New Destiny 2 Epic Raid The Desert Perpetual Now Open In Standard Format

Destiny 2’s epic raid, The Desert Perpetual, launched this past weekend on September 27. It brings tougher mechanics and enhanced loot. Players of the free-to-play shooter who take on these challenges will have the chance to earn new Legendary weapons, upgraded armor sets, and progress through a special quest that unlocks raid vendor attunement. There’s also the Exotic Strand Rocket Launcher — Whirling Ovation, which comes with its own catalyst obtainable through the epic raid questline.

There was a 48-hour Contest Mode with launch, too, limiting players’ Power level while increasing enemy difficulty. This made every encounter more punishing, but also more rewarding. During Contest Mode, first-time clears of each encounter dropped Tier 5 gear, and full clears granted the Exotic weapon, its catalyst, and an exclusive emblem. 

Now that Contest Mode has ended, though, the epic raid will open in its standard format, making it more accessible while still offering the new loot pool. Through Bungie Rewards, however, players who clear the epic raid before December 5, 2025, at 9:59 AM (PT) will unlock the option to purchase the exclusive Desert Perpetual Epic Raid Ring.