Ah, 2026 and here I am, still diving back into Destiny 2’s Season of the Deep like it’s a cosy old hoodie. Bungie’s 21st season dropped way back in 2023, but bruh, those weekly challenges? Absolute bangers that still slap. I’ve been grinding them on and off for that sweet, sweet Bright Dust—because the Eververse ain’t gonna fund itself, am I right? Whether you’re a New Light wondering why Deputy Commander Sloan is yelling about a giant sea monster, or a veteran chasing the last few XP ranks, this guide’s got your back. I’ve mashed up all ten weeks of trials, triumphs, and “just one more Salvage run” moments into a no-bs rundown. So grab your favourite Strand grapple and let’s get this bread.

The Vibe Check: What Even Is Season of the Deep?

Before you yeet yourself into the weekly grind, let’s set the scene. We’re back on Titan, that watery moon orbiting Saturn, and things are moist. The Witness’s Taken have infested the place, and Sloan—now sporting some weird Taken-ish arm—is our guide to the big fish, Ahsa. The seasonal loop revolves around two main activities: Salvage (surface fights then a boss in the deep) and Deep Dive (roguelike pressure trials that’ll test your fireteam’s sanity). The weekly story missions, “Into the Depths”, unfold over ten weeks, each unlocking a fresh batch of challenges that blend PvE, PvP, and Gambit. Spoiler: by Week 10, you’ll be neck-deep in a Whetstone encounter hunting that Wicked Implement Scout Rifle. Easy peasy.

The Core Seasonal Grind (Weeks 1–4)

The first month is all about getting your feet wet—literally. Week 1 kicks off with Into the Depths I and the new Salvage activity. Here’s the play: boot up Salvage, complete jobs (like defending drills), and then dunk on the boss. Meanwhile, you’ll be slaying Fallen like it’s a hobby; pair The Fallen Fall with Front Line Salvage I and equip Arc or Strand to double-dip. And oh boy, fishing! The One That Didn’t Get Away requires 50 fish and a couple of Public Events. Pro tip: head to the EDZ, fish by Devrim’s church, and knock out that location challenge at the same time. Synergy, my dudes.

Week 2 sends you back to Savathun’s Throne World for patrols while also hunting Taken in strikes. Lake of Shadows is your best friend here—pile up those Taken kills for both Taken Decimator and Front Line Salvager II. Crucible rats get the Flourish of Power challenge in Mayhem; throw Nova Bombs like confetti. Also, don’t sleep on Lost in the Legend: a Legend lost sector can be a pain, but with the right Champion mods it’s just another Tuesday. Speaking of builds, grab a shotgun or sniper for Antithetical Armaments because nothing says “synergy” like blowing up Salvage bosses with a trench barrel Mindbender’s.

Week 3 and 4 ramp up with Nessus activities and the first taste of Nightfalls. Ultimate Champion demands you stun those barrier boogers, and Darkest Nightfall rewards a Nightfall weapon just for finishing on Hero. You’ll also need to run Deep Dive encounters; Depth Charge and Deep Diver are essentially free if you’re already chasing the story. And don’t forget Mod Collector—unlock those artifact mods early, especially the ones that make you a Strand-wielding murder machine. For Gambit enjoyers (yes, all five of you), Bank, Kill, Repeat and Sound of Metal are straightforward; just bank those motes and pray your teammates don’t lose 15 at once.

Mid-Season Power Spike (Weeks 5–7)

Week 5 introduces Iron Banner with Iron Sharpens Iron, so equip your sweatband and try not to rage at the roaming supers. Battle Rhythm is a breeze with auto rifles and hand cannons; I just cruised around Neomuna popping heads. The Flood Tide challenge gives you a nice chunk of Bright Dust for acquiring Last Rite, the seasonal ritual weapon—worth the grind. Also, Gotta Win Them All wants you to complete playlist activities on Hero difficulty or win matches; a quick Vanguard speedrun does the job. Don’t sleep on Prepared for War if you’re already wielding Last Rite—ping-pong between Crucible and Salvage for rapid progress.

Week 6 asks you to “Go Big (Fish) Or Go Home” by catching a fish heavier than 18kg. It’s pure RNG, but hang out at the Nessus pond with bait and patience. The Under Pressure challenge is where things get spicy: complete a Pressure Trial encounter in Deep Dive. If you’ve got a solid fireteam, activate the Toland orb and enjoy the chaos. Absolutely Stunning is a chunky XP+++ reward for stunning Champions, so throw on your best anti-barrier weapon and dive into a Hero Nightfall.

Week 7 brings the first Legend Salvage requirement—Salvage Legend can be soloed if you’re cracked, but LFG is your friend. Front Line Salvager VII wants you to wear Season of the Deep armor; just transmog those pieces and you’re golden. Meanwhile, Grandmaster completion will net you a fat XP+++ and Bright Dust; Gjallarhorn spam, anyone?

The Endgame Flex (Weeks 8–10)

Week 8 turns the heat up with Trials of Osiris. Trial By Firing Squad requires round wins; even if you’re not a lighthouse regular, just grab a team and communicate. Super Salvager and Commendable Diver are free: use your super in Salvage and pass out commendations in Deep Dive like Oprah giving away cars. The real gem is Treasures From The Deep—complete a Deep Dive with the highest reward tier. That means activating all three pressure trials. Risky? Yes. Worth it? For that XP++, definitely. Also, Pinnacle expects you to hit 1810 Power; by now you should be pretty close if you’ve been doing the pinnacle activities each week.

Week 9 leans into the Solstice event vibes with Patience Perfected (catch a Legendary or Exotic fish—rip your luck) and Ethereal Might (Gambit with Arc/Strand/Void). Rapid Precision is pure dopamine: land rapid precision kills, and the counter climbs faster than my stress levels in a Grandmaster. Crucible folks get Eying Iron in Iron Banner; just remember to cap those zones.

Finally, Week 10 wraps everything with a bow. Wicked Depths is the grand finale: complete the Whetstone encounter and score the Wicked Implement Scout Rifle. Seasonal activity completion? Check. Neptune Activities drags you to Neomuna for patrols—might as well finish those red borders while you’re at it. Sparks of Arc and Special Measures are your last Crucible and Gambit hurrahs, and Tried And True asks for primary ammo kills in Vanguard—a nostalgia trip if you still run a Fatebringer.

Cheesy Tips to Speed Through Challenges

• Stack ’em high: Always check the weekly summary for overlapping objectives. For example, “defeat Taken” appears alongside “Front Line Salvager II” and “Taken Decimator” in Week 2. One Lake of Shadows run often clears both.

• Fish smart: Use the “public event” checkpoint. Do a public event near a pond, then fish while waiting for the next one. Time-efficient and you’ll bag your 50 fish before you know it.

• Power level lounging: If you’re struggling with Grandmaster or Legend content, remember that artifact bonus is your best pal. Overlevel that artifact and suddenly those Champions feel like glorified dregs.

• Gambit burnout avoidance: Stack Gambit challenges. Week 4’s “Sound of Metal”, Week 3’s “Bank, Kill, Repeat”, and Week 8’s “Broadside” can be tackled together. Bring a Linear Fusion Rifle and go to town—two birds, one stone.

• Commendation spam: At the end of every match, give commends immediately; you’ll knock out “Commendation Appreciation”, “Commendable Salvager”, and “Commendable Diver” without thinking.

Is It Worth It in 2026?

Let’s be real: Bright Dust is the lifeline of fashion. With Eververse prices still wild, every bit of that 75–150 BD per challenge adds up. Plus, the XP is clutch for season pass ranks and artifact unlocks. Even if you’ve done this song and dance three years ago, a nostalgic run through the depths hits different when you’re rocking new Strand aspects and a craftable Wicked Implement. So, Guardian, dust off that Ghost, queue up Salvage, and tell Ahsa I said hi. As Lord Shaxx would scream, “THIS IS AMAZING!” — and he ain’t wrong.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a 25kg Exotic fish with my name on it. Peace out, and may your RNG be blessed.