Guardians, prepare to embark on an epic journey through one of Destiny 2's most intriguing exotic quests. The "Darkness in the Light" mission not only offers a thrilling adventure but also rewards you with the formidable Malfeasance hand cannon. In this comprehensive guide, we'll illuminate every step of this shadowy path, equipping you with the knowledge to conquer the challenge and claim your prize.
Understanding the Darkness in the Light Quest
The "Darkness in the Light" is an exotic side quest in Destiny 2 that becomes available after you've unlocked Gambit and completed the game's prologue missions. This quest is a testament to Bungie's evolving narrative design, blending gameplay mechanics with deep lore implications. While obtaining the quest is relatively straightforward, completing it is where the real challenge lies. Your ultimate reward? The exotic hand cannon Malfeasance, a weapon that, while sometimes overshadowed by its flashier cousins, packs a unique punch that can turn the tide of both PvE and PvP encounters.
The Allure of Malfeasance
Malfeasance isn't just another pretty gun in your arsenal. Its defining feature is the Explosive Shadow perk, which makes every fifth hit on the same target detonate in a burst of Taken energy. This mechanic creates a fascinating dynamic in combat, rewarding precision and persistence with devastating results. According to data from Destiny Tracker, Malfeasance has seen a steady increase in usage rates, particularly in Gambit and certain raid encounters, demonstrating its growing popularity among seasoned players.
Quest Steps: Illuminating the Path
Step 1: The Seething Heart
To begin your journey, head to the Drifter's hangout in the Tower's Annex. The Drifter, voiced by the talented Todd Haberkorn, will kick off your quest with some cryptic dialogue about the nature of Light and Dark. This interaction sets the tone for the quest, hinting at the moral ambiguity that permeates the Destiny universe.
Step 2: City of Secrets
Your next task is to defeat 25 Taken mini-bosses in the Dreaming City. This step is designed to familiarize players with the Taken enemies and the intricate design of the Dreaming City location. Focus on Taken Blight public events, participate in the Blind Well activity, and explore Lost Sectors. The Chamber of Starlight Lost Sector is particularly efficient, containing multiple mini-bosses that respawn quickly. This step also serves to integrate the quest with the broader Forsaken expansion storyline, tying Malfeasance to the Taken threat.
Step 3: The Corrupted
This step requires you to complete a special version of The Corrupted strike. This modified strike is more challenging than the regular version, featuring higher-level enemies and additional mechanics. During the strike, you'll need to find Callum's grave near the end and pick up the depleted weapon core. This artifact is crucial to the lore of Malfeasance, connecting it to the story of the Dredgens and the Shadow of Yor. The increased difficulty of this step reflects Bungie's design philosophy of making exotic quests feel truly special and rewarding.
Step 4: Depleted Weapon Core
After obtaining the depleted weapon core, return to the Drifter in the Tower. This intermediary step serves as a narrative checkpoint, allowing the Drifter to examine the core and provide more context for your quest. It's a clever use of environmental storytelling, as the Drifter's reactions and dialogue offer insights into the weapon's origins and significance.
Step 5: Business as Usual
This step requires you to deposit 400 Motes in Gambit and win 10 Gambit matches. It's a significant time investment, designed to ensure that only dedicated players obtain Malfeasance. According to Bungie's player engagement data, this step typically takes players between 15-20 Gambit matches to complete. Focus on playing Gambit efficiently: collect motes quickly, bank often to avoid losing them to invaders, and coordinate with your team. This step not only tests your Gambit skills but also your ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Step 6: Lights Out
For this step, you must either defeat 25 enemy Guardians as an invader in Gambit or defeat 4 enemy Guardians in a single invasion 3 times. This is arguably the most challenging part of the quest, designed to test your PvP skills in the unique context of Gambit. If you're confident in your abilities, go for the 25 Guardian defeats. For the 4 Guardian defeats in one invasion, timing is crucial. Wait for the enemy team to have a lot of motes, then invade with a super or heavy weapon ready. Weapons like Truth, Eyes of Tomorrow, or Xenophage are exceptionally effective for invasions. Consider using tracking mods to locate enemies quickly.
Step 7: Dark Weapon Core
The final step requires you to return to the Drifter one last time. This concluding interaction serves as a narrative bookend, with the Drifter acknowledging your accomplishments and rewarding you with your very own Malfeasance. It's a satisfying conclusion to a challenging quest, reinforcing the connection between gameplay achievement and narrative progression.
Mastering Malfeasance: Beyond the Quest
Now that you've earned Malfeasance, it's time to understand how to wield it effectively. Malfeasance's Explosive Shadow perk makes it particularly effective against targets with large health pools. In PvE, it excels against bosses and powerful enemies. In PvP, it can surprise opponents who think they've escaped with low health.
Malfeasance shines in Gambit, dealing extra damage against Taken and invaders. In raids, while not always the top DPS choice, it's reliable against bosses with long damage phases. In the Crucible, skilled players can use it as a consistent performer, especially in team-shot scenarios.
To maximize Malfeasance's potential, pair it with armor mods that enhance hand cannon targeting and reload speed. Warlocks can consider using it with Necrotic Grips to add a poison effect to shots. In PvE, combine it with abilities or weapons that weaken enemies to maximize the explosion damage.
The Lore Behind the Light
The "Darkness in the Light" quest is deeply rooted in Destiny lore. Malfeasance is tied to the story of Dredgen Yor, a Guardian corrupted by Darkness, and Shin Malphur, the legendary "Man with the Golden Gun." This narrative thread explores the fine line Guardians walk between Light and Dark, a theme that's become increasingly central to Destiny 2's overarching story.
By wielding Malfeasance, players aren't just using a powerful weapon; they're carrying a piece of that complex history. The quest itself serves as a microcosm of the larger Destiny experience, blending challenging gameplay with rich storytelling.
Conclusion: Embracing the Shadow
The "Darkness in the Light" quest is more than just a means to acquire a new exotic. It's a journey that tests your skills across various aspects of Destiny 2, from precision shooting to strategic teamplay in Gambit. Malfeasance itself serves as a testament to your ability to walk the line between Light and Dark, much like the Drifter himself.
Whether you're a dedicated collector, a lore enthusiast, or simply looking for a new tool in your Guardian arsenal, completing this quest is a rewarding experience. Malfeasance may not always be the flashiest option, but in the right hands and situations, it's a formidable weapon that can turn the tide of battle.
As Destiny 2 continues to evolve, quests like "Darkness in the Light" showcase Bungie's commitment to creating engaging, multi-faceted content that appeals to various player types. The blend of challenging gameplay, intricate lore, and unique rewards exemplifies the depth that keeps millions of Guardians coming back to the Destiny universe.
So, Guardian, are you ready to embrace the Darkness in the Light? Your journey awaits, and Malfeasance stands ready to become a true ally in your adventures across the solar system. Good luck, and may your aim be true!
