How Long Does It Take to Unlock Crucible in Destiny 2 as a New Player?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a passionate Destiny 2 player and content creator, one of the most common questions I get from new players is: "How long does it take to unlock Crucible?"

For those new to Destiny, Crucible is the competitive player-vs-player mode that lets you battle against other Guardians in small arena-style maps. Unlocking it quickly is important so you can start earning PVP-specific loot and completing Crucible bounties and quests.

Based on my experience ushering many friends into Destiny 2, it typically takes 1-3 hours for a brand new player to unlock Crucible by reaching the opening milestones. Here‘s a complete walkthrough so you know what to expect:

Step 1: Complete the "Spark" Campaign Mission

The first step is making your way through the introductory campaign missions that initially teach you the ropes of Destiny. The third mission called "Spark" on Earth is the pivotal unlock point for Crucible.

So essentially, you need to invest enough time to battle through the beginning missions on Earth and the Moon before getting to that third beat. Bungie paces these starting missions pretty well, easing you into understanding your Guardian abilities, navigating environments, fighting enemies, etc.

  • Most players can reach the Spark milestone in 1-2 hours depending on prior FPS experience.
  • Expect closer to 2 hours if totally new to Destiny gameplay mechanics

Step 2: Reach Guardian Level 5

After finishing the Spark mission, your next milestone is reaching character level 5 on your chosen Guardian class.

Leveling to 5 happens quickly since all XP rewards are increased substantially during those first few hours. You‘ll likely reach it well before or around finishing Spark.

  • If not, stick with the campaign missions after Spark as they pour on lots of fast XP until hitting the threshold
  • Can also grind early Public Events or Lost Sectors if really struggling

But generally, playing through Spark and maybe one more quest naturally gets newbies to the proper level.

Step 3: Talk to Lord Shaxx in the Tower

Okay, Spark beat and level 5 achieved. Time to officially unlock Crucible!

Travel back to the Tower social hub and visit Lord Shaxx. He‘s the Crucible handler tucked away in the back by The Farm region.

Interact with Shaxx and grab his "Introduction: Crucible" quest. Simply completing this fast 3-step quest instantly unlocks PVP on your Director.

  • Shaxx‘s quest takes 5-10 minutes
  • Finish his 2 suggested Crucible matches
  • Return and claim your reward

Total Time Investment: 1-3 Hours

Adding up all three steps – my experience with newcomers is reaching Shaxx‘s quest takes most players between 1-3 hours total.

That might sound daunting at first. But Bungie paces the process quite well – those starting missions and XP gains help new Guardians gear up to an appropriate level before unleashing them into PVP.

If you mainline just the critical objectives, unlocking Crucible can happen on the quicker end. Veterans can prep new characters even faster.

What Game Modes Can You Play?

As soon as Shaxx gives his quest, all Core Crucible playlists unlock on your Director, including:

  • Quickplay
  • Competitive
  • Rotator modes like Team Scorched

So while hardcore Trials of Osiris takes more setup, all the casual and core modes become available quite early on.

Unlocking Crucible ASAP: Time-Saving Tips

For those really eager to jump into PVP, here are a few tips to shave off precious minutes en route to enabling Crucible:

  • Optimize quest reward choices for weapons over armor
  • Equip highest level guns/gear to boost XP gains
  • Grab bounties, including extra Fynch seasonal ones early
  • Use XP consumables like Guiding Light ghost shell

Was It Worth the Wait?

While not instant, unlocking Crucible only taking 1-3 hours is quite forgiving for Destiny 2 – a huge timesink of an RPG otherwise. Enjoy mixing PVE and PVP once you get there! Shaxx‘s wares and Crucible bounties are vital parts of the overall gearing loop.

Let me know down below what Loadout you used for your first Crucible matches! Pulse rifles and shotguns tend to be my go-to picks for newcomers.

What other beginner topics would you like me to cover? Drop your requests and I‘ll build out some more guides to help kinderguardians in Destiny 2!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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