

Zo’aurc, Explicator of Worlds Encounter

When facing Zo’aurc, the team should be divided into three teams. The first two players will stand at the bottom left and bottom right triangular platforms, the subsequent two players at the top left and top right triangular platforms, and the last two will focus on clearing adds.

The arena is split into two sections: Light Left and Dark Right. The left side predominantly features Light planets, while the right side showcases Dark planets. The goal for the planet teams is to identify the odd planet and dunk it on the opposite side of the room. Players responsible for switching planets must eliminate the Colossi that spawn on their platforms to gain the “Planetary Alignment” buff, allowing them to transfer planets to the triangular platform on the opposite side. Each triangular platform will have three planets, with one planet on the incorrect side of the room. Communication is key for planet-switching; make sure to discuss with your partner which side of the triangle to dunk their planet on.

For the add clear team, it is crucial to focus on eliminating the Cabal Centurions that spawn, as defeating them will spawn the Colossi required for the main mechanic.

Once all planets are in their designated positions, the next mechanic will commence. Each of the three central plates will have a planet placed on them. Two of the plates will share the same color, while one will have the opposite color. The planet teams must eliminate their Colossi, retrieve the required colored planet, and dunk it into the correct plate. Once all three plates have the correct planet, the damage phase will initiate. Prior to engaging in DPS, ensure your fireteam alternates between the colored plates based on the configuration. If two plates share the Dark color, the order should be Dark, Light, Dark. If two plates share the Light color, the sequence should be Light, Dark, Light.

Atraks-1 Mechanics

When preparing for Atraks-1, equip the Parasite heavy grenade launcher for optimal DPS. Alternatively, The Lament Sword serves as a viable alternative.

Divide the team into two groups: Ground team and Space team. The Ground team should have one player pick up the red Operator buff, while the Space team should have one player pick up the Scanner buff. The elevators will serve as the primary means of transport between the Ground and Space areas.

To begin, three players should head to the Space area to locate the Vandal with the Scanner buff. Eliminating this Vandal will spawn the Sentinel Servitors, with three appearing in each area. Defeating all six Sentinels will initiate the DPS phase. The Ground team should eliminate their three Sentinels, acquire the Operator buff, and travel to the Space area using the elevators. The Operator can call an elevator by shooting the red panels adjacent to the elevator. Once all members of the Ground team are in Space, the Space team should have the Scanner player ready to eliminate their Sentinels and commence the DPS phase.

The player with the Scanner buff must identify an Atraks copy glowing bright yellow. It is essential for the team to coordinate their DPS, as damaging the boss will cause the copy to vanish after a few seconds. Utilize subclasses with burst damage DPS such as Titans with Thundercrash or Burning Maul, Warlocks with Nova Bomb, and Hunters with Golden Gun. Coordinate your Parasite shots and Super usage with your team to potentially one-phase Atraks-1.

Following the defeat of an Atraks copy, it will drop an energy ball. Players without the Operator buff should pick up the ball to prevent a raid wipe. The Operator can reset the timer by shooting the Atraks clone attached to the player’s back.