Pyramid Ships
A dormant Pyramid ship beneath the Moon that releases Nightmares when the Guardian interacts with its core.
In Destiny 2: Shadowkeep, released on October 1, 2019, players returned to Earth's Moon to investigate a dormant Pyramid ship buried beneath its surface. This vessel represents the first major encounter with the Darkness in this expansion, serving as the catalyst for Eris Morn's return and the release of Nightmares onto the Moon. Unlike previous threats, this ship was not an active warship but a slumbering entity that, when the Guardian interacted with its core, unleashed manifestations of past traumas. The discovery marked a turning point in Year 3, as Eris and the Guardian worked to understand the cause of this localized madness before it could spread.
- Key Event
- Guardian interacts with the Pyramid ship's core, unleashing Nightmares
Lore & Background
The story centers on Eris Morn, who had been absent since Destiny 2's original base campaign, returning to lead the investigation of the dormant Pyramid ship. After the Guardian interacted with the vessel's core, 'Nightmares' were unleashed—spectral manifestations localized to the Moon and the Pyramid's influence, not resurrecting adversaries across the entire Solar System. These Nightmares were not just random enemies but specific past bosses and minor foes from Fallen, Hive, Cabal, Vex, and Scorn races, made more powerful by the Darkness and capable of regenerating their health. The narrative followed Eris and the Guardian as they sought to figure out the cause of this unleashed madness and stop it before it consumed the Moon.
In Their Own Story
The events leading to the Black Fleet's arrival in Season of Arrivals began with the interaction with the dormant ship on the Moon. Following Shadowkeep's campaign, the Sol Divisive Vex launched an invasion of Earth's Moon during Season of the Undying, forcing Ikora Rey and the Guardian to construct a massive portal in the Tower to hunt the Undying Mind across all timelines. By June 2020, during Season of Arrivals, the consequences escalated as the Black Fleet of the Darkness arrived in the Solar System, positioning Pyramid ships over Io, Titan, Mercury, and Mars. While Eris Morn and the Drifter decoded the Darkness's messages to understand its intentions, the Traveler reawakened only for the Darkness to consume these destinations.
Reader's Guide
The dormant Pyramid ship on the Moon serves as the location for the 'Pit of Heresy' dungeon, which was added on October 29 and takes place underneath the Scarlet Keep. Players must also engage with Nightmare Hunts, a new PvE activity unlocked after completing the main campaign, featuring powerful Nightmare enemies found in Lost Sectors and at the end of each hunt. To progress, players collect 'Nightmare Essences' to craft weapons and gear through the Lectern of Enchantment NPC. The expansion also introduced the 'Garden of Salvation' raid on October 5, 2019, which is tied to Season of the Undying and focuses on the Vex invasion triggered by player actions during the raid.
Did You Know?
- Nightmares are localized to the Moon and the Pyramid's influence, not resurrected across the entire Solar System.
- The Nightmares were unleashed by the Guardian interacting with the Pyramid ship's core, not by Eris Morn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Pyramid Ships?
These are colossal, ancient warships belonging to the Hive that function as mobile fortresses and dimensional gateways. They first appeared in Earth's orbit during the Red War, serving as terrifying instruments of conquest for Oryx the Taken King.
Who commands the Pyramid Ships?
The fleet is directly commanded by Oryx, the Taken King, who uses them to launch his invasion against humanity and the Traveler. While individual Hive captains may manage specific vessels, they ultimately serve Oryx's will to breach the veil between dimensions.
What are their primary powers and roles?
Their main function is to block out the sun and rain destruction upon planetary surfaces while acting as living engines of war. They are specifically designed to tear open the fabric of reality, allowing the forces of the Deep to pour into our world.
How does the story of the original fleet end?
The Guardians successfully defeated Oryx on his Throne World, which resulted in the destruction or retreat of the main Pyramid Ship fleet. Although the immediate threat was neutralized, their legacy remains a symbol of the Hive's capacity for planetary-scale siege.
Why are they important to Destiny lore?
They represent a massive escalation in the Hive threat level, marking the transition from localized raids to an existential war against all of humanity. Their ability to breach dimensions fundamentally changed how Guardians understand the conflict with the Darkness and Oryx's ambitions.
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