The Chase: Confronting Calus, Disciple of the Witness
The Chase is a pivotal mission in Destiny 2's Lightfall campaign, culminating in a confrontation with Calus, the Disciple of the Witness. This encounter tests your combat prowess, your understanding of the new Strand subclass, and your ability to adapt to Calus's formidable arsenal of attacks. Success requires a well-coordinated strategy and a keen eye for his attack patterns.
The mission begins with you pursuing Calus through the Neomuna cityscape, utilizing your grappling hook and Strand abilities to navigate the environment. You'll face waves of Shadow Legion forces, including elite units and formidable Tormentors. As you close in on Calus, the environment becomes increasingly hostile, with energy fields and environmental hazards designed to impede your progress. The final arena is a large, open space where Calus unleashes his full power.
Calus's Attack Patterns and Phases
Calus's fight is divided into distinct phases, each introducing new challenges and attack patterns. He utilizes a combination of powerful melee attacks, ranged energy blasts, and area-of-effect abilities. Pay close attention to his visual cues and audio prompts, as these often signal an incoming attack.
- Phase 1: Initial Assault
- Calus will primarily use his Shadowshot ability, firing volleys of seeking projectiles. These can be dodged or destroyed with well-aimed shots.
- He also employs a devastating melee sweep that covers a wide arc. Jumping or strafing to the side is crucial to avoid this.
- Periodically, he will summon smaller Cabal units to support him. Prioritize eliminating these adds to reduce incoming damage.
- Phase 2: Empowered Attacks
- Calus gains access to his Witness-infused abilities. He will begin to channel a powerful beam attack that tracks you. Find cover or use your mobility to evade it.
- He may also summon a large, stationary energy field that deals damage over time to anyone caught within it. Avoid these zones.
- During this phase, Calus will periodically become immune to damage, summoning more powerful enemies. You must defeat these enemies to break his shield and make him vulnerable again.
- Phase 3: Final Stand
- Calus becomes more aggressive, chaining his attacks more rapidly. His beam attack becomes more potent, and he may unleash a barrage of smaller, faster projectiles.
- He will continue to summon adds, making it a constant battle to manage both the boss and his minions.
- Focus fire on Calus when he is vulnerable. Utilize your Super abilities and heavy ammo strategically during these damage windows.
Recommended Loadouts and Strategies
- Strand Subclass: Utilizing the Strand subclass is highly recommended. The Threadlings and Grapple abilities can provide excellent mobility for evading attacks and closing the distance for damage. The Suspend ability can be used to temporarily disable Calus or his adds.
- Weapon Choices:
- Primary: A reliable auto rifle or pulse rifle for dealing with adds and consistent damage.
- Special: Fusion rifles or shotguns are excellent for burst damage when Calus is vulnerable. Linear Fusion Rifles can also be effective from a distance.
- Heavy: Rocket launchers with tracking or cluster bombs, or machine guns with high sustained damage, are ideal for maximizing damage during his vulnerable phases. Consider exotic heavy weapons like Gjallarhorn or Thunderlord.
- Armor Exotic: Exotics that enhance survivability (e.g., Phoenix Protocol for Warlocks, Ursa Furiosa for Titans) or ability regeneration (e.g., Ophidia Spathe for Hunters) can be very beneficial.
- Team Coordination: If playing in a fireteam, designate roles. One player can focus on add clear, while others focus on boss damage. Communicate Calus's attack patterns and when he becomes vulnerable.
The Chase is a challenging but rewarding encounter. By understanding Calus's mechanics and employing a solid strategy, you can overcome the Disciple of the Witness and progress through the Lightfall campaign.