Oh, Guardian, so you've found yourself trapped in the Vanguard Vault during the intense "Zero Hour" exotic mission in Destiny 2? Don't worry, you're not alone! This mission is famous for its intricate puzzles, challenging platforming, and a relentless timer that keeps you on your toes. But with the right strategy and a bit of teamwork, you'll be out of that vault and on your way to earning some fantastic rewards in no time.
Let's break down how to conquer the Vanguard Vault section of Zero Hour, step by grueling step!
Getting Out of the Vanguard Vault in Zero Hour: A Guardian's Guide
The Vanguard Vault is a crucial section of the Zero Hour mission, known for its "Kill Floor" puzzle and the intimidating presence of TR3-VR. Success here hinges on understanding the mechanics and executing them swiftly.
Step 1: Welcome to the Belly of the Beast!
Alright, Guardian, so you've just dropped down into the Arc Subsystem, also affectionately known as the domain of TR3-VR, the menacing security bot. Feeling that chill run down your spine? Good. That means you're paying attention! This entire section is a race against the clock and a test of your spatial awareness.
Your immediate goal upon entering is to navigate this treacherous area, avoid getting squashed by TR3-VR, and activate a series of switches that will open the path to the Vanguard Vault itself.
Step 2: The TR3-VR Gauntlet - Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, and Dodge!
This is where things get really interesting. TR3-VR patrols this maze-like area, and if he catches you, it's an instant wipe. Your primary strategy here is evasion and quick movement.
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
Sub-heading 2.1: Understanding TR3-VR's Patrol Route
TR3-VR follows a predictable, set path. Spend a moment or two observing his movements before you rush in. You'll notice he covers specific corridors. Your aim is to move in the opposite direction or slip into safe zones as he passes.
Sub-heading 2.2: Identifying Safe Zones
Throughout TR3-VR's patrol area, you'll find small, square cutouts in the walls. These are your lifelines. When TR3-VR approaches, quickly crouch and slide into these alcoves. He cannot reach you there. However, don't linger too long, as he will eventually loop back around.
Sub-heading 2.3: Activating the Switches (The Arc Subsystem Puzzle)
There are multiple switches you need to activate in this area to open the path forward. These are often located in various corners or off-shoot corridors.
- Team Coordination is Key: If you're running this with a fireteam, designate roles. One person might be the "runner" who focuses on activating switches, while others clear enemies or distract TR3-VR (though distraction is tricky and risky).
- Visual Cues: Look for glowing red panels or switches on the walls. Activating one often reveals the next, or simply progresses the overall puzzle.
- Time Management: Every second counts. Move with purpose. Don't waste time admiring the scenery – TR3-VR won't.
Step 3: The "Kill Floor" Puzzle - A Grid of Doom
After successfully navigating the TR3-VR section, you'll slide down a vent and find yourself in a large room with a 6x5 grid on the floor. This is the infamous "Kill Floor." Step on the wrong tile, and you're incinerated. No pressure, right?
Sub-heading 3.1: The Elemental Threat and Its Impact
The solution to the Kill Floor puzzle changes daily based on the elemental threat modifier for the Zero Hour mission (Arc, Void, or Solar) and whether you're on Normal or Legend difficulty.
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
- Check the Modifiers: Before you even enter Zero Hour, check the mission modifiers in your Director. This will tell you the current elemental threat.
- Consult a Guide: Unless you want to spend hours experimenting (and dying!), you'll need to consult an external guide or map for the current day's solution. These are widely available online through Destiny 2 community resources (websites like Light.gg, IGN, or dedicated fan-made spreadsheets).
- Normal vs. Legend: Be aware that the patterns are different for Normal and Legend difficulties. Make sure you're looking at the correct map!
Sub-heading 3.2: Traversing the Grid
Once you have the correct pattern, it's about careful and precise movement.
- One Step at a Time: Don't rush. Take one step at a time, making sure you're on the correct tile according to the map.
- Visual Confirmation: Many patterns involve walking in specific lines or shapes. Visualize the path before you start moving.
- If You Die: If someone steps on a wrong tile, the entire fireteam will wipe, and you'll restart at the beginning of the Kill Floor. Learn from the mistake and try again.
Step 4: Inside the Vanguard Vault - Terminal Activation
Congratulations, you've survived the Kill Floor! You'll now be inside the Vanguard Vault itself. This is another puzzle that requires specific terminal activations.
Sub-heading 4.1: Identifying the Terminals
The vault room contains several consoles or terminals. The sequence in which you activate them is crucial. This puzzle is typically part of the "Intrinsic" or "Catalyst" progression for Outbreak Perfected, so the exact sequence might vary depending on which week's objective you're pursuing (if any specific weekly objectives are active).
Sub-heading 4.2: The Activation Sequence
The "Vanguard Vault" puzzle usually involves interacting with consoles in a particular order, both inside and potentially outside the vault itself. This often relates to symbols or numerical codes displayed on the consoles.
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- Look for Clues: Some clues might be visible on screens or panels within the room.
- Community Solutions: For the most up-to-date and reliable sequences, you'll likely need to refer to community-discovered solutions. These often involve specific console numbering or positional callouts (e.g., "front-left," "back-right," "elevated").
- Trial and Error (with a timer!): If you don't have a guide, you can try to deduce the pattern, but the timer is constantly ticking.
- Confirmation Message: When you input a correct sequence, you'll usually get a notification on your screen like "Sequence Accepted" or similar.
Step 5: The Final Stretch - Escape!
After successfully navigating the Vanguard Vault and its puzzles, the path to the final boss encounter will open up. The pressure doesn't let up, as you'll still have enemies to contend with and the clock relentlessly counting down.
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
Sub-heading 5.1: Push Through Remaining Encounters
Expect more Fallen enemies, including powerful Shanks and Captains. Maintain good add control and focus fire on high-priority targets.
Sub-heading 5.2: The Boss Fight
The final boss, Siriks, is a formidable adversary. He has a variety of attacks and will be supported by numerous adds, often including shielded enemies (Arc, Void, and Solar shields are common, so bring a balanced loadout!).
- Shield Management: Prioritize breaking enemy shields with the correct elemental damage type.
- Burst Damage: Save your supers and heavy ammo for Siriks and high-health targets like Brigs.
- Stay Mobile: The boss arena can get chaotic. Keep moving to avoid incoming fire and area-of-effect attacks.
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| How To Get Out Of Vanguard Vault Zero Hour |
Pro-Tips for Success in Zero Hour
- Loadout Optimization:
- Elemental Coverage: Bring weapons that cover Arc, Void, and Solar shields. Arbalest is excellent for breaking shields universally.
- Add Clear: Weapons good for clearing groups of enemies (e.g., grenade launchers, SMGs, certain exotic primaries) are invaluable.
- Boss DPS: Have a strong heavy weapon for boss damage (e.g., Linear Fusion Rifles, Rocket Launchers, Swords with Lament).
- Team Composition: While it's possible to solo, Zero Hour is significantly easier with a fireteam of three. Coordinate roles, callouts, and strategies.
- Communication: Clear and concise communication is paramount, especially during the TR3-VR and Kill Floor sections. Call out TR3-VR's position, the correct floor tiles, and console interactions.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Zero Hour is a mission that rewards practice. Don't get discouraged if you don't nail it on your first few tries. Learn from your mistakes and refine your strategy.
- Time Management: Always be aware of the timer. Move quickly but deliberately. Prioritize objectives over prolonged engagements with minor enemies if time is critically low.
- Catalyst Switches (Legend Difficulty): If you're attempting Legend difficulty for the Outbreak Perfected Catalyst, remember there are additional hidden switches to activate in different areas of the mission, including the silo section before the vault. These are separate from the vault console puzzle and contribute to your catalyst progression.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
How to start the Zero Hour mission in Destiny 2?
You can start the Zero Hour mission by speaking with Ada-1 in the Annex of the Tower. She will give you the "Asset Protection" quest. Once acquired, the mission can be launched from the "Into the Light" section of the Destinations menu.
How to bypass TR3-VR in Zero Hour?
To bypass TR3-VR, you need to understand his patrol route and utilize the small, square cutouts in the walls as safe zones. Crouch and slide into these alcoves as he approaches, then move quickly to the next section once he passes.
How to solve the Kill Floor puzzle in Zero Hour?
The Kill Floor puzzle's solution depends on the daily elemental threat (Arc, Void, or Solar) and your chosen difficulty (Normal or Legend). You must consult an external guide or map that provides the correct path for the specific day's modifiers.
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
How to know the correct Kill Floor pattern for Zero Hour?
Check the elemental threat modifier displayed on the Zero Hour activity in your Director before launching the mission. Then, find a reliable online guide that shows the corresponding Kill Floor pattern for that element and difficulty.
How to activate the consoles in the Vanguard Vault in Zero Hour?
The consoles in the Vanguard Vault need to be activated in a specific sequence. This sequence often changes or is part of a larger weekly puzzle for catalyst progression. You'll need to follow a community-discovered solution for the correct order.
How to get the Outbreak Perfected Exotic Pulse Rifle?
Completing the Zero Hour exotic mission on any difficulty will reward you with the Outbreak Perfected Exotic Pulse Rifle.
How to get the Outbreak Perfected Catalyst?
The Outbreak Perfected Catalyst is obtained by completing specific objectives within the Legend difficulty of the Zero Hour mission, which often involves activating hidden switches throughout the mission and then completing the mission itself.
How to defeat Siriks in Zero Hour?
To defeat Siriks, the final boss, focus on managing the numerous Fallen adds that spawn, especially those with elemental shields. Use your supers and heavy weapons for burst damage on Siriks while dodging his attacks and staying mobile.
How to increase the time limit in Zero Hour?
The time limit in Zero Hour is fixed. There are no in-mission mechanics to extend it. Success relies on efficient movement, quick puzzle-solving, and rapid enemy elimination.
How to solo the Zero Hour mission?
Soloing Zero Hour is extremely challenging due to the strict timer, complex puzzles, and intense combat encounters. It requires a very high Power Level, optimized loadouts for all enemy types and shields, and a deep understanding of every section, including advanced movement techniques. It's generally recommended to attempt with a fireteam.
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