The Black Garden

The Black Garden

Level 18 Story / The Barrens, Meridian Bay, Mars

Enemy Race: Vex

Suggested Damage Type: Void, Arc (Epic)

Rewards: XP Bonus, Mote of Light

Mission Unlocked: -

Objective: Head to the Gate

Location: The Barrens

Head to Valley of the Kings via Scablands and Giants’ Pass.

Objective: Kill the Gate Defenders

Location: Valley of the Kings

Approach the gate on the left, where Minotaurs and Hobgoblins join a Hydra in an attempt to defend their gate. This takes place in the same public zone as the end of the Exclusion Zone mission. Therefore, this battle’s difficulty can vary depending on which foes are around.

Objective: Enter the Gate

With the defenders out of the way, move toward the gate to be sent into a new area.

Objective: Explore the Garden

Location: Upper Garden

Follow the trail through the stationary Goblins until a group powers up and attacks. Take down the Vex, along with a Minotaur that waits around the corner. As you pass through the ruins, a variety of Vex spawns along the way. Use the blocks as cover and eliminate the machines. Once you can see the outdoor light, the area becomes a Darkness Zone. To the right, a Cyclops is supported by Harpies, Goblins, and Hobgoblins. Pick off the Vex along the sides before taking on the Cyclops.

Objective: Destroy the Vex

As you continue exploring the area, the Vex are relentless. In the next room, Divisive Mind, a Major Hydra, fires explosive projectiles at anything that doesn’t belong. Use the ruins for protection as you eliminate the lesser enemies. Then, employ high-powered weaponry to take the floating machine down. Once you’ve destroyed it, be sure it detonates before proceeding through.

Objective: Find the Garden’s Heart

Location: Lower Garden

Exit the Darkness Zone back to the outdoors, drop off the end of the platform, and follow the ruins down, while more Vex attack at each step. Continue along the trail, taking out more Goblins and Hobgoblins until you reach a big clearing that appears to dead end.

Objective: Scan Vex Clusters

Hop onto the rock that sits at the edge of the cliff. From there, you can see a dish to the left and another to the right. All kinds of Vex litter the area. Spend some time with your long-range weapon, picking off as many as you can. Harpies emerge from the left, while Goblins begin to attack from the right. A Hydra hangs out in the middle of the right side with more Vex bipeds around it. The two dishes are Vex clusters that must be scanned before you continue. Fight your way carefully to each one as more enemies show up. Once it’s safe, deploy your Ghost so he can start scanning.

Objective: Activate the Conflux

Now run over to the conflux near the central gate, wipe out the most recent Vex arrivals, and have your Ghost activate the Vex device.

Objective: Cross the Threshold

Step into the final area, and prepare for a big fight.

Objective: Annihilate the Vex

An army of Vex Goblins notices your presence. Work your way in and out of the ruins, mowing down every last one.

Objective: Kill the Sol Progeny

At this point, the first of three Ultra Minotaurs is activated. Use your big guns and super as you target the weak point in its abdomen. It steadily launches explosive projectiles at its target, while Harpies are dispersed into the arena. Focus your gunfire at the big Vex; after you defeat the Ultra Minotaur, its minions are also eliminated. After you relieve it of its vast amount of health, the second Ultra Minotaur comes to life. Goblins and Hobgoblins accompany this beast. Destroy it in the same manner as the first. With two out of the way, the third and final Ultra Minotaur steps into the ring. This time, Minotaurs and Goblins support the boss.

When you finish the final story mission, return the Dark Heart Fragments to The Speaker for a Mote of Light.