Are you ready to confront Crota once again? Destiny 2’s Crota’s End raid is making a dramatic return, sparking both nostalgia and excitement in the Destiny community. Whether you’re a longtime Guardian or a newcomer hungry for epic endgame content, knowing the Crota’s End release date, raid details, and the best way to prepare is crucial. This guide covers everything you need to know before stepping foot in the Hellmouth once more.
Why Crota’s End Matters in Destiny 2
Crota’s End has a legendary reputation among Destiny players. First introduced in the original Destiny, this raid quickly gained fame for its exhilarating boss battles, unique mechanics, and the memorable final confrontation with Crota, Son of Oryx. With its return in Destiny 2, players get a chance to relive classic moments, pursue powerful loot, and experience updated challenges designed for the current generation of Guardians.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, understanding the release schedule and new raid structure is essential.
Crota’s End Release Date in Destiny 2
Official Release Date
Bungie has officially announced that Crota’s End will launch on September 1, 2023. Mark your calendars, assemble your fireteam, and prepare for a race to be among the first to conquer the revived raid.
Key Times:
- Crota’s End goes live at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM BST on September 1.
- The opening of the raid will be global, so Guardians everywhere can enter the Hellmouth simultaneously.
Launch Platform and Requirements
Crota’s End is free to access for all Destiny 2 players who own the current expansion that includes the raid (typically, the “Lightfall” expansion or Season of the Witch* applies). Before launch, ensure the relevant content is installed and your Guardian meets the recommended Power Level.
- Recommended Power Level: Bungie usually sets a Power Level requirement for World’s First attempts; expect it to be around 1790-1810.
- Fireteam Size: Standard Destiny 2 raid size (6 players).
*Check Bungie’s official announcement or your expansion entitlements to confirm access.
What’s New in Destiny 2’s Crota’s End
Bringing back Crota’s End isn’t just about nostalgia. Bungie has made several updates to the original experience, keeping the challenge fresh and the loot even sweeter.
Updated Raid Mechanics
The Crota’s End you knew before isn’t exactly the same. Bungie has modernized the raid mechanics to match Destiny 2’s evolved sandbox and gameplay pace. Expect updated enemy encounters, newly tuned puzzles, and possible changes to keep veteran players and first-timers alike on their toes.
- Checkpoint Updates: Smart checkpoints streamline the raid’s pacing and allow smoother re-entry.
- Weapon and Loot Refreshes: Classic raid weapons like the Oversoul Edict, Word of Crota, and Hunger of Crota return, now updated with new perks.
- Armor Sets: Iconic Crota’s End armor returns, with new ornaments and stat rolls.
Contest Mode & World’s First Race
To celebrate the launch, Bungie will run Contest Mode for the first 48 hours. Contest Mode caps everyone’s Power Level, leveling the playing field and making the World’s First race especially intense.
- World’s First Raid Race: The first fireteam to finish Crota’s End under Contest Mode conditions will earn unique rewards and raid emblems.
- Challenge Triumphs: Along with the classic race, additional Triumphs are available for even more bragging rights and rewards.
How to Prepare for Crota’s End
Hit the Power Cap
You’ll need your best gear to survive Crota’s End. Grind seasonal activities, weekly challenges, and pinnacle drops to meet the suggested Power Level. Focus on synergizing your loadout—for Crota’s End, having reliable DPS weapons (rocket launchers, linear fusion rifles) and burst damage abilities will be critical.
Assemble the Right Fireteam
Communication and teamwork are vital for any Destiny 2 raid. Rally friends, join an LFG community, or organize your clan to ensure smooth runs. Assign roles ahead of time, whether you’re running the sword, supporting oracles, or clearing adds.
Review Raid Guides and Mechanics
Watch preview streams, read raid guides, and familiarize yourself with what’s changed since the original Crota’s End. Even seasoned veterans should expect surprises and new tricks designed to test coordination and execution.
Rewards and Loot from Crota’s End
Iconic Raid Weapons
Crota’s End is known for its unique arsenal. With Destiny 2’s loot updates, these legendary weapons come back with new rolls, enhanced perks, and the chance for Adept versions with additional mod slots.
- Necrochasm (Exotic auto rifle): Yes, the fan-favorite returns—with the classic Cursed Thrall explosion.
- Oversoul Edict (Pulse rifle), Word of Crota (Hand cannon), Abyss Defiant (Auto rifle), and Fang of Ir Yût (Scout rifle): Each returns with refreshed perk pools and Destiny 2’s latest weapon tuning.
Crota’s End Armor Set
The unforgettable Hive-themed armor sets return to help Guardians look the part while battling Crota. New ornaments and shaders provide even more customization.
Triumphs, Seals, and Raid Titles
Earn exclusive emblems, Triumph completions, and, for the most dedicated raiders, the Crota’s End raid title and Seal. Completing raid-specific challenges and Triumphs is the key to these prestige rewards.
Why Crota’s End Is a Must-Play Raid
Classic Destiny Lore
Crota’s End ties deep into Destiny’s mythology, providing context to Oryx, the Taken King, and the greater Hive threat. The raid captures the struggle between the Guardians and the Hive’s Sword Logic, making it a core piece of the Destiny universe.
Accessible Yet Challenging
Designed to be shorter and more accessible than raids like King’s Fall, Crota’s End is perfect for both players new to raiding and seasoned teams chasing flawless clears.
Limited-Time Rewards
Bungie often celebrates raid launches with exclusive time-gated rewards. Completing Crota’s End during launch week or Contest Mode may unlock special emblems, shaders, or even real-world raid jackets.
Your Next Steps as a Guardian
Crota’s End stands as more than a nostalgic raid return; it’s an invitation to unite with other Guardians and prove your mettle against one of Destiny’s most iconic foes. Prepare your Guardian, gather your fireteam, and mark September 1, 2023 on your calendar. Whether pursuing World’s First glory or savoring the campaign with friends, Crota’s End is ready to challenge and reward you.