How to get Ascendant Shards in Destiny 2

In the game Destiny 2, Ascendant Shards are highly sought-after currencies by numerous players. Acquiring enough of these shards can be challenging because they are both costly and scarce. Nevertheless, there are several dependable methods for acquiring more of this valuable currency, which is beneficial since you’ll need it to expand the energy slots in your armor.

Last update on May 22, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. PT

How to get Ascendant Shards

Ascendant Shards can be obtained through purchase, unlocking, or earning as a prize. Since they’re the ultimate upgrade material required for maximizing a gear piece, it is logical that they are rather scarce. Here are some methods where Ascendant Shards can potentially drop:

1. Purchasing from specific vendors
2. Unlocking certain achievements or milestones
3. Earning them as rewards in events or challenges

Reach reputation Rank 16 at Banshee-44, the Vanguard, the Crucible, Gambit, and seasonal vendors
Unlock them by ranking up the Season Pass
Purchase from Rahool in the Tower
Uncommon reward for completing Nightfall on Master difficulty
Common reward for completing Grandmaster Nightfall
Some seasonal activities

As you gather Ascendant Shards, don’t forget to pick up Ascendant Alloy too – it’s a fresh material crucial for weapon creation, and remember to collect Enhancement Prisms as well.

Rank 16 at vendors

To obtain an Ascendant Shard initially, aim to reach Rank 16 with each vendor. Once you’ve reached their maximum rank, they will reward you with an Ascendant Shard. By maximizing your ranks with Vanguard, Crucible, Gambit, and Banshee-44, you can guarantee yourself a minimum of four shards. Here are some tips for advancing each vendor’s rank:

1. Vanguard (Zavala or Shaxx): Earn XP by completing Strikes, Crucible matches, Gambit matches, and weekly Heroic Adventures.
2. Crucible (Shaxx): Win matches in the Crucible, earn bonus XP for winning streaks, and participate in events like Iron Banner or Trials of Osiris.
3. Gambit (Drifter): Accrue Mote of Light by defeating enemies in Gambit and use it to purchase rank-up tokens from the Drifter.
4. Banshee-44: Complete weapon bounties, upgrade your weapons, and participate in events like the Momentum Control playlist for bonus XP.

Vanguard
Crucible
Gambit

Besides the existing benefits, you can also earn Ascendant Shards from seasonal vendors. That’s why it’s crucial to maximize your vendor rank every time a new season begins.

Unlock through the Season Pass

To obtain an Ascendant Shard, consider progressing through the Season Pass. Typically, you’ll receive your first official Ascendant Shard when you reach Rank 80 or above. Since many Season Passes include multiple Ascendant Shards, it’s advantageous to advance in the season rankings each time. Do note that these shards are typically only accessible on the premium track of the Season Pass.

Buy from Rahool

Earlier, players used to purchase Ascendant Shards from Banshee-44, but now it’s Rahool who handles this duty. Notably, obtaining one shard costs a substantial amount of resources, equivalent to a metric tonne.

10 Enhancement Prisms
50,000 Glimmer

The cost has become more manageable compared to before, thanks to the rise in the amount of these resources you can transport. Regrettably, exchanging 10 Prisms for one Shard remains quite pricey, particularly if you don’t already have an abundance of supplies. If all you begin with are Enhancement Cores, you’ll have to trade a hundred of them to get ten Prisms, which can then be traded for just one Shard.

Rewarded from Nightfall on Master difficulty

In order to obtain an Ascendant Shard, it must be from the Master difficulty version of Nightfall, not any regular one. This task is typically at the highest Power level and will include various kinds of Destiny 2 Champions. Given its high degree of difficulty, be sure you’re well-prepared for a tough battle. It’s important to note that even after completing it, there’s only a slim chance an Ascendant Shard will drop. However, mastering the Master Nightfall, particularly with a solid build and skilled team, can now be achieved more easily than before.

Grandmaster Nightfalls

In summary, you can acquire Ascendant Shards from the Grandmaster Nightfall as well. These shards are a common reward for this endgame PVE activity, but it’s important to note that it has a high threshold to access. To participate, make sure your character is at the highest Power level possible. Gathering an excellent team is also crucial for clearing this challenge, and if you manage to complete it swiftly, you’ll boost your collection of Ascendant Shards promptly. For more information on when the next Grandmaster Nightfall will be available, check out our schedule.

Regardless of the season, Guardian Masters (GMs) remain the optimal method for farming Ascendant Shards in Destiny 2, despite their challenging nature. During the Season of Wish, The Coil provided an excellent source for this material, along with many others. However, since The Coil is not a permanent feature, it won’t be relevant in a year. When a new season or episode launches, pay close attention to the seasonal activity because it may become the most effective way to obtain Ascendant Shards (as well as Cores, Prisms, and Alloys).

Obtaining Ascendant Shards in Destiny 2 is not a quick process. These shards are high-tier upgrade materials required to bring an armor piece to its highest energy level, so be prepared to dedicate considerable time to gathering them. As you farm for more of these valuable resources, don’t forget to consult the Destiny 2 guide for additional tips and strategies that might help make your journey smoother.

2025-05-23 01:58