features a rotating set of endgame activities known as Ascendant Challenges, which take place in the mysterious Dreaming City. One of these activities is the Gardens of Esila Ascendant Challenge, a hidden encounter that players can access only under specific conditions tied to the weekly curse cycle of the Dreaming City. This challenge combines exploration, platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving within a visually distinct alternate realm known as the Ascendant Plane. For many players, completing the Gardens of Esila Ascendant Challenge is both a test of skill and a rewarding way to earn powerful loot, while also uncovering more of the game’s lore and environment.
Overview of Ascendant Challenges
Ascendant Challenges are weekly rotating activities located in different areas of the Dreaming City. Each challenge transports players into the Ascendant Plane, a corrupted version of reality filled with floating platforms, Taken enemies, and unique environmental hazards. These challenges are accessed using special items and must be completed within a limited time or with specific objectives in mind.
Purpose of Ascendant Challenges
The primary purpose of Ascendant Challenges is to provide high-level players with engaging content that blends exploration and combat. They are part of the broader endgame activities that include bounties, secrets, and hidden collectibles. Completing these challenges often rewards players with gear, progress toward triumphs, and access to additional lore elements.
Weekly Rotation System
Each Ascendant Challenge rotates on a weekly basis, meaning that only one challenge is active at a time. Players must wait for the Gardens of Esila challenge to appear in the rotation before attempting it. This rotation encourages players to revisit the Dreaming City regularly and engage with different areas over time.
Location of Gardens of Esila
The Gardens of Esila is a region within the Dreaming City known for its lush environment and vertical design. In the normal world, it appears as a serene area with natural beauty, but when entering the Ascendant Plane, the environment transforms dramatically.
Accessing the Area
To access the Ascendant version of Gardens of Esila, players must first locate the appropriate portal using a Tincture of Queensfoil, an in-game consumable that reveals hidden pathways. Once the effect is active, Ascendant platforms and portals become visible, allowing entry into the challenge.
Visual Transformation
When entering the Ascendant Plane, the Gardens of Esila takes on a darker, more surreal appearance. Floating structures, distorted geometry, and Taken energy effects replace the normal environment. This transformation creates a unique atmosphere that distinguishes the challenge from standard exploration areas.
Requirements to Start the Challenge
Before attempting the Gardens of Esila Ascendant Challenge, players must meet certain conditions to access the activity. These requirements are essential for entering the Ascendant Plane and interacting with the challenge mechanics.
- Obtain and consume a Tincture of Queensfoil
- Locate the Ascendant portal in the Gardens of Esila area
- Ensure the challenge is active in the weekly rotation
- Be prepared for combat and platforming encounters
Tincture of Queensfoil
The Tincture of Queensfoil is a key item that allows players to see hidden platforms and portals. Without it, the Ascendant Challenge remains inaccessible. Players can acquire this item through various in-game activities within the Dreaming City.
Power Level Considerations
While Ascendant Challenges are not extremely high in difficulty compared to raids or dungeons, having an appropriate power level ensures smoother gameplay. Enemies within the challenge can still pose a threat, especially in groups or during platforming sections where movement is restricted.
Structure of the Gardens of Esila Challenge
The Gardens of Esila Ascendant Challenge typically involves navigating a series of platforms, defeating enemies, and completing objectives within the Ascendant Plane. The layout of the challenge encourages careful movement and awareness of surroundings.
Platforming Sections
One of the main components of the challenge is platforming. Players must jump across floating platforms that may disappear or shift, requiring precise timing and control. Falling off the platforms may result in respawning at a checkpoint or restarting a section.
Combat Encounters
Throughout the challenge, players encounter Taken enemies that spawn in waves or guard specific areas. These enemies vary in type and behavior, requiring players to adapt their strategy. Some enemies may have shielding abilities or attack from a distance, adding complexity to encounters.
Objectives and Completion
The final goal of the challenge is usually to reach a specific point or defeat a key enemy. Once the objective is completed, players can exit the Ascendant Plane and receive rewards. Completing the challenge also contributes to weekly progression and triumphs.
Enemies and Threats
The Gardens of Esila Ascendant Challenge features enemies from the Taken faction, known for their dark energy and distorted forms. These enemies present both visual and mechanical challenges to players.
Taken Combat Style
Taken enemies often teleport, shoot projectiles, or apply area-of-effect attacks. Their unpredictable behavior requires players to stay mobile and avoid standing in one place for too long. Some enemies may also have shields that need to be broken before damage can be dealt effectively.
Environmental Hazards
In addition to enemies, the environment itself can pose challenges. Platforms may be spaced far apart, and falling can result in loss of progress. Players must carefully judge distances and timing when navigating the area.
Rewards and Benefits
Completing the Gardens of Esila Ascendant Challenge provides several rewards that contribute to player progression in.
Loot Rewards
Players can receive gear such as armor, weapons, or enhancement materials upon completion. These rewards are often tied to weekly milestones or bounties associated with the Dreaming City.
Triumphs and Progression
Ascendant Challenges are part of triumph systems that track player achievements. Completing all challenges, including Gardens of Esila, contributes to unlocking titles and completing collections.
Lore and Exploration
Beyond tangible rewards, the challenge also provides insight into the game’s lore. Environmental storytelling, hidden details, and visual cues help players better understand the Dreaming City and its history.
Tips for Completing the Challenge
Successfully completing the Gardens of Esila Ascendant Challenge requires preparation and awareness. The following tips can help players navigate the challenge more efficiently.
- Use mobility-enhancing abilities to navigate platforms
- Stay aware of enemy positions before engaging
- Take time to observe platform layouts before jumping
- Equip weapons suitable for both close and ranged combat
- Coordinate with teammates if playing in a group
Solo vs Group Play
The challenge can be completed solo or with a group. Solo players may find the experience more immersive and challenging, while groups can provide additional support in combat and navigation. Both approaches are valid depending on player preference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Players new to Ascendant Challenges may encounter difficulties if they are not familiar with the mechanics. Avoiding common mistakes can improve success rates.
- Entering without activating Tincture of Queensfoil
- Rushing through platform sections without planning jumps
- Ignoring enemy threats during navigation
- Underestimating fall risks in vertical areas
The Gardens of Esila Ascendant Challenge is a unique and engaging activity withinthat combines platforming, combat, and exploration in a visually distinct environment. As part of the Dreaming City’s rotating challenges, it offers players an opportunity to test their skills while earning valuable rewards and uncovering elements of the game’s lore. By understanding the mechanics, preparing properly, and approaching the challenge with patience, players can successfully navigate the Ascendant Plane and complete the Gardens of Esila Ascendant Challenge with confidence. Its blend of atmospheric design, gameplay variety, and progression rewards makes it a memorable part of the overall Destiny 2 experience.