With the new Season 13, Umbral Engrams are returning to Destiny 2 – with some changes. The popular mechanic is set to become a permanent part of the game – at least during Year 4.
Bungie has revealed this about the upcoming Season 13: Currently, Destiny 2 is still in Season 12, the Season of the Hunt. However, more and more details about the next season are becoming known, with fresh information just released. As the developers stated in the latest edition of “This Week at Bungie,” the new Season 13 will see the return of Umbral Engrams.
What are Umbral Engrams anyway? This loot mechanic was originally introduced as a feature of Season 11. The special engrams allowed Guardians to earn specific weapons and gear more targetedly. This way, players could better determine their loot and hunt for God Rolls more effectively. They could be decrypted at the Prism Decoder or further customized at a Reconstructor to target specific stats.
Here you will find detailed information: Focus Umbral Engrams in Destiny 2 – Determine your loot yourself
Umbral Engrams were well received by players, as many desired just that in Destiny 2 – less randomness. However, to the surprise of many Guardians, they were removed from the game at the end of Season 11 with the launch of Beyond Light and Season 12. Now, these engrams are set to return soon and this time they are expected to stay long-term – at least in all Seasons of Year 4 of Destiny 2.
How Umbral Engrams work from Season 13
The basic mechanic essentially remains the same, but there have been some adjustments. For instance, after the return, fewer Umbral Engrams are expected to drop compared to the Season of Arrival. There, the drop rate was simply too high in Bungie’s eyes, prompting them to make adjustments to the balance.
In these activities, you will receive Umbral Engrams: The fastest way to earn new rewards is always to participate in the new seasonal activity. However, Bungie wants to ensure that no matter how you spend your time in Destiny 2, you will also obtain fresh loot through the Umbral Engrams.
Umbral Engrams are expected to drop in a variety of activities, but the list has been slightly adjusted. Here’s where you can find them:
- on patrol
- in strikes
- in the crucible (PvP)
- in gambit
- in the forge
- during public events
- in the blind well
- in nightmare hunts
- in exo challenges
- in empire hunts
- in the new seasonal activity (which is still unknown)
Additionally, there is a chance that Umbral Engrams will drop throughout the game by defeating enemies. So even if you are not specifically working through this list for Umbral Engrams, you can still obtain some.
The Prismatic Reconstructor and Prismatic Decoder: The Prismatic Reconstructor is also returning in this context – but as a kiosk. With this device, you can focus the Umbral Engrams in exchange for certain resources (Prismatic Lens). With focused Umbral Engrams, the target loot pool is even smaller, allowing you to determine more precisely your desired item that will drop from the engram at the end.
The Reconstructor kiosk will have different pages for each season, and you will be able to focus Umbral Engrams on gear from the season of your choice. Once an Umbral Engram has been focused, you will still need to take it to the Decoder to receive your reward.
By the way: Rewards that you receive from Wrathborn Hunts with your Kryptolith lure will not be included in the scope of the Reconstructor, as you can still earn them in Season 13 through the respective activity.
Prismatic Lens: This is a new reward or resource with which you can unlock various focusing options for your Umbral Engrams. This way, you can aim for a tighter selection of gear pieces or target specific armor stats.
You can earn these lenses by playing various activities in the game. Progress towards unlocking the lenses can be tracked at the Reconstructor. Bungie, however, did not want to reveal more at this point. Players are meant to find out for themselves in Season 13.
What do you think about the return of Umbral Engrams and the adjustments? Feel free to tell us and other readers of MeinMMO in the comments.
