Mastering Zero Hour: Easy Cheese Strategies For Quick Victory

how to cheese zero hour

Cheesing Zero Hour refers to exploiting mechanics or strategies in the Destiny 2 mission Zero Hour to complete it quickly or with minimal effort, often bypassing intended challenges. This approach is popular among players seeking efficient runs for rewards or triumphs. Common methods include using specific weapon loadouts, such as high-damage specials or abilities like Blade Barrage, to swiftly eliminate bosses like the final Servitor. Additionally, players often skip or manipulate enemy spawns by exploiting map geometry or timing. While cheesing can streamline the mission, it requires coordination and knowledge of the mission's mechanics, making it a favored tactic for experienced fireteams aiming to optimize their gameplay.

Characteristics Values
Mission Zero Hour (Destiny 2)
Cheese Method Exploiting mechanics to bypass or simplify mission challenges
Key Skip Using a specific jump or glitch to skip the first encounter (e.g., "First Room Skip")
Boss Damage Focusing on weak spots or using high-damage weapons (e.g., Izanagi's Burden, Divinity)
Team Composition 3 players recommended; roles include: DPS, Support, and Ad Control
Loadout High-damage weapons (e.g., Xenophage, Anarchy, Witherhoard)
Mods/Perks Major Spec, Boss Spec, and Taken Spec mods for increased damage
Time Requirement ~15-20 minutes with optimal execution
Difficulty Easier with cheese methods compared to standard runs
Patch Status Check latest Destiny 2 patch notes for potential fixes
Recommended Power Level 1350+ (as of latest season)
Notable Mechanics Exploiting enemy AI behavior, out-of-bounds glitches, and phase skips
Community Resources YouTube guides, Destiny 2 forums, and LFG groups for coordinated runs

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Exploiting Spawn Mechanics: Use enemy spawn patterns to avoid detection and skip combat phases entirely

Enemy spawn mechanics in Zero Hour are predictable, and understanding these patterns can turn the mission into a stealth operation rather than a firefight. Each phase of the mission triggers specific enemy waves, often tied to objectives or player movement. By memorizing these patterns, you can time your actions to avoid triggering unnecessary spawns. For example, during the server farm section, enemies spawn in fixed locations only when you approach certain areas. Moving deliberately and staying just outside these trigger zones allows you to bypass entire groups of foes, conserving ammo and time.

To exploit spawn mechanics effectively, observe the mission’s rhythm. Enemies typically spawn in waves, with a cooldown period before the next wave begins. Use this downtime to reposition or complete objectives. For instance, in the cache defense phase, enemies spawn from specific vents and doors. By focusing on sealing vents first and ignoring incoming threats until absolutely necessary, you can reduce the number of enemies that spawn, making the phase significantly easier. Patience is key—rushing often triggers additional waves, while calculated movement minimizes detection.

A practical tip for skipping combat phases entirely is to use the environment to your advantage. In the elevator descent, enemies spawn based on your position relative to the elevator doors. By staying near the top of the elevator shaft and peeking only when necessary, you can avoid triggering the majority of spawns. Similarly, during the final boss fight, enemies spawn in fixed locations around the arena. Positioning yourself in a corner opposite these spawn points and focusing solely on the boss can prevent additional foes from appearing, allowing you to finish the fight quickly.

However, exploiting spawn mechanics requires precision and practice. Mistiming your movements or straying into trigger zones can undo your efforts, forcing you to engage in unwanted combat. Additionally, this strategy relies heavily on team coordination—one misstep from a teammate can disrupt the entire plan. Communicate clearly, assign roles, and rehearse the timing of each phase to ensure success. While this method may not be as flashy as brute-forcing the mission, it’s a reliable way to streamline runs, reduce risk, and conserve resources.

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Glitch Through Walls: Utilize out-of-bounds glitches to bypass entire sections of the mission

In the world of Destiny 2, Zero Hour is a mission that demands precision, coordination, and patience. However, for those willing to bend the rules, glitching through walls offers a shortcut to victory. By exploiting out-of-bounds areas, players can skip entire sections of the mission, saving time and avoiding frustrating mechanics. This technique is not for the faint of heart—it requires practice, timing, and a willingness to experiment with the game’s physics.

To execute this glitch, start by identifying vulnerable walls or barriers within the mission. Common spots include the initial elevator shaft and the laser hallway. Equip a high-jumping class like Hunter with the Strafe Jump ability or use a Titan’s Lion Rampant exotic boots for extended air time. Position yourself at the edge of the wall, then jump and sprint diagonally toward the barrier. Time your jump precisely to clip through the geometry, landing in an out-of-bounds area. Be cautious: falling into the void or triggering invisible boundaries will reset your progress.

One of the most effective locations for this glitch is during the laser hallway segment. Instead of navigating the intricate laser grid, jump onto the left or right wall at the start of the hallway. With careful positioning, you can clip through and bypass the entire obstacle. This requires multiple attempts to master, as the game’s collision detection is unforgiving. Coordinate with your fireteam to ensure someone can revive you if you fail, or practice solo in a lower-stakes environment.

While glitching through walls can drastically reduce mission time, it’s not without risks. Bungie periodically patches these exploits, so what works today may be unusable tomorrow. Additionally, relying on glitches can diminish the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing the mission legitimately. Use this strategy sparingly, and only when speed or efficiency is the top priority. For those who choose this path, the reward is a faster completion and more time to focus on other challenges in the game.

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Overload Skip Strategy: Skip Overload Captain encounters by timing jumps and using specific abilities

In the high-stakes world of *Zero Hour*, efficiency is key, and the Overload Skip Strategy stands out as a game-changer for seasoned players. By meticulously timing jumps and leveraging specific abilities, this method allows teams to bypass the Overload Captain encounters entirely, shaving precious minutes off their run. The core principle revolves around exploiting the game’s mechanics to create a window of opportunity, but execution demands precision and coordination.

To execute this strategy, begin by assigning roles within your fireteam. One player, equipped with a high-mobility subclass like Hunter’s Voidwalker or Warlock’s Blink, acts as the primary jumper. Their task is to initiate the skip by timing a precise jump during the Overload Captain’s spawn animation. Simultaneously, a second player with a crowd-control ability—such as Titan’s Thundercrash or Warlock’s Nova Bomb—must clear the surrounding ads to prevent interference. The third player should focus on monitoring the environment, ensuring no unexpected enemies disrupt the sequence.

The timing is critical. The jump must occur within a 0.5-second window after the Captain’s spawn animation begins. Too early, and the encounter triggers; too late, and the opportunity is lost. Practice in a controlled environment is essential, as the margin for error is slim. For example, using a stopwatch or in-game audio cues can help refine timing. Additionally, equipping mobility-boosting gear, such as Lion Rampant boots for Hunters, can provide the extra edge needed for a successful skip.

While the Overload Skip Strategy is effective, it’s not without risks. Missteps can lead to a full encounter, costing time and resources. Common pitfalls include over-reliance on a single player’s timing or neglecting to clear ads, which can pull the Captain’s aggro. To mitigate these risks, communicate clearly and establish a backup plan, such as assigning a secondary jumper or prioritizing ad control.

In conclusion, the Overload Skip Strategy is a testament to the depth of *Zero Hour*’s mechanics and the creativity of its player base. By mastering this technique, teams can streamline their runs, turning a daunting encounter into a seamless bypass. However, success hinges on practice, coordination, and adaptability. Whether you’re a speedrunner or a casual player, this strategy offers a unique challenge and a rewarding payoff for those willing to invest the effort.

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Boss Damage Cheese: Position for maximum damage on final boss using specific weapons and mods

To maximize damage on the final boss in Zero Hour, positioning and loadout selection are critical. The boss, Ashen Wake, has a large hitbox, but certain areas are more vulnerable than others. Position yourself on the raised platforms to the left or right of the arena, ensuring you’re at a 45-degree angle to the boss’s torso. This angle allows for consistent crit shots while avoiding the majority of the boss’s frontal attacks. Use a sniper rifle with high impact and a damage-boosting mod like Boss Spec or Vorpal Weapon to capitalize on this positioning. Pair this with a special weapon like a slug shotgun or a high-damage breach-loaded grenade launcher to cover close-range add clears and additional boss damage.

Analyzing the boss’s mechanics reveals a pattern: Ashen Wake’s frontal cone attack is devastating but predictable. By staying off the main platform and maintaining distance, you minimize the risk of being caught in this attack. Additionally, the boss’s weak point is its torso, which is more exposed when viewed from the side. A weapon like Izanagi’s Burden, with its Honed Edge perk, can deal massive damage per shot when fully charged, making it ideal for this strategy. Combine this with a Well of Radiance for a 25% damage boost, and you’ll see a significant increase in DPS output.

A comparative look at other strategies highlights why this approach is superior. Standing directly in front of the boss may seem efficient but exposes you to higher risk and limits crit damage opportunities. Flanking from the sides not only maximizes crit damage but also provides better add control, as you can quickly pivot to clear enemies without losing position. For solo players, this method is particularly effective, as it minimizes the need for constant movement while maintaining high damage output.

Practical tips for execution include pre-loading your sniper rifle before the boss phase begins and ensuring your team coordinates Well of Radiance placement. If using Izanagi’s Burden, time your shots to align with the Well’s damage buff for maximum impact. For players without access to Izanagi’s, a high-impact aggressive frame sniper like Twilight Oath or Cloudstrike can serve as viable alternatives. Always prioritize staying out of the boss’s frontal arc and use the environment to your advantage by peeking only when necessary.

In conclusion, this positioning and loadout strategy turns the final boss fight into a controlled, high-damage encounter. By leveraging specific weapons, mods, and environmental advantages, you can consistently achieve maximum DPS while minimizing risk. Whether solo or in a team, this method ensures efficiency and reliability, making it a go-to cheese for Zero Hour’s climax.

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Team Composition Tips: Optimize fireteam roles for speed runs with specific subclasses and loadouts

In the high-octane world of Zero Hour speed runs, every second counts, and your fireteam’s composition can make or break your record. Start by assigning roles based on subclass strengths. A Warlock running Well of Radiance with the Phoenix Protocol exotic chest piece is non-negotiable for sustained damage phases. Pair this with a Hunter using Blade Barrage with the Knife Trick mod for precision, high-burst damage on priority targets. Finally, a Titan equipped with Thundercrash and the Cuirass of the Falling Star exotic chest piece can clear waves of enemies in seconds, especially during tight corridors. This trio maximizes both survivability and damage output, ensuring a smooth run.

Loadouts matter just as much as subclasses. Equip the Warlock with an Izanagi’s Burden sniper rifle for precision shots and a Recluse or Mountaintop for add clearance. The Hunter should prioritize Le Monarque for its poison damage paired with a 21% Delirium for boss DPS. The Titan benefits from a Jötunn for crowd control and a Threat Level shotgun for close-quarters combat. Special ammo economy is critical—ensure at least one player carries a Tracer Rifle or Fighting Lion to generate special ammo bricks for the team.

Communication is key, but so is role specialization. Assign the Warlock to focus on healing and buffing during critical phases, while the Hunter takes out high-priority targets like Psions or Wizards. The Titan should act as the cleanup crew, using Thundercrash to wipe out enemy waves before they become a threat. Practice handoffs for orbs of light—the Warlock’s Radiant buff should always be active during damage phases. This division of labor minimizes downtime and maximizes efficiency.

Avoid the temptation to over-specialize. While each role has a clear function, adaptability is crucial. For instance, if the Hunter goes down during a critical phase, the Titan should be ready to switch to a high-damage weapon like Xenophage to cover the loss. Similarly, the Warlock should carry a Wardcliff Coil or Anarchy for additional DPS when needed. Flexibility ensures that your team can recover from setbacks without sacrificing speed.

Lastly, test your composition in shorter strikes or lower-difficulty missions before attempting a full speed run. Pay attention to how your team handles enemy spawns, boss mechanics, and ammo management. Adjust loadouts and subclass mods based on performance—for example, swapping Lunafaction Boots for Transversive Steps on the Warlock if mobility becomes an issue. A well-optimized fireteam isn’t built overnight; it’s refined through trial, error, and relentless iteration.

Frequently asked questions

The easiest method is to use a Titan with the Code of the Commander subclass. Pop your Super, throw a barricade, and have your team shoot the enemies from behind it. This allows you to quickly clear the first encounter without much risk.

Use a Warlock with Well of Radiance and a weapon like Recluse or a high-damage auto rifle. Stand at the back of the elevator, pop your Well, and focus on killing enemies as they spawn. This minimizes the risk of taking damage and speeds up the process.

Use a team of three Warlocks with Well of Radiance and high-damage weapons like Izanagi’s Burden or Whisper of the Worm. Stand in the Well, focus on damaging the boss, and rotate Supers to maintain constant damage output. This allows you to defeat the boss quickly and safely.

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