The Ascendant Challenge in Destiny 2 remains one of the most engaging and rewarding weekly activities, especially for Guardians who enjoy lore, puzzles, and high-risk combat scenarios. As part of the endgame content in the Dreaming City, it rotates weekly and offers players a chance to earn powerful loot while navigating through a unique pocket dimension shrouded in the Taken’s dark magic.
In 2025, Bungie has kept the traditional format of the Ascendant Challenges mostly intact but has introduced several quality-of-life improvements and adjusted loot pools to keep things fresh. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Ascendant Challenges — including their rotation schedule, how to access them, and the rewards you can expect.
What is an Ascendant Challenge?
An Ascendant Challenge is a secret weekly activity that players can access only while under the effects of Tincture of Queensfoil. This consumable item allows players to see and access Ascendant Portals scattered around the Dreaming City. These portals transport Guardians into the Ascendant Plane, where a variety of challenges await — ranging from combat survival and parkour trials to boss encounters.
How to Access an Ascendant Challenge
- Head to the Dreaming City via the director.
- Consume a Tincture of Queensfoil item, which can be obtained from chests, bounties, or Petra Venj.
- Locate the week’s specific portal based on the rotation schedule (details below).
- Enter the portal and complete the objective inside, which can range from defeating waves of Taken enemies to platforming sequences.
Ascendant Challenge Locations – Weekly Rotation
Even in 2025, there are six primary Ascendant Challenge locations that rotate in a six-week cycle. Knowing the location for the current week is essential for efficient farming and completion. Here’s a list of the six known challenges and their corresponding spawn points:
- Ouroborea – Aphelion’s Rest
- Forfeit Shrine – Gardens of Esila
- Shattered Ruins – Spine of Keres
- Keep of Honed Edges – Harbinger’s Seclude
- Agonarch Abyss – Bay of Drowned Wishes
- Cimmerian Garrison – Chamber of Starlight
Pro tip: Petra Venj’s location each week helps determine which Ascendant Challenge is active. She rotates between areas in the Dreaming City — check her map icon and listen to her dialogue for hints to the week’s portal.
Weekly Reset and Challenge Tips
The Ascendant Challenge resets every Tuesday at 10 AM PT, so make sure to complete it before that time if you’re aiming to grab the weekly rewards.
Here are a few useful tips for success:
- Bring a fireteam – Some challenges get swarmed with Taken enemies, so coordinated teamplay is recommended.
- Use mobility mods – For platforming challenges like Shattered Ruins, enhanced jumping can make all the difference.
- Equip Void weapons – Many Taken enemies are susceptible to Void damage, making it easier to clear waves.
Rewards and Loot
Completing an Ascendant Challenge in 2025 can yield a variety of rewards, including:
- Pinnacle Gear – For players completing the challenge on each character.
- Dreaming City Weapons – Like the Twilight Oath sniper and Vouchsafe scout rifle.
- Dreaming City Armor – Including high-stat rolls for endgame builds.
- Corrupted Eggs and Lore Items – If you bring a Wish-Ender bow or complete specific lore conditions.
Additionally, completing the Ascendant Challenge progression steps may contribute to Triumphs and Seal completion such as Dredgen or Cursebreaker titles.
Why You Shouldn’t Skip It
The Ascendant Challenge not only serves as a powerful drop source but is also one of the most atmospheric and lore-rich experiences in Destiny 2. Set in breathtaking alternate realities shaped by the Taken’s influence, these challenges draw players deeper into the tangled narrative of Mara Sov, the Awoken Queen, and her mysterious realm.
Whether you’re a new Light or a seasoned Guardian, taking on Ascendant Challenges each week is a solid way to stockpile powerful loot, uncover lore, and test your mettle in some of the game’s most surreal encounters.
Don’t forget to hold on to your Tincture of Queensfoil and drop into the Ascendant Plane — adventure and loot await beyond the veil!