The Inverted Spire: A Strike Through the Vex Labyrinth
The Inverted Spire is a foundational Strike in Destiny 2, serving as an excellent introduction to cooperative PvE content. This mission takes players deep into the heart of Nessus, a Vex-infested planet, where they must disrupt a Vex ritual and prevent the activation of a massive spire. It's a test of teamwork, enemy management, and understanding environmental mechanics.
Your fireteam will descend into the alien landscapes of Nessus, a planet transformed by the Vex. The objective is to reach the central spire and halt its construction. Along the way, you'll encounter various Vex units, including Goblins, Hobgoblins, Minotaurs, and Harpies, as well as formidable Vex Gate Lords. The Strike features distinct phases, from navigating treacherous caverns to engaging in intense firefights within Vex architecture.
Strike Objectives and Progression
The Inverted Spire follows a linear progression with several key stages:
- Descent into Nessus: Your fireteam will begin by navigating the alien terrain of Nessus, fighting off initial Vex incursions.
- The Caverns: You'll enter a network of Vex-constructed caverns. Here, you'll need to destroy Vex Confluxes to open pathways and progress deeper into the planet. Be prepared for ambushes and Vex defenses.
- The Spire's Core: The heart of the Strike involves reaching the central spire. You'll face waves of Vex, including tougher Minotaurs and Hobgoblins, as you make your way to the main objective.
- The Inverted Spire Boss: The final encounter takes place at the base of the massive, inverted spire. You'll face the Vex Mind, a powerful Vex boss that uses several attacks and summons reinforcements.
The Vex Mind: Boss Mechanics
The Vex Mind is a multi-phase boss encounter:
- Phase 1: Initial Assault
- The Vex Mind will periodically summon Vex Goblins and Hobgoblins to overwhelm your team. Prioritize clearing these adds to maintain focus on the boss.
- It will also unleash a sweeping laser attack that can be dodged by jumping or moving to cover.
- Phase 2: Shielded and Vulnerable
- The Vex Mind will become immune to damage, protected by a Vex shield. To break this shield, you must destroy specific Vex Confluxes that appear around the arena.
- Once the Confluxes are destroyed, the Vex Mind will become vulnerable to damage. This is your primary damage window.
- Phase 3: Increased Aggression
- As the fight progresses, the Vex Mind will become more aggressive. Its laser attack may become faster, and it will summon more powerful Vex units, such as Minotaurs.
- Continue to destroy the Confluxes to break its shield and deal damage during its vulnerable phases.
Recommended Loadouts and Strategies
- Weaponry:
- Primary: Auto Rifles or Pulse Rifles are excellent for dealing with the constant stream of Vex Goblins and Hobgoblins.
- Special: Fusion Rifles or Shotguns are ideal for quickly dispatching tougher Vex units like Minotaurs and for dealing burst damage to the boss when vulnerable.
- Heavy: Machine Guns or Rocket Launchers are great for clearing out large groups of enemies or for maximizing damage on the Vex Mind during its vulnerable phases.
- Subclass Abilities: use abilities that offer crowd control or burst damage. Grenades can clear groups of adds, and melee abilities can be useful for quick takedowns. Supers should be saved for the boss fight or for clearing particularly difficult waves of enemies.
- Team Coordination: Communicate with your fireteam. Designate who will focus on add clear and who will focus on destroying the Confluxes. Call out when the boss is vulnerable.
- Movement and Cover: use the environment for cover. The Vex Mind's laser attack requires precise dodging.
The Inverted Spire is a classic Destiny 2 Strike that offers a fun and engaging cooperative experience. Mastering its mechanics will prepare you for more challenging PvE content.