Bungie has announced the return of Iron Banner in Destiny. For you Taken Tots unfamiliar, the Iron Banner is a special week-long Crucible event that removes the autobalancing in PvP. In other words, your Guardian's normal level and Light Level (weapons and armor) will actually make a difference in the damage you deal and take.
The Iron Banner will return to Destiny on October 13th. It marks the first time the event will be experienced since Year Two, and as such players can expect some changes.
"Power still matters," Bungie assures, "and we're adjusting the damage curves to work with the new measurements." But that's not all that's different about the Iron Banner in Year Two. Check out the tactical briefing notes from Crucible Designer Jeremiah Pieschl.
- The tempered buff is now automatically applied and continues to grow in effectiveness each day of the event.
- The alt catch-up buff and Iron Medallion mechanics are unchanged.
- Potential match completion rewards now include both weapons and armor, matching the same items available from Lord Saladin during each event.
- Drop rates have been increased and are intended to be the primary source of rewards from Iron Banner. If you don't get what you're hoping for, you have the option to visit Lord Saladin instead.
- Gear purchased from Lord Saladin now requires Legendary Marks instead of Glimmer.
- New emblems have been added to his inventory.
- All new bounties including 9 Daily bounties (3 per day) and 3 new Weekly bounties which reward Legendary Marks.
- Recommended minimum Light for Iron Banner: 230.
- Only Level 40 Guardians can lead a Fireteam.
It seems most of the changes are catered more towards rewards, which I actually don't mind. While you can still purchase gear from Lord Saladin with your Iron Banner ranking, it's nice to see you can earn some of these rewards just by playing. It removes the pressure of having to grind rep in just one week. That being said, if you want a specific item from Lord Saladin, you'll still need to grind — both reputation and legendary marks.
