Destiny’s Iron Banner Returns: A Guide to Everything You Need to Know to Get the New Gear

Tomorrow, Destiny‘s controversial Iron Banner PVP event will return, but with a few twists.

What is the Iron Banner?

The Iron Banner is a PVP event that previously ran in October. It removed many of the level balancing restrictions that are present in regular PVP modes, allowing for more powerful Guardians to have an advantage.

Many players were not happy with how far Bungie went with removing the level balancing though, so the Iron Banner will be seeing some changes this time around.

How has it changed?

During the last Iron Banner event, many players were upset that their high level gear/Guardians weren’t rolling over the lower level competition. In fact, it didn’t feel all that different from a regular game of PVP.

Bungie has stated that they will address these complaints in the next round of the Iron Banner. Although they warn that lower level players will still be a threat, it is likely that they have widened the difference between high and low level gear bonuses.

When does it end?

This Iron Banner will run through November 24.

Is there any new gear?

Perhaps the most exciting addition to this Iron Banner event is level 30 gear. You will now be able to unlock and purchase gauntlets and boots that will provide enough Light to work as end-game armor.

What is Tempering?

Tempering is an event-specific buff that will speed up how fast you accrue Iron Banner reputation. It lasts for 12 hours, and becomes more effective the later in the event that it is used. You can purchase the buff from Lord Saladin for 1 Mote of Light.

What is reforging?

The update also includes a feature that will allow you to reset and upgrade certain Iron Banner weapons. This will wipe all of the weapon’s current progression, and in exchange, you will get to apply new perks. This will hopefully enable you to pick out weapons that match your playstyle a little better.

Where do I sign up?

Just like last time, see Lord Saladin. He’ll be in that courtyard behind the bounty board; the one where the Queen’s Emissary was.

Who can participate?

You need to be level 20 this time around to head into the Iron Banner. You can bypass this restriction by joining a fireteam led by a level 20 player.

How do I increase my rank?

You can increase your Iron Banner rank by completing Iron Banner bounties, which are available from Lord Saladin this time around. You’ll also get reputation from winning Iron Banner matches.

Losing a match will give you a “Medallion of Iron.” Collect five of these and you can trade them in for Iron Banner reputation.

Does my rank carry over from the last Iron Banner?

Yes, although there are now 5 ranks total, so even if you hit rank 3 last time, there’s plenty of stuff to do.

After this particular Iron Banner though, your rank will be reset, so grab any of the rewards you want while you still can.

What are the rewards?

Rank 1:

• Unlock Iron Banner Emblem
• Emblem, Shader, Class Item each provide stacking 10% boosts to Iron Banner reputation gains

Rank 2:

• Unlock Iron Banner Shader

Rank 3:

• Unlock Iron Banner Armor Item
• Unlock Iron Banner Weapon Item

Rank 4:

• Unlock Iron Banner Armor Items
• Unlock Iron Banner Class Item
• Unlock Iron Banner Weapon Item

Rank 5:

• Unlock Iron Banner Weapon Item
• Unlock Iron Banner Shader Item