The Taken King Campaign
The King is dead; long live the Taken King.
The Taken King is a major expansion for Destiny that centers on the arrival of Oryx, the Hive God-King, who seeks revenge for the death of his son Crota. This campaign shifts the narrative focus from the immediate threat of the Hive on the Moon to an ancient, cosmic horror as Oryx begins to 'take' other species—Fallen, Cabal, Vex, and Hive—into his service. It serves as a pivotal moment in the saga, introducing the Taken phenomenon and forcing the Traveler's children to confront a power they cannot simply shoot away across the Dreadnaught, Phobos, and the Moon.
- Introduced System
- Ghost Fragments
Lore & Background
The expansion reveals the terrifying scope of Oryx's dominion as he launches an assault on the solar system, turning members of other species into Taken and threatening to consume all of humanity. The story delves deep into Hive mythology, specifically the Law of Sacrifice and the power of the Deep and the Tablets of Ruin. It is a tale of desperation where the only way to defeat a god is not through force alone, but by understanding his own laws and using them against him in a ritualistic confrontation within his own ship, the Dreadnaught.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Dreadnaught tastes of ozone and old blood. Shadows stretch longer than they should, twisting into shapes that whisper names you thought were lost forever. A Guardian stands before the throne room, their Ghost flickering with unstable energy as it scans the impossible geometry of the Taken King's domain. The silence is heavy, broken only by the rhythmic thrumming of a heart that beats in reverse. Oryx waits, his armor shifting like liquid metal, ready to offer a final choice: serve or be taken.
Reader's Guide
The campaign begins with the sudden appearance of Taken forces on Earth and the Moon, signaling Oryx's return. Players must travel to the Dreadnaught, a massive Hive ship orbiting Saturn, to stop his invasion. The journey involves clearing out Taken-infested zones and recovering Ghost Fragments to unlock new abilities. Key story beats include the discovery of Oryx's plan to take all Guardians and the revelation that his power is tied to the Black Garden. Players must navigate the complex corridors of the Dreadnaught, fighting through waves of Taken enemies who possess unique, spectral mechanics. The climax involves a multi-stage boss fight against Oryx himself. Mechanics require players to manage 'Taken' status effects, dodge massive area-of-effect attacks, and utilize specific rituals to weaken the King before delivering the final blow.
Did You Know?
- Oryx's transformation into the Taken King was facilitated by his communion with the Deep and the Tablets of Ruin.
- Exotic Quests existed before The Taken King, such as the 'Thorn' quest introduced in The Dark Below.
- The Dreadnaught raid (King's Fall) does not feature a mechanic where players become Taken; instead, it focuses on mechanics like aura-sharing and platforming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main plot of The Taken King Campaign?
This story follows Oryx, the Hive God-King, as he invades the solar system to avenge his son Crota's death. Guardians must board his Dreadnaught to stop him from conquering humanity with his stolen power.
What is the Taken phenomenon introduced in this expansion?
Oryx uses his sword to rewrite reality, turning enemies like Fallen and Cabal into twisted versions of themselves known as the Taken. This forces players to confront foes that can no longer be killed by conventional damage alone.
Where do Guardians fight during this campaign?
The battle spans across multiple locations including the Moon, Phobos, and Oryx's massive Dreadnaught ship orbiting Saturn. These areas serve as the primary battlegrounds for the final confrontation against the Hive.
What new gameplay system was added with this release?
The expansion introduced Ghost Fragments, collectible items that restore memory to your companion and unlock perks. Gathering these allows players to customize their abilities while exploring the new destinations.
Why is Oryx's return considered a pivotal moment in Destiny lore?
His arrival shifts the threat from local Hive skirmishes on the Moon to an ancient cosmic horror that threatens all of existence. The slogan 'The King is dead; long live the Taken King' marks this transition into a darker era for the solar system.
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