The Desert Perpetual Raid is the flagship raid of the Edge of Fate expansion and the very first one in Destiny 2’s Fate Saga. Set in a forgotten region twisted by Vex paradoxes and the Nine, the raid offers a brand new raid system. With unique loot, including new powerful Exotics and Legendary weapons, this is a raid worth learning inside and out.
4.9The Desert Perpetual Overview
The Desert Perpetual is a breath of fresh air after years in the regular raid system in Destiny 2. What makes this raid unique? You get to choose the order of the first three encounters — this non-linear design shakes things up and lets seasoned raiders pick strategies that fit their squad.
Bungie announced that the Guardians should be at 100 Power Level, which you can achieve by completing the Edge of Fate Campaign. But, for the first 48 hours, Contest Mode locks everyone at Power 140 and disables certain weapons and mods for a fair World First race. After the first clear, Normal Mode unlocks for everyone.
In total, we have 3 encounters and the final boss:
- Agraios, Inherent
- Iatros, Inward-Turned
- Epoptes, Lord of Quanta
- Final Encounter
With all the jump puzzles, new mechanics, and tons of mobs, it might be difficult to progress through the raid. But we can help you with any encounter, and especially with The Desert Perpetual Last Boss to get the chance to unlock the new Exotic Rocket Launcher.
The Desert Perpetual Release Date
The Desert Perpetual drops on July 19, 2025, at 10 AM PT.
- World First Race starts at 10 AM PT on July 19, ending July 21 at 9:59 AM PT.
- During this period, players are capped at Power 140 (100 Power Level at least).
- Disabled gear includes: Outbreak Perfected, Third Iteration, Choir of One, Ice Breaker, Collective Psyche armor set bonuses, and Distribution mod.
- After that, Normal Mode opens for all with full gear access.
- Requires The Edge of Fate DLC.
The Desert Perpetual Loot Table
The Desert Perpetual offers various rewards, including one new Exotic weapon, Legendary weapons, an exclusive Armor set for each class, Exotic item, and a Catalyst. You’ll also score exclusive emblems: one for completing all encounters in Contest Mode, another available to all on clear.
The Desert Perpetual Weapon Loot Table
In total, there are 6 Legendary weapons and one Strand Exotic — Whirling Ovation Exotic Rocket Launcher. Each weapon corresponds to an encounter.
| Weapon | Type | Ammo | Element | Source | Craftable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whirling Ovation | Exotic Rocket Launcher |  Heavy |  Strand | The Desert Perpetual |  No |
| Antedate | SMG |  Primary |  Arc | The Desert Perpetual | No |
| Finite Maybe | Fusion Rifle |  Special |  Solar | The Desert Perpetual | No |
| Intercalary | Auto Rifle | Primary |  Stasis | The Desert Perpetual | No |
| Lance Ephemeral | Sniper Rifle | Special | Strand | The Desert Perpetual | No |
| Opaque Hourglass | Combat Bow | Heavy | Arc | The Desert Perpetual | No |
| The When and Where | Rocket Launcher | Heavy | Stasis | The Desert Perpetual | No |
All weapons carry the Frame of Reference Origin Trait:
Final blows with this weapon temporarily grant increased damage, reload speed, and range. This effect is frozen in time while the weapon is stowed.
The Desert Perpetual Armor Loot Table
Each class gets a themed Collective Psyche Armor set with the following bonuses:
- 2-piece bonus: Ammo brick pickup increases swap and stow speed until death.
- 4-piece bonus: Effects like suspend, unraveled, and sever applied to enemies last longer. Radiant and restoration boosts last longer.
How to Prepare for The Desert Perpetual
Requirements
- Complete the Edge of Fate campaign (needed for final raid unlock).
- Reach Power 100 for Contest Mode, Power 140+ for a smooth run.
- Squad needs strong synergy and balanced roles.
Build Suggestions
- Subclass loadouts: Radiant Titan with Banner of War, Warlock Well, or Void stealth combo.
- Key weapons: Bring a mix to cover shield types; portables like Strand rocket, Stasis or Solar fusion.
- Mods: Elemental weapon mod, anti-barrier perks, and heavy/lower load perks serve well.
We will update these suggestions as we progress through the raid.
The Desert Perpetual Walkthrough
How to Access The Desert Perpetual Raid
- Load into Desert Perpetual via the map.
- Clear minor adds and head to the purple tilted tower.
- Ride the elevator to see four glowing platforms—three unlocked, one locked.
- Select any unlocked node—the orbs point your way.
Agraios, Inherent
Working on it…
Iatros, Inward-Turned
Working on it…
Epoptes, Lord of Quanta
Working on it…
Final Encounter
Working on it…
The Desert Perpetual Secret Chest Locations
We hope that there will be two hidden chests in The Desert Perpetual Raid. As we know, both contain shaders, transmog effects, and crafting materials.
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