Destiny 2: How to Use Defiant Key

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Destiny 2’s latest season, Season of Defiance, has arrived in conjunction with the launch of Lightfall. One of its main features is the new seasonal activity called Defiant Battlegrounds, which will have new versions introduced throughout the early stages of the season. Upon completing the playlist version, players will receive a chest that requires Defiant Keys to unlock.

Defiant Keys in Destiny 2 serve the purpose of unlocking optional chests located at the end of the Defiant Battlegrounds activity. Although they are not mandatory, these chests hold valuable loot, making them a worthwhile pursuit. This guide aims to inform players on where to obtain Defiant Keys in Destiny 2 and how to properly use them.

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How to Get Defiant Keys in Destiny 2 Lightfall

Defiant Keys are dropped by completing various activities throughout the game. These activities include:

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  • Terminal Overload
  • Crucible matches
  • Gambit matches
  • Raids
  • Dungeons
  • Vanguard Strikes and Battlegrounds
  • Defiant Battlegrounds
  • Season Pass Progression
  • War Table Vendor Rewards
  • Lightfall Campaign Missions
  • Dares of Eternity

After exploring various available options, we have discovered that Terminal Overload is one of the most effective farming methods for obtaining Defiant Keys in Destiny 2. Another efficient farming method is participating in certain Crucible modes such as Mayhem and Team Scorched, as they can be completed in 4-5 minutes, depending on your team.


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However, it should be noted that Defiant Keys cannot be obtained from Defiant Battlegrounds activities. Therefore, if you want to obtain additional rewards, you will need to dedicate some time to playing other activities.

It’s also important to note that Defiant Keys have a maximum capacity of five and are stored in your inventory. By hovering over the Defiant Battlegrounds playlist, you can see how many Defiant Keys you currently have.

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How to Use Defiant Keys in Destiny 2 Lightfall

Defiant Keys are automatically consumed when you open the chest at the end of the Defiant Battleground activity, but only if you are playing the playlist version launched via the HELM map. They are not used up if you play individual modes found on the map, such as the one at the EDZ.

Using a Defiant Key can increase your chances of receiving more Defiant Engrams, which are stored on the reputation bar at the War Table. To decrypt them, click the Engrams on the bar, or focus them on specific weapons and armor if you have the upgrade.

Even if you don’t have a Defiant Key, it is still worthwhile to participate in the Defiant Battlegrounds mode. This is mainly because you still have a chance to obtain weapon patterns, Defiant Engrams, and many other rewards. However, if you spend time farming Defiant Keys, you will have a significantly better chance of obtaining superior loot.

Destiny 2 players can significantly increase the rewards they earn from Defiant Battlegrounds by using Defiant Keys. To maximize their Season of Defiance awards, players should consider obtaining as many Defiant Keys as possible.

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