Mastering Destiny 2 Raid Cheese Strategies Post-Update: Tips & Tricks

how to cheese destiny 2 raid after update

After the latest update in Destiny 2, many players are eager to discover new strategies to efficiently complete raids, often referred to as cheesing. This approach involves exploiting mechanics or glitches to bypass challenging encounters, making raids more accessible for less experienced teams or those seeking quicker rewards. While Bungie frequently patches these methods, the community remains resourceful, quickly identifying alternative techniques to streamline raid encounters. Whether you're a seasoned raider or a newcomer, understanding how to cheese Destiny 2 raids post-update can save time and reduce frustration, though it’s important to balance efficiency with the intended gameplay experience.

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Exploit new mechanics for easier boss phases

Every Destiny 2 raid update introduces new mechanics, and savvy players quickly identify ways to exploit them for easier boss phases. Bungie’s design philosophy often hinges on layered systems, where interactions between abilities, weapons, and environmental elements create emergent strategies. Post-update, these systems can be temporarily unbalanced, offering windows of opportunity for cheese tactics. For instance, the introduction of Strand subclasses in Lightfall allowed players to tether enemies in ways not fully accounted for in older raid encounters, bypassing traditional mechanics. Recognizing these oversights is the first step to crafting a cheese strategy.

To exploit new mechanics effectively, start by dissecting the update patch notes. Look for changes to abilities, weapons, or enemy behaviors that could alter raid dynamics. For example, if a new debuff mechanic is introduced, test its interaction with boss shields or damage phases. During the Vow of the Disciple raid, players discovered that the Thorn exotic hand cannon’s poison effect could stack with other debuffs, significantly shortening the Rhulk encounter. Pair this with a well-timed use of the new Strand suspend mechanic, and you could immobilize adds while focusing on the boss, streamlining the phase.

However, not all exploits are created equal. Some require precise timing or specific loadouts. For the Caretaker encounter in King’s Fall, post-update players found that the new Glaive’s shield bash could stun the boss during its damage phase, negating the need for traditional suppression. To execute this, equip the Exotic Glaive *Edge of Concurrence* and coordinate with your fireteam to activate its shield bash ability during the boss’s vulnerable moments. Be cautious, though—over-reliance on a single tactic can backfire if Bungie issues a hotfix mid-season.

The key to successful cheese lies in experimentation and adaptability. Test new mechanics in lower-stakes environments before attempting them in a raid. For instance, if a new grenade type bypasses enemy shields, practice its timing in strikes or lost sectors. Once mastered, integrate it into your raid strategy. Remember, cheese tactics often have a limited lifespan, so capitalize on them while they’re viable. As Bungie patches exploits, the meta will shift, and new opportunities will arise—staying informed and proactive is crucial.

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Use updated weapon perks for faster DPS

After the latest Destiny 2 update, weapon perks have been rebalanced, offering new opportunities to maximize damage output in raids. One of the most effective strategies to cheese raid encounters is by leveraging these updated perks for faster DPS. The key lies in identifying weapons with synergistic perk combinations that amplify damage against bosses or specific enemy types. For instance, pairing Vorpal (increased damage against bosses) with Frenzy (boosts damage after landing a precision hit) on a high-impact sniper rifle can significantly shorten DPS phases. This approach requires careful loadout planning but pays off in reduced encounter durations.

To implement this strategy, start by auditing your arsenal for weapons with recently buffed perks. Look for exotics like Izhanagi's Burden with its Honored Proof perk, which now deals more consistent damage, or Divinity, whose debuff has been subtly enhanced. Pair these with legendary weapons featuring updated perks like Subsistence (reloads on kills) or Rampage (stacks damage bonuses). For example, a Subsistence/Frenzy pulse rifle can sustain DPS without reloading, while a Rampage/Vorpal shotgun excels in close-quarters boss damage. Experiment with different combinations to find the most efficient setup for each raid encounter.

While the perks themselves are powerful, their effectiveness depends on proper execution. Positioning and timing are critical—ensure you’re within optimal range for your weapon type and coordinate with your fireteam to stack debuffs like Divinity or Tractor Cannon. Additionally, monitor your perk activations; for instance, Frenzy requires precision hits, so practice your aim to maintain the damage bonus. Avoid over-relying on a single weapon; bring backups with complementary perks to adapt to changing encounter phases. This layered approach ensures consistent DPS even if your primary strategy falters.

The takeaway is clear: updated weapon perks are a game-changer for raid cheesing, but their potential is only unlocked through strategic loadout construction and teamwork. By focusing on synergistic perk combinations and mastering their mechanics, you can drastically reduce raid encounter times. Remember, the goal isn’t just to deal damage—it’s to do so efficiently, minimizing the risk of wipes and maximizing your team’s overall performance. With the right weapons and tactics, even the most challenging raids become manageable, if not trivial.

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Skip encounters with glitch strategies

Glitch strategies to skip encounters in Destiny 2 raids often rely on exploiting game mechanics or environmental quirks, allowing fireteams to bypass challenging sections and save time. One notable example involves the "Garden of Salvation" raid, where players discovered a method to skip the first encounter by carefully manipulating the tether mechanics and positioning. This technique requires precise timing and coordination, as players must tether specific ads to create a path that leads directly to the second encounter. While Bungie has patched many such glitches, the community’s ingenuity ensures new methods emerge with each update, keeping the meta dynamic.

To execute these strategies effectively, communication is key. Fireteams must assign roles clearly, such as designating one player to handle tethers or another to monitor enemy spawns. For instance, in the "Last Wish" raid, a glitch allows players to skip the Shuro Chi encounter by using a well-timed blade barrage or a carefully placed grenade to trigger the next phase prematurely. This method demands practice, as mistiming can reset the encounter or leave the team vulnerable to wipes. Always ensure your team is well-versed in the mechanics before attempting these skips, as improvisation often leads to failure.

While glitch strategies can streamline raids, they come with risks. Bungie actively monitors and patches exploits, meaning a method that works today might be obsolete tomorrow. Additionally, relying on skips can deprive players of valuable experience and loot drops from skipped encounters. For example, bypassing the Vault encounter in "Deep Stone Crypt" means missing out on a chance for high-stat armor rolls. Weigh the benefits of time saved against the potential losses before committing to a glitch strategy, especially in high-stakes environments like Day One raids.

For those new to glitch strategies, start with simpler skips and gradually work your way up to more complex methods. The "Crown of Sorrow" raid offers a beginner-friendly example, where players can skip the first encounter by using a well-placed tractor cannon to manipulate enemy positioning. Practice in a controlled environment, such as a private fireteam, to refine your technique without the pressure of a full raid group. Remember, the goal is not just to skip encounters but to do so efficiently and reliably, ensuring your team can replicate the strategy under any condition.

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Abuse enemy AI pathing weaknesses

Enemy AI in Destiny 2 raids often follows predictable patterns, and these can be exploited to gain an unfair advantage. For instance, certain enemies will prioritize specific paths or triggers, causing them to ignore players or become stuck in loops. In the Vault of Glass raid, the Templar’s knights can be manipulated to cluster in a corner, allowing for safe damage phases. Similarly, in the Last Wish raid, Shuro Chi’s ads can be lured into a confined space, minimizing their threat during the encounter. Understanding these behaviors is the first step to exploiting them effectively.

To abuse AI pathing weaknesses, observe how enemies react to player movement and environmental triggers. For example, in the Deep Stone Crypt, the Atraks-1 encounter features enemies that follow a linear path when chasing players. By positioning yourself at a choke point, you can force them into a predictable route, making them easy targets for area-of-effect abilities or team focus fire. Another tactic involves using the environment to block enemy movement, such as in the Garden of Salvation, where Vex Harpies can be trapped behind pillars, rendering them harmless during critical phases.

However, exploiting AI pathing isn’t without risks. Over-reliance on these tactics can lead to complacency, and updates often patch these weaknesses. For instance, Bungie has historically adjusted enemy behavior in raids like King’s Fall to prevent players from cheesing encounters by abusing AI pathing. Always test these strategies in lower-stakes environments before attempting them in a full raid group. Additionally, ensure your team communicates clearly, as missteps can break the exploit and lead to wipes.

The key to mastering this technique lies in experimentation and adaptability. Record enemy movements during practice runs and identify patterns that can be manipulated. Tools like in-game markers or callouts can help coordinate team efforts to herd enemies into desired positions. For example, in the Root of Nightmares, the Nezarec encounter’s ads can be funneled into a single lane by strategically placing team members to block alternate routes. By combining observation, teamwork, and creativity, you can turn enemy AI weaknesses into a powerful tool for raid success.

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Leverage updated class abilities for trivialization

Every Destiny 2 update reshuffles the meta, subtly or drastically altering how class abilities interact with raid mechanics. Savvy players dissect these changes, identifying abilities that can now bypass, oversimplify, or outright break encounter design. For example, the recent update buffed the Hunter’s Withering Blade, allowing it to stagger raid bosses with unprecedented frequency. This turns encounters like the Caretaker into a stunlock fest, reducing the fight to a mindless rotation of ability spam. Recognizing these shifts is the first step in leveraging class abilities for trivialization.

To exploit these updates effectively, focus on abilities that grant sustained uptime of crowd control or damage mitigation. Warlocks, for instance, can now pair the updated Healing Rift with the Elemental Ordnance mod to create an unbreakable regeneration loop during damage phases. This combo trivializes mechanics reliant on sustained DPS windows, like Rhulk’s final stand. Pair this with a Titan’s Banner Shield for additional damage resistance, and the encounter devolves into a glorified target practice session. The key is identifying abilities that, when combined, eliminate the need for precise timing or coordination.

However, not all updated abilities are created equal. Some require specific conditions to trivialize encounters. The Titan’s Thundercrash, for example, now deals bonus damage to stunned targets. While potent, it requires a coordinated stun rotation—a risk if your team lacks communication. Contrast this with the Hunter’s Smoke Bomb, which now grants invisibility on cast and applies a debuff that weakens enemies. This ability single-handedly neuters adds in encounters like the Exhibition, turning a chaotic phase into a leisurely cleanup. Prioritize abilities with low skill floors and high impact ceilings.

When implementing these strategies, beware of diminishing returns. Over-relying on a single ability can leave your team vulnerable if the mechanic is patched mid-season. Diversify your approach by testing multiple class combinations in lower-stakes activities before attempting the raid. For instance, pair a Voidwalker’s Child of the Old Gods with a Solar Titan’s Roaring Flames for simultaneous damage amplification and debuff application. This layered approach ensures redundancy, even if one ability is nerfed. Remember: the goal is not just to cheese the raid, but to do so sustainably.

Frequently asked questions

After updates, raid mechanics often change, but common cheese strategies involve exploiting out-of-bounds areas, using specific weapon or ability combinations to bypass phases, or finding ways to skip encounters entirely. Check community forums or YouTube for updated guides tailored to the specific raid and its new mechanics.

Likely not. Updates typically patch known exploits and cheese methods, so old strategies may no longer work. Developers often adjust raid mechanics to encourage intended gameplay, making it necessary to adapt or find new exploits.

Join Destiny 2 communities on platforms like Reddit, Discord, or YouTube, where players often share newly discovered cheese strategies. Keep an eye on popular raid streamers or content creators who frequently test and showcase new exploits after updates.

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