Embark on an extraordinary adventure and conquer the enigmatic Cortana’s Raid in Destiny 2. This formidable challenge requires astute planning, teamwork, and unwavering determination. As you navigate through treacherous landscapes and vanquish formidable foes, discover the profound secrets that lie at the heart of Cortana’s stronghold. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey that will test your limits and forge unbreakable bonds among your comrades.
To initiate Cortana’s Raid, gather your most trusted allies, each possessing unique skills and an unwavering spirit. Venture into the sprawling depths of the Leviathan, an ancient and enigmatic spacefaring vessel. Within its labyrinthine corridors, you will encounter a symphony of enemies, from cunning Psions and agile Cabal to the formidable Vex gateways capable of transporting foes across realms. Overcome these obstacles with precise coordination and unwavering resolve.
As you progress through the raid’s intricate chambers, unravel the enigmatic narrative that weaves through its enigmatic environments. Decode cryptic symbols, solve perplexing puzzles, and overcome cunning traps designed to test your wits as much as your combat prowess. Along the way, forge alliances with unexpected allies and confront adversaries who will challenge your very existence. Each encounter within Cortana’s Raid is a crucible that will refine your skills and forge an unbreakable bond among your fireteam. Embrace the challenge, Guardians, and conquer the ultimate test that Destiny 2 has to offer.
Preparing for the Hunt
Embarking on Cortana’s Raid requires meticulous preparation to ensure a successful expedition. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for this formidable challenge:
Gather a Skilled Fireteam
Assemble a team of highly skilled Guardians with diverse specialties. Each member should possess adept combat abilities and a deep understanding of their class roles. Consider the following:
- Hunters: Provide agility and ranged precision.
- Titans: Offer unwavering defense and area control.
- Warlocks: Empower allies with support abilities and potent damage.
Acquire Exceptional Gear
Equip your fireteam with the most formidable gear available. This includes high-level weapons, armor with enhanced perks, and artifacts that complement your class abilities. Focus on procuring gear with the following attributes:
| Attribute | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Power Level | Determines the overall strength of your gear. Aim for the highest possible power level. |
| Weapon Perks | Enhance the capabilities of your weapons with perks that boost damage, stability, or handling. |
| Armor Perks | Provide defensive bonuses, increase mobility, or offer other combat advantages. |
| Artifact Mods | Customizable modifications that further enhance the abilities of your gear. |
Master Raid Mechanics
Familiarize yourself with the unique mechanics of Cortana’s Raid. Study the boss encounters, environmental hazards, and puzzle-solving sequences. This knowledge will prove invaluable during the raid and increase your chances of success.
Understanding the Raid Mechanics
Cortana’s Raid is a challenging activity that requires a well-coordinated team of six players. To successfully complete the raid, players must understand the mechanics of the various encounters they will face.
Boss Phase 1: The Spire
The first phase of the raid takes place in a large open area with a central spire. Players must defeat a number of waves of enemies while avoiding being knocked off the platform by AoE attacks. Once all the enemies have been defeated, the spire will become vulnerable and players must destroy it to progress to the next phase.
To destroy the spire, players must first activate three generators that are located around the platform. Once the generators are activated, players must stand in the center of the spire and fire their weapons at the core. After a short period of time, the spire will explode and players will progress to the next phase of the raid.
Boss Phase 2: The Forge
The second phase of the raid takes place in a large forge area. Players must defeat a number of waves of enemies while avoiding being overwhelmed by AoE attacks. Once all the enemies have been defeated, a large forge will become active in the center of the room. Players must stand on the plates around the forge and fire their weapons at the core. After a short period of time, the forge will explode and players will progress to the next phase of the raid.
Boss Phase 3: Cortana
The final phase of the raid takes place in a large hexagonal room. Players must defeat a number of waves of enemies while avoiding being overwhelmed by AoE attacks. Once all the enemies have been defeated, Cortana will appear in the center of the room. Players must defeat Cortana to complete the raid.
Cortana has a number of powerful attacks that players must be aware of. She can summon adds, launch AoE attacks, and even teleport around the room. Players must be constantly moving and communicating to avoid being overwhelmed by her attacks.
Assembling Your Fireteam
The next step is assembling your fireteam. You’ll need a team of six players, each with a unique set of skills and abilities. The ideal fireteam composition includes:
- A tank: A player who can absorb damage and protect the fireteam.
- A healer: A player who can restore the fireteam’s health.
- Three damage dealers: Players who can deal a lot of damage to the boss. These players should have a variety of weapons and abilities to cover different situations.
Choosing the Right Damage Dealers
The damage dealers in your fireteam play a crucial role in defeating the boss. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your damage dealers:
- Weapon choice: Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses. Make sure your damage dealers have a variety of weapons to cover different situations.
- Ability synergy: Some abilities can synergize well with each other. For example, a player with the “Melting Point” ability can increase the damage dealt by other players.
- Experience and skill: The best damage dealers are those who are skilled and experienced in the raid. Look for players who have a good understanding of the raid mechanics and who are able to execute their roles effectively.
- Energy Shield: Cortana can create a shield that absorbs damage and makes her immune to attacks.
- Energy Blast: Cortana can fire a powerful energy blast that deals massive damage to players.
- Teleport: Cortana can teleport around the arena, making it difficult to track her movements.
- Mind Control: Cortana can mind control players, causing them to attack their teammates.
- Hack: Cortana can hack into players’ systems, disabling their abilities.
- Focus on destroying the energy shield first. This will make Cortana vulnerable to damage.
- Avoid standing in front of Cortana when she is firing her energy blast.
- Be aware of Cortana’s teleport ability and be prepared to adjust your position accordingly.
- If you are mind controlled, try to break free as quickly as possible.
- If Cortana hacks your system, try to repair it as quickly as possible.
- Reach Power Level 1000 or higher.
- Complete the Shadowkeep campaign.
- Talk to Eris Morn on the Moon.
- Select the “Start Raid” option from the menu.
By following these tips, you can assemble a fireteam that is well-equipped to defeat Cortana’s raid.
Role Suggested Subclass Tank Defender Titan, Sentinel Titan Healer Sunsinger Warlock, Dawnblade Warlock Damage Dealer Gunslinger Hunter, Bladedancer Hunter, Striker Titan, Sunbreaker Titan Choosing Effective Weapons and Gear
Weapon Selection
Cortana’s Raid requires precision and firepower. Consider weapons with high accuracy, range, and damage output. Sniper rifles like the Black Widow or Arc Gun are excellent choices. Assault rifles with high stability, such as the Typhoon or Mattock, provide versatility in close-to-mid-range combat.
Gear Optimization
Enhance your performance with appropriate gear. Equipping Med Kits or Omni-Gel provides crucial healing capabilities. Damage-boosting gear, like the Explosive Rounds Enhancement, increases weapon damage. Mobility upgrades, such as the Jump Jets, facilitate rapid movement and evasion.
Armor and Shields
Choose armor that balances defense and mobility. The Krogan Engineer’s Juggernaut suit offers exceptional defense while sacrificing some speed. Alternatively, the Drell Agent’s Kitana armor provides a balance between protection and agility.
Armor Advantages Disadvantages Juggernaut High defense, shock resistance Reduced mobility Kitana Balanced protection, mobility Lower defense than Juggernaut Shields enhance your defenses. The Barrier is versatile and recharges automatically. The Geth Shield Boost provides a powerful temporary shield but has a cooldown period. Choose the shield that suits your playstyle and the specific challenges of the Raid.
Navigating the Boss Arena
Cortana’s Raid boss arena is a vast and intricate space that can be overwhelming at first. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the arena and maximize your chances of success:
Platforms and Bridges
The arena is divided into several platforms and bridges that provide strategic vantage points. Use the platforms to dodge incoming attacks, gain height advantage, or isolate specific enemies. The bridges connect the platforms, allowing you to move quickly and flank your opponents.
Cover Points
Throughout the arena, there are numerous cover points that can protect you from enemy fire. These cover points include pillars, walls, and barricades. Stay behind cover as much as possible to minimize damage and ensure your survival.
Environmental Hazards
Beware of environmental hazards that can interfere with your progress. These hazards include electrical traps, explosive barrels, and toxic gas. Avoid touching or standing near these hazards to prevent being injured.
Objectives and Spawn Points
During the raid, you’ll need to complete specific objectives, such as capturing points or defeating certain enemies. The objectives will be marked on the minimap. Enemy spawn points are also indicated on the minimap. Use this information to plan your attacks and anticipate enemy movements.
Element Description Platforms Strategic vantage points to dodge attacks, gain height advantage, or isolate enemies Bridges Connect platforms, allowing for quick movement and flanking Cover Points Pillars, walls, and barricades that provide protection from enemy fire Environmental Hazards Electrical traps, explosive barrels, and toxic gas that can injure players Objectives & Spawn Points Marked on minimap, indicating objectives to complete and enemy spawn locations Strategies for Defeating Cortana
Be Prepared
Make sure to level up your heroes, as you’ll need all the power you can get. Additionally, equip your heroes with the best gear available to boost their stats. Finally, bring along a few healing potions and other consumables to help you stay alive during the fight.
Take Out Her Minions
Cortana will summon several waves of minions during the fight. These minions are relatively weak, but they can still do some damage if you’re not careful. Quickly take them out with your AOE attacks to focus on Cortana itself.
Interrupt Her Abilities
Cortana has several powerful abilities that can easily wipe out your team if you’re not careful. However, many of these abilities can be interrupted. Pay attention to Cortana’s casting animations and use your own interrupts to stop her from using them.
Stay Mobile
Cortana will often use AOE attacks that can damage your team if they’re too close together. As such, it’s important to stay mobile and spread out throughout the arena. This will make it harder for Cortana to hit your entire team with her abilities.
Focus on the Orb
During the final phase of the fight, Cortana will summon an orb that she will use to charge up a powerful attack. You must destroy the orb before it reaches full charge or it will wipe out your entire team. Focus your attacks on the orb and take it down as quickly as possible.
Watch Out for Her Teleports
Cortana has the ability to teleport around the arena. This can make it difficult to keep track of her and interrupt her abilities. Be sure to keep an eye on her and be ready to move if she teleports near you.
Hard Mode Tips
The Hard Mode version of the Cortana raid is significantly more difficult than the normal version. Here are a few additional tips to help you clear it:
Tip Description Bring a strong tank A strong tank will be able to absorb much of Cortana’s damage and keep your team alive. Use crowd control abilities Crowd control abilities can be very effective against Cortana’s minions. Use them to keep the minions under control and focus on Cortana itself. Be aware of your surroundings Cortana will often use environmental hazards to her advantage. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid these hazards as much as possible. Overcoming the Final Challenge
The seventh and final challenge in Cortana’s Raid is the most formidable yet. To overcome it, you will need to coordinate with your team to execute a flawless strategy.
Boss Mechanics
The final boss of Cortana’s Raid is a powerful AI known as Cortana. She has a variety of abilities at her disposal, including:
Strategy
To defeat Cortana, you will need to coordinate with your team to execute a flawless strategy. Here are some tips:
Boss Mechanic How to Counter Energy Shield Focus on destroying the shield first. Energy Blast Avoid standing in front of Cortana when she is firing her energy blast. Teleport Be aware of Cortana’s teleport ability and be prepared to adjust your position accordingly. Mind Control If you are mind controlled, try to break free as quickly as possible. Hack If Cortana hacks your system, try to repair it as quickly as possible. Managing Respawns and Revives
Respawns
In Cortana’s Raid, killed players will respawn at their last active checkpoint.
However, it’s crucial to avoid dying repeatedly, as each respawn increases the cooldown timer.
To minimize respawns, communicate with your team, stay aware of your surroundings, and cover each other in combat.Revives
If a player is downed but not killed, teammates can revive them. Revives are essential for keeping your team in the fight, but they take time and leave you vulnerable.
Therefore, prioritize reviving players who are in safe positions and have access to cover.Cooldown Timer
After a player is revived, they will receive a cooldown timer before they can be revived again.
The cooldown timer varies depending on the player’s level and mods.
During this period, downed players will need to be protected by their teammates until they can be revived again.Revive Times Table
Level Cooldown Timer 1-10 10 seconds 11-20 15 seconds 21-30 20 seconds 31-40 25 seconds 41+ 30 seconds Optimizing Communication and Coordination
Effective communication and coordination are paramount for a successful Cortana’s Raid encounter. Here are some strategies to enhance these aspects:
Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities
Assign specific roles to each team member, such as tank, healer, and DPS. This ensures everyone knows their tasks and can focus on their execution.
Utilize Voice Chat
Communication is vital during intense encounters. Use a voice chat platform like Discord to enable real-time coordination and strategizing.
Set Up Keybinds
Create custom keybinds for communication and abilities to improve response times and avoid fumbling during combat.
Use Markers
Assign markers to enemies and locations to provide visual cues and simplify communication.
Monitor Team Performance
Encourage team members to frequently check their performance metrics and provide constructive feedback to identify areas for improvement.
Plan Ahead
Before entering the raid, discuss strategies, assign rotations, and plan for potential contingencies.
Stay Flexible
Things don’t always go according to plan. Be prepared to adapt and adjust tactics on the fly.
Pause for Reflection
After each encounter, take time to review performance, identify mistakes, and discuss improvements for the next attempt.
Use Raid Communication Add-Ons
Consider utilizing raid communication add-ons like BigWigs or WeakAuras, which provide in-game alerts and timers to enhance coordination during key events.
Role Responsibilities Tank Hold aggro, mitigate damage, and position enemies Healer Restore health and manage group buffs and debuffs DPS Maximize damage output while staying mobile and avoiding mechanics Mastering the Raid Challenges
1. Penetrator
This challenge requires you to defeat 4 enemies simultaneously with a single charged ability. Consider using grenades or super attacks that can hit multiple targets, such as Nova Bomb or Golden Gun.
2. Investigator
To complete this challenge, you must scan 50 enemies. Use your Ghost frequently to scan all visible enemies, even if they’re not hostile.
3. Jackal
This challenge requires you to eliminate 10 Jackals using precision weapons. Aim for the Jackal’s eye or power core for critical hits.
4. Slayer
To become a Slayer, you must kill 100 enemies. Focus on using high-damage weapons and abilities to quickly dispatch enemies.
5. Hunter
This challenge requires you to kill 5 Hunters. Use a shotgun or heavy weapon to deal significant damage to their vulnerable areas, such as the back or chest.
6. Lancer
To master this challenge, you must kill 20 Knights using a sword. Equip a sword with high damage and lunge distance to maximize efficiency.
7. Obliterator
This challenge requires you to defeat 20 enemies using a power weapon. Use a rocket launcher, grenade launcher, or heavy machine gun to deal massive damage.
8. Pathfinder
To become a Pathfinder, you must capture 10 control points. Coordinate with your team to secure and hold control points throughout the map.
9. Ravager
This challenge requires you to kill 30 enemies with melee attacks. Use melee abilities, charge attacks, or the slide melee to quickly dispatch enemies in close quarters.
10. Sharpshooter
To master this challenge, you must kill 100 enemies using a sniper rifle. Aim for critical hit spots, such as the head or upper torso, to maximize damage and conserve ammo.
Subtopic Objective Penetrator Defeat 4 enemies simultaneously with a single charged ability Investigator Scan 50 enemies Jackal Eliminate 10 Jackals using precision weapons Slayer Kill 100 enemies Hunter Kill 5 Hunters Lancer Kill 20 Knights using a sword Obliterator Defeat 20 enemies using a power weapon Pathfinder Capture 10 control points Ravager Kill 30 enemies with melee attacks Sharpshooter Kill 100 enemies using a sniper rifle How to Start Cortana’s Raid
Cortana’s Raid is an activity in Destiny 2 that can be started by completing the following steps:
Once you have started the raid, you will be matched with five other players. You will then need to work together to defeat the various enemies and bosses in the raid. Cortana’s Raid is a challenging activity, but it is also very rewarding. Completing the raid will earn you powerful gear and weapons.
People Also Ask
How long does it take to complete Cortana’s Raid?
The length of time it takes to complete Cortana’s Raid will vary depending on the skill level of your group. However, most groups can expect to spend between two and three hours on the raid.
What is the recommended Power Level for Cortana’s Raid?
The recommended Power Level for Cortana’s Raid is 1000. However, you can still complete the raid if you are slightly below this level. If you are significantly below the recommended Power Level, you may want to wait until you have leveled up a bit more before attempting the raid.
What are the rewards for completing Cortana’s Raid?
Completing Cortana’s Raid will earn you powerful gear and weapons. The specific rewards you receive will vary depending on the difficulty level of the raid. On the easiest difficulty level, you will receive Pinnacle gear. On the hardest difficulty level, you will receive Raid Exotics.
