In the MMO shooter Destiny, we take a closer look at the Archon Forge. This PvE arena is introduced with “The Rise of Iron.”
In addition to the new story missions, fresh questlines, a new strike, revamped strikes, and a fourth raid, “Rise of Iron” will introduce the Archon Forge as another PvE content. Gameinformer spoke with World Designer Dan Callan and World Artist Alex May about this cooperative arena. They explored the question: What is the Archon Forge actually?
A mix of the Prison of Elders and the Court of Oryx
The Archon Forge is located in the Plaguelands. It resembles both the Prison of Elders (enemy waves) and the Court of Oryx (the location remains the same). You fight waves of PvE enemies in the fireteam to earn unique rewards, “Archon Forge”-specific items.
For those Guardians who enjoy pure combat, the Forge is the perfect place. There are no complicated boss mechanics, just hordes of enemies that you must blast through.
The fires and the oppressive heat in the Archon Forge contrast with the Plaguelands, where winter prevails and the ground is covered with snow. It is said to evoke a sort of “Lord of the Rings” atmosphere as you approach the tower of the Archon Forge. Inside, you will find a lot of molten metal – it’s a forge, after all.
How do the fights in the Archon Forge work?
Once you have completed the story of RoI, some Devil Splicers in the Plaguelands drop special SIVA items. These have various qualities and bear names like “Splicer Key” or “SIVA-Actuator.” You activate these items in the Archon Forge (you present them as offerings) and the challenge begins – they function similarly to the runes and tiers in the Court of Oryx.
Depending on the presented item, different Splicer units and bosses will appear. They are meant to surprise you with abilities that have not been seen before. Each fight lasts a maximum of 5 minutes. If you are too slow and deal too little damage, it may happen that no boss appears. So, step it up to get to the loot.
If you die and are not revived, you end up in a kind of prison above the arena, from where you can observe the action:
Once you land in this “waiting area,” you must wait until the end of the fight. Therefore, it is advisable to act carefully – and not die. The encounter can still be successfully completed for everyone if the last surviving Guardian finishes the fight victoriously.
However: With a certain currency or by achieving specific goals, you can buy your way out of this prison and rejoin the fight.
Designed in such a way, the Archon Forge should not provide you with places where you always feel safe. During fights, you have to dash from cover to cover to stay alive. There are ramps, bridges, corridors, and height differences – overall, the arena is designed to be versatile and interesting.
Background information on the Archon Forge
For the Fallen, the Archon Forge is of great importance. If a simple Fallen wants to rise to a Splicer, he must carry a SIVA item to the Forge and then prove himself worthy in battle. The ultimate goal of the Fallen devils is to become “machine gods.”
In a way, you are disrespecting the traditions and culture of the Fallen when you fight in the Archon Forge. This forge was built by the Fallen.
What do you think about this PvE arena?
