Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge Guide 2025: Locations, Rewards & Weekly Guide

If you’ve been grinding Destiny 2 lately, chances are you’ve heard whispers about the elusive Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge—a mysterious portal event tucked away in the Dreaming City that offers a mix of thrilling combat, challenging puzzles, and rich lore. Whether you’re chasing Powerful Gear, hunting Corrupted Eggs, or just want to check off your weekly objectives, this activity is one you don’t want to miss.

Originally introduced during the Forsaken expansion, the Dreaming City remains one of Destiny 2’s most unique and mystical destinations. Each week, a new Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge rotation appears, giving Guardians a limited-time opportunity to enter a hidden realm via a Tincture of Queensfoil and tackle time-limited objectives.

Why Ascendant Challenges Still Matter in 2025

Even in 2025, Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenges continue to be relevant not just for the nostalgia or the amazing scenery, but for the weekly loot, Dreaming City gear, and Triumph completions. Whether you’re a returning Guardian or a veteran player, understanding how to do the Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge each week can make a big difference in your endgame grind.

This updated guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including the Ascendant Challenge this week, where to find the portal, what to expect inside, and pro tips to survive the challenge.

What is an Ascendant Challenge in Destiny 2?

At its core, a Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge is a weekly activity set within the Dreaming City, a mysterious and cursed Awoken stronghold introduced in the Forsaken expansion. These challenges open a portal to the Ascendant Plane, a shadowy dimension where time and space behave differently and where powerful enemies and puzzles await.

A Link Between Realms: Lore and Mystery

According to in-game lore, the Ascendant Plane is a realm closely tied to the Awoken and the Taken. In the lore entry “Ecdysis,” the Dreaming City is described as a “palace of secrets” where the lines between reality and magic blur. These challenges serve as trials, testing the strength of Guardians and defending the city’s deepest secrets from the encroaching Taken blight.

As Bungie puts it in one of their lore descriptions:

“The Dreaming City is awash in secrets, and the Ascendant Plane is its shadow—the echo of what has been hidden.”

How Ascendant Challenges Work

Every week, one of six Ascendant Challenges becomes active. To access it, players must first consume a Tincture of Queensfoil, a consumable item found in Dreaming City activities or purchased from Petra Venj. This grants “Ascendant” status, allowing players to see hidden portals scattered throughout the city.

Once inside the portal, you’ll face one of several challenge types, including:

• Platforming puzzles over floating ruins
• Combat trials with waves of Taken enemies
• Boss fights requiring strategic movement and timing

Each challenge has different objectives, but all share one trait: they’re time-limited and death can reset your progress, especially in solo runs.

What You Need to Get Started

• Tincture of Queensfoil: Makes portals and hidden chests visible.
• Recommended Power Level: At least 1600+ for smooth runs in 2025, especially solo.
• Weapons & Loadout: Prioritize add-clearing supers like Well of Radiance or Nightstalker and consider anti-Taken mods.
• Bounty from Petra Venj: Pick this up before entering to earn extra loot and triumph progress.

Understanding how to do the Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge isn’t just about knowing where the portal is; it’s about mastering the mechanics inside. Every week offers a new twist, so adaptability and preparation are key.

How to Access the Ascendant Challenge

If you’re wondering where the Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge is this week, you’re not alone. The challenge rotates weekly, and accessing it requires a few key steps. Follow this simple guide to get started:

Step 1: Get a Tincture of Queensfoil

To even see the Ascendant portal location, you’ll need to use a Tincture of Queensfoil. This consumable temporarily reveals hidden Ascendant Plane elements—portals, chests, and platforms.

How to get it:

• Purchase from Petra Venj in the Dreaming City
• Loot chests, complete bounties, or complete public events in the area

Once consumed, you’ll have a limited time (~10 minutes) to find and enter the portal.

Step 2: Travel to the Dreaming City

Use your Director map to fly to the Dreaming City via The Strand or Divalian Mists landing zone. Petra Venj’s location changes weekly, and her map marker can help guide you toward the current Ascendant portal location.

Step 3: Find the Weekly Ascendant Portal

Each Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge is tied to a rotating portal that appears in a different spot across the Dreaming City each week. Some common locations include:

• Bay of Drowned Wishes
• Garden of Esila
• Chamber of Starlight
• Aphelion’s Rest
• Harbinger’s Seclude
• Spine of Keres

A quick search for “Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge this week” will usually point you to the correct zone (we update that info weekly in our follow-up posts!).

Pro Tip: Use your Tincture right before entering the zone to maximize portal visibility.

Step 4: Know the Timing

Ascendant Challenges are time-gated to the weekly reset:

• Reset Time: Every Tuesday at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET
• The challenge remains the same for the week and resets with new rewards and location

Daily resets do not affect the Ascendant Challenge; it’s strictly on a weekly rotation.

Weekly Rotation & Locations (2025 Updated)

Each week in Destiny 2, one of six Ascendant Challenge locations becomes active, rotating on a fixed schedule. Knowing the exact spot saves you time and lets you jump straight into the action.

If you’re searching for where the Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge is this week, this rotation list will help you plan ahead and stay on top of weekly bounty completions and loot drops.

Here are all six challenge locations:

🕒 Updated for 2025: These rotations remain unchanged as of current updates, but for the latest schedule, check a trusted Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge Rotation Tracker or follow our weekly posts.

Pro Tip:

Keep a few Tincture of Queensfoil stocked and check Petra Venj’s location; she often stands near the portal for the current challenge. If you’re not sure where to go, just head to the right Lost Sector or map area and use your Tincture—it’ll reveal the portal entrance for you.

Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge Rewards

Completing an Ascendant Challenge isn’t just about checking off a weekly task; it’s a gateway to some of Destiny 2’s most coveted loot tied to the Dreaming City. Whether you’re grinding for Powerful Engrams, diving deeper into the lore, or completing Triumphs for your seal, this activity remains a must-do in 2025.

What You Can Earn

1. Powerful Engrams

Each completed challenge grants a Powerful Gear drop perfect for boosting your Power Level during weekly resets. If Petra Venj’s bounty is active and completed in the same run, you get an extra reward.

2. Dreaming City Gear

You’ll have a chance to earn themed weapons and armor like:

• Reverie Dawn Armor
• Tigerspite, Twilight Oath, and Vouchsafe weapons

These drops are part of the city’s unique loot pool and are required for certain Triumphs and Collections badges.

3. Lore Pages

Each challenge unlocks additional lore entries tied to The Awoken of the Reef, expanding your knowledge of Mara Sov, the curse, and the city’s secret war against the Taken.

“This is a sacred place, Guardian. The Awoken do not give such trials lightly.” – Petra Venj

4. Triumph Progress

Challenges are essential for completing the Dreaming City Seal (“Cursebreaker”). You’ll need to:

• Complete all 6 challenge variations
• Destroy Corrupted Eggs
• Locate hidden Ahamkara Bones

Pinnacle Rewards?

While Ascendant Challenges typically offer Powerful (Tier 1 or 2) rewards, they do not grant Pinnacle gear unless tied to a unique seasonal event or a limited-time modifier. Always check Petra’s bounty and seasonal modifiers for any exceptions.

How Rewards Tie Into the Curse Cycle

The Dreaming City follows a three-week curse cycle, and the Ascendant Challenge changes each week to match the city’s current state:

• Week 1 (Weak Curse): Fewer enemies, easier challenge
• Week 2 (Medium Curse): Moderate difficulty
• Week 3 (Strong Curse): Expect the most enemies and full access to key areas like the Oracle Engine.

Each week affects enemy spawns, portal aesthetics, and in some cases, additional lore interactions.

If you’re chasing that elusive Dreaming City armor glow or a triumph seal, this is the weekly ritual you don’t want to skip.

Tips to Beat the Ascendant Challenges

Even for seasoned Guardians, Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenges can catch you off guard with sudden platform drops, overwhelming waves of Taken, or a misstep in the dark. Here’s how to boost your survival odds and finish strong, no matter your class.

Class-Based Build Recommendations

Hunter

• Subclass: Nightstalker (Void) — use Moebius Quiver for heavy boss damage and go invisible to safely revive teammates.
• Mods: Utility Kickstart + Reaper
• Armor Pick: ST0MP-EE5 – helps immensely with platforming

Warlock

• Subclass: Dawnblade (Solar) with Well of Radiance for survivability
• Mods: Firepower + Elemental Ordnance for orb generation
• Armor Choice: Go with Lion Rampant for easier jumping, or Heart of Inmost Light if you want faster ability cooldowns.

Titan

• Subclass: Sentinel (Void) with Bubble or Thundercrash (Arc) for bosses
• Mods: Melee Wellmaker + Protective Light (if available)
• Armor Pick: Lion Rampant for jump assistance or Heart of Inmost Light for fast cooldowns

Best Weapons and Mods

• Primary: Pulse Rifles (e.g., Insidious) for ranged add-clear
• Special: Shotguns or Fusion Rifles for mid-range threats
• Heavy: Swords (Falling Guillotine) or Linear Fusion Rifles for boss DPS

Community Tip: “I never run these without a Sword and a Hunter with invis, it’s saved me more times than I can count.” — /u/Voidstep on Reddit

Perks That Make a Difference

• Radar Enhancers (like Radar Booster or Enhanced Radar) help in tight quarters
• Mobility Mods: Prioritize high mobility, especially if you’re a Hunter or Titan, to make platforming sections much smoother.
• Ammo Finders: Especially for Swords and Heavy weapons, as ammo is limited in these pocket realms

Bring a Fireteam

While these challenges can be soloed, it’s way easier with a coordinated fireteam, especially for:

• Resurrections during platforming mistakes
• Split boss aggro
• Faster clear times for Petra bounties

If you’re going solo, consider popping an Empowering Rift on Warlock, or invisibility rotation with Hunter to control aggro.

From experience: “Doing the Aphelion’s Rest challenge solo taught me two things: patience and how to land every jump like my life depends on it. Because it does.”

Common Issues and Fixes

Even seasoned Guardians run into snags with the Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge. Whether it’s a missing portal or a forgotten consumable, here’s how to troubleshoot the most common problems.

Can’t Find the Ascendant Portal?

If you’re running around the Dreaming City asking, “Where is the Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge this week?”, try the following:

• Check the Weekly Rotation: Make sure you’re in the correct Lost Sector or open area for the current week (see our Rotation Chart).
• Use Tincture of Queensfoil: The portal only appears when you’re in an Ascendant state. Without the buff, the portal and Ascendant platforms will be invisible.
• Look for Petra Venj: She’s often located near the portal. Her position changes weekly and is a solid clue.

If you’re still stuck, pop the Queensfoil near the area and look for shimmering black portals; they often hover just off the ground or in hard-to-see ledges.

Forgot Your Tincture of Queensfoil?

No Queensfoil = no portal access. But don’t worry, you can farm it:

How to Get Tincture of Queensfoil:

• Buy from Petra Venj for 50 Baryon Boughs
• Loot chests scattered across the Dreaming City
• Complete public events or Blind Well activities

Pro Tip: Farm Lost Sectors like Bay of Drowned Wishes quickly for chest respawns.

Encountering Bugs or Glitches?

Occasionally, Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenges bug out (e.g., portal doesn’t open, enemies don’t spawn, or Tincture wears off prematurely).

Fixes:

• Reload into Orbit and re-enter the zone
• Use a fresh Tincture before trying again
• Switch characters if the challenge is stuck

🛠 For known issues, check Bungie Help on Twitter or visit the official Bungie Support portal for real-time updates and fixes.

“Once, the portal didn’t show at all. I reloaded the area and popped a fresh Tincture, problem solved.” — from personal gameplay

Is It Worth Doing Every Week in 2025?

Short answer: Absolutely.

Whether you’re a veteran Guardian chasing seals or a new player catching up on legacy content, the Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge remains one of the most rewarding and lore-rich weekly activities.

Why It’s Still Worth Your Time

• 🎯 Powerful Engrams help push your gear level for seasonal progression
• 🎁 Unique Dreaming City weapons and armor are still relevant for builds and fashion
• 📜 Legacy Triumphs and Seals, like Cursebreaker, require consistent completion
• 🧠 Deep lore surrounding Mara Sov, the Ascendant Realm, and the Taken War

“It’s one of those few activities that still ties gameplay directly to Destiny’s narrative roots. That alone makes it worth logging in for.” — Community quote from /r/DestinyTheGame

Final Thought

Whether you’re farming rolls, knocking out Petra’s weekly bounty, or just enjoying the mystical vibe of the Ascendant Plane, this is a 10-minute activity that can net you serious rewards with long-term impact. Add it to your weekly rotation, you won’t regret it.

Conclusion

In Destiny 2, Ascendant Challenges continue to be one of the best ways to earn loot, unveil hidden lore, and complete legacy Triumphs. With its weekly rotating locations, powerful rewards, and deep connection to the Dreaming City’s story, this activity is a must-do for both longtime players and newcomers.

Whether you’re a Guardian chasing seals or just here for the loot, don’t skip it! The rewards and that satisfying sense of accomplishment make all the effort worthwhile.

Need the latest Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge location and tips? Make sure to bookmark this guide for weekly updates and always stay ahead of the game!

FAQs About Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge

Q1. Do Ascendant Challenges Rotate Weekly?

Ans. Yes! Ascendant Challenges rotate every week. Each week, the portal location, challenge type, and rewards change, giving players a fresh experience every time they log in. Keep an eye on weekly rotation schedules or our updates for the Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge location each week.

Q2. How Long Does the Ascendant Challenge Last?

Ans. The challenge typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, depending on your experience and the difficulty of the week’s challenge. However, the Tincture of Queensfoil (which is required to enter the Ascendant state) lasts for about 10 minutes, so you’ll need to complete the challenge before that timer runs out.

Q3. Can You Redo the Ascendant Challenge on Other Characters?

Ans. Yes! If you have multiple characters, you can redo the Destiny 2 Ascendant Challenge on each one. Each character can earn the weekly rewards separately, giving you additional opportunities for Powerful Engrams and Dreaming City gear.

Q4. Can I Do the Ascendant Challenge Solo?

Ans. Absolutely! While having a fireteam can make certain platforming sections and adds easier to handle, the Ascendant Challenge can be completed solo with the right loadout and strategy. Mobility, high damage output, and strategic positioning will help you get through each challenge.

Q5. Do Ascendant Challenges Always Have Powerful Gear Rewards?

Ans. For the most part, Ascendant Challenges offer Powerful gear (not Pinnacle rewards). However, depending on your seasonal activities and Petra Venj’s weekly bounty, you may be able to earn even better rewards like seasonal armor, lore, and additional Triumph completions.

Q6. Can I Earn Pinnacle Rewards from Ascendant Challenges?

Ans. Typically, Ascendant Challenges offer Powerful rewards but not Pinnacle drops, unless there’s a specific seasonal modifier. Always check Petra’s weekly bounty or the current season’s objectives for special exceptions.