The Iron Banner returns to Destiny. Here’s all the Legendary Gear you can get

As you're probably aware by now, the Iron Banner has returned to Destiny.

Starting today, you can queue up in this special playlist and truly test your skill (and gear) as automatic balancing is removed. In other words, power now matters as your gear ratings will affect how much damage you inflict and how much you can take. Obviously, the higher your level and the better your gear, the better your chance for survival. But don't discount those Kinderguardians (Christmas noobs) just yet. Even lower-level players wielding fully-upgraded weapons are still a threat.

The Iron Banner event playlist will be playable for the next week, so you have until January 19th to earn reputation and increase your event standing rank with the Iron Banner's Lord Saladin to earn new gear that will help increase your Guardian's level to 32, the new cap introduced with The Dark Below.

While not much has changed since the last Iron Banner event in terms of rules or structure, the playlist now features three more maps: The Anomaly, Asylum, and The Burning Shrine. They were also introduced to the Clash and Control playlists with yesterday's update.

As far as gear, two level 32 weapons — Efrideet's Spear (sniper rifle) and Silimar's Wrath (auto rifle) can drop for you during Iron Banner matches. Should you have horrible luck with the RNG God, then your other shot at acquiring new gear is through Lord Saladin. He offers Legendary weapons and armor to players who earn enough reputation throughout the event. Here's the full list of rewards you can purchase:

• Timur's Lash (level 32 hand cannon)
• Radegast's Fury (level 32 rocket launcher)
• Iron Regalia Sleeves, Iron Regalia Gloves, Iron Regalia Gauntlets (level 32 gauntlets)
• Iron Regalia Vest, Iron Regalia Vestments, Iron Regalia Plate (level 31 chest)

Once again, your previous Iron Banner rank has been reset, meaning you have to work through five ranks again to potentially purchase every item Lord Saladin has to offer. On the bright side, the Emblem, Shader, and Class Item that Lord Saladin sells each provide stacking 10% boosts to IB reputation gains. So try to get those first. Here are the levels in which you can unlock new things:

Rank 1

• Unlock Iron Banner Emblem

Rank 2

• Unlock Iron Banner Shader

Rank 3

• Unlock Iron Banner Armor Item
• Unlock Iron Banner Weapon Item

Rank 4

• Unlock Iron Banner Armor Items
• Unlock Iron Banner Class Item
• Unlock Iron Banner Weapon Item

Rank 5

• Unlock Iron Banner Weapon Item
• Unlock Iron Banner Shader Item

As a reminder, Iron Banner reputation is only earned through victories in the IB playlist. However, upon losing you'll be rewarded with a Medallion of Iron that is automatically redeemed with your next victory for a portion of your lost gains. You can collect and hold up to five Medallions of Iron at once.

Oh, and for all you kiddies who are new to the game, simply follow my guide and you'll be awesome at PvP in no time. So have at it, Guardians. It's time to prove yourself again in the fires of the Crucible.