How to Join a Faction in Destiny 2
To join a faction in Destiny 2, you must raise its reputation to the first rank by completing bounties, public events, strikes, and crucible matches that award faction gains, then purchase the faction emblem from the appropriate vendor. Each faction—Dead Orbit, New Monarchy, and Cult of Osiris—uses the same reputation tiers and emblem sources, making the process familiar once you know where to turn in materials and how to track progress. This guide covers requirements, vendor locations, reliable reputation sources, and faction rewards so you can commit to a faction with confidence.
Faction Overview and Requirements
Destiny 2 features three social factions: Dead Orbit, New Monarchy, and Cult of Osiris. To join a faction and wear its emblem, you must:
- Reach Power Level 10 or higher (soft requirement to access faction bounties).
- Complete at least one faction bounty to rank up its reputation to Rank 2.
- Spend faction materials to purchase the emblem once it becomes available at the vendor.
Factions use a three-rank reputation structure (Rank 1: Neutral, Rank 2: Ally, Rank 3: Trusted). You earn reputation by turning in faction bounties and by completing activities that award faction gains. Reputation resets are not expected under the current design; once earned, ranks generally persist.
Faction Vendors and Locations
Each faction vendor sells a unique emblem after you complete its first bounty and begin offering reputation tokens. Vendor locations are fixed as of the latest seasons:
| Faction | Vendor | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dead Orbit | Brother Vance | Tower Upper Level, near the Bazaar |
| New Monarchy | Tyra Karn | Tower Upper Level, near the Archive |
| Cult of Osiris | Cayde-6 | Tower Upper Level, weapons shop area |
Earning Faction Reputation
You gain faction reputation primarily by turning in faction bounties and by completing activities while the activity-specific buff is active. Reputation tokens are awarded at set intervals as you progress through a bounty or playlist. Understanding which activities reliably grant faction gains helps you plan your weekly schedule.
Top Reputation Sources by Category
| Category | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bounties | Faction Bounty (Daily) | Turn in for reputation and materials; resets daily. |
| PvP | Crucible Playlist: Competitive | Winning matches can yield small faction gains when configured. |
| Strikes | Nightfall Strike (Prestige) | The Ascendant Challenge modifiers may include faction gains. |
| Events | Public Events with Faction Buff | Look for a faction-specific icon above the event marker. |
| Adventures | Seasonal Adventures | Check the in-game Seasonal Guide for active faction-gain objectives. |
Faction Emblems, Rewards, and Milestones
Once you reach Rank 2 with a faction and purchase its emblem, you can display it in your profile and loadouts. Higher reputation ranks can unlock additional cosmetic rewards via seasonal vendors, though emblem availability begins at Rank 2. Faction reputation is tied to seasonal content, so checking the current Season Guide is recommended to maximize gains. Below is a concise snapshot of the baseline progression:
| Reputation Rank | Access | Typical Unlocks |
|---|---|---|
| Rank 1 (Neutral) | None | Unlock faction bounties. |
| Rank 2 (Ally) | Emblem usable | Emblem purchase, basic faction cosmetics. |
| Rank 3 (Trusted) | Higher-tier rewards | Seasonal cosmetics, sparrow ornaments, emote kits. |
Getting Started: Step-by-Step Checklist
- Check your current Power Level; if below 10, play through story and patrols to raise it.
- Open the Seasonal Guide and locate the faction bounties for the season.
- Select one faction (Dead Orbit, New Monarchy, or Cult of Osiris) to focus on.
- Turn in the faction bounty to the corresponding vendor to unlock Rank 2.
- Complete daily and weekly bounties, and look for public events with a faction buff to grind reputation.
- Purchase the faction emblem once available and equip it in your profile.
- Continue playing activities that award faction gains to reach Rank 3 for premium rewards.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
- Why can’t I turn in faction bounties? Ensure your Power Level is at least 10 and that you’re selecting the correct vendor for your chosen faction.
- Do I need to stick with one faction forever? No, you are not locked into a single faction long-term, though progression resets are not expected under the current systems.
- Can I earn multiple faction emblems at once? Yes, you can earn and equip multiple faction emblems, though some seasons may offer restrictions on display options; check the active Season Guide.
- Where can I see my current faction rank? Visit the vendor for your chosen faction in the Tower; the interface will show your current reputation rank and next steps.
Strategic Takeaways
- Focus on one faction at a time to minimize confusion and maximize reputation efficiency.
- Use the Seasonal Guide to identify which activities grant faction gains each week.
- Complete the daily faction bounty even on low-engagement days to maintain steady progress.
- Watch for Public Events with faction buffs—they are time-efficient for reputation gains.
- Plan emblem loadouts ahead of Trials or raids to showcase your commitment without disrupting loadout optimization.
Wrap-Up
Joining a faction in Destiny 2 is straightforward once you understand reputation mechanics and where to turn in bounties. By targeting the correct vendors, completing daily bounties, and participating in faction-buffed activities, you can efficiently raise your standing and unlock exclusive cosmetics. Use this guide as a reference whenever you want to commit to a new cause in the Vanguard.