Enemy Faction Guides
The 2026 Expansion introduces a host of new and returning enemy factions, each presenting unique challenges and requiring specific strategies to overcome. Understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and attack patterns of these adversaries is crucial for Guardian success, whether you're navigating the campaign's narrative, delving into endgame activities, or engaging in competitive multiplayer. This section provides a detailed overview of the prominent enemy factions you'll encounter, offering insights into their core mechanics and how to effectively counter them. Mastery of these encounters will not only ensure your survival but also unlock valuable loot and progress your Guardian's journey.
The **Taken** remain a persistent threat, known for their ability to warp reality and employ deceptive tactics. Their signature ability is the creation of **Taken Blights**, which create damaging fields that must be destroyed to weaken the Taken forces. Elite units like the Taken Captain can teleport and unleash devastating Void blasts, while the Taken Hobgoblin fires homing projectiles that can quickly overwhelm unprepared Guardians. To effectively combat the Taken, prioritize destroying the Taken Blights as soon as they appear. Weapons with high burst damage, such as Fusion Rifles or Shotguns, are effective against their shielded units. Consider using abilities that can cleanse debuffs, as Taken attacks often inflict negative status effects. For example, a Voidwalker's Suppressor Grenade can disrupt their teleportation abilities, while a Hunter's Dodge can cleanse debuffs. Pay close attention to the visual cues of their attacks, as many of their abilities have distinct tells before they are unleashed.
The **Hive** return with their ancient rituals and relentless swarm tactics. Their forces are led by powerful Ogres, lumbering brutes that unleash devastating eye beams, and Wizards, who hurl potent Solar and Arc projectiles from a distance. The Thrall, the most common unit, attack in overwhelming numbers, and their melee attacks can quickly deplete a Guardian's health. A key strategy against the Hive is to manage their numbers effectively. Area-of-effect abilities and weapons, such as the Dawnblade's Well of Radiance or a grenade launcher, are excellent for clearing out large groups of Thrall. Focus fire on the higher-priority targets like Wizards and Ogres to reduce incoming damage. Solar-based weapons and abilities are particularly effective against the Hive, as many of their units have a weakness to Solar damage. Consider using perks like Incandescent on your weapons to create scorch effects that can ite groups of Hive. Be mindful of the Hive's cursed thralls, which explode upon death, and try to eliminate them from a safe distance.
The **Fallen** are cunning and adaptable adversaries, known for their speed and use of shock weapons. Elite units like the Fallen Captains wield Arc-infused weaponry and can deploy Arc shields that must be broken to expose them to damage. The Fallen Vandals are agile skirmishers armed with rapid-fire rifles, while the Servitors act as mobile support units, providing shields and healing to nearby Fallen. To counter the Fallen, prioritize breaking their Arc shields quickly. Weapons with Arc damage or abilities that can disrupt shields, such as a Titan's Shield Bash, are highly effective. The Fallen's speed can make them difficult to hit, so weapons with good tracking or area-of-effect capabilities are beneficial. Consider using abilities that can slow or stun them, such as a Voidwalker's Suppressor Grenade, to create openings for attack. When facing Servitors, focus on eliminating them quickly to prevent them from supporting their allies. Their large size makes them relatively easy targets for heavy weapons or Super abilities.