Embarking on your journey in Destiny 2 to acquire Ascendant Shards? You're in the right place. Ascendant Shards are a crucial resource for upgrading your gear, unlocking powerful rewards, and enhancing your Guardian's capabilities. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to obtain these elusive shards, optimized for search engines to help you find the information you need.
Understanding Ascendant Shards
Ascendant Shards are a type of resource introduced in Destiny 2: Beyond Light. They are used to upgrade weapons and armor to their highest potential, as well as to purchase powerful gear from the new vendor, Variks. Understanding how to obtain these shards is key to progressing in the game.
How to Obtain Ascendant Shards
Ascendant Shards can be obtained through various activities in Destiny 2. Here's a breakdown of the most efficient methods:

Exocytosis Chests
Exocytosis Chests are a new type of chest introduced in Beyond Light. They can be found in various locations across Europa, the new destination. These chests contain a variety of rewards, including Ascendant Shards. To find them, use your Ghost to scan the environment, and look for a glowing, pulsating icon on your minimap.
Vanguard Ops and Nightmare Hunts
Vanguard Ops and Nightmare Hunts are endgame activities that reward players with Ascendant Shards upon completion. These activities can be launched from the Director and require a fireteam. They provide a significant amount of shards, making them a viable farming option.
Public Events and Lost Sectors
Public Events and Lost Sectors are activities that can be completed solo or with a small fireteam. While they don't guarantee Ascendant Shards, they often reward them as a random drop. Focus on completing these activities on Europa for the best chance at obtaining shards.

Crucible and Gambit
Competitive and PvE multiplayer activities like the Crucible and Gambit also reward Ascendant Shards. These activities can be a bit more challenging, but they offer a significant amount of shards, especially for higher-level players.
Efficient Farming Routes
To maximize your Ascendant Shard farming efficiency, consider the following routes:
- Exocytosis Chest Route: Focus on finding and opening Exocytosis Chests across Europa. This can be done solo or with a fireteam.
- Vanguard Ops Route: Form a fireteam and complete Vanguard Ops missions. These activities provide a significant amount of shards and can be completed quickly with a coordinated team.
- Lost Sector Route: Complete Lost Sectors on Europa, focusing on the ones that offer better rewards. This can be done solo or with a small fireteam.
Tips for Farming Ascendant Shards
Here are some additional tips to help you farm Ascendant Shards more efficiently:
- Use a Ghost to scan the environment for hidden chests and loot.
- Focus on activities that offer better rewards, such as high-level Lost Sectors and Nightmare Hunts.
- Complete bounties and quests that reward Ascendant Shards to maximize your gains.
- Consider using a shader like "Glowing Emissive" to make Exocytosis Chests easier to spot.
Ascendant Shards are a valuable resource in Destiny 2: Beyond Light, and understanding how to obtain them is crucial for progressing in the game. By following this guide and focusing on efficient farming methods, you'll be well on your way to unlocking the game's most powerful rewards.