Destiny 2’s Presage mission was introduced in February 2021 as part of the Season of the Chosen content for season pass holders. Originally, this mission was linked to The Voice on the Other Side quest, which rewarded players with Dead Man’s Tale, an Exotic Scout Rifle. However, Presage has since been integrated into the game’s weekly Exotic Weapon rotation, meaning that players can only access it during its designated week.
For those familiar with previous exotic quests like Harbinger, Whisper of the Worm, and Outbreak Perfected’s Zero Hour, Presage follows a similar formula. It is a challenging mission that requires puzzle-solving, strategic combat, and precise platforming.
How to Obtain Dead Man’s Tale in Destiny 2
The Dead Man’s Tale Scout Rifle is an exclusive reward obtained by completing the Presage mission. Since it is part of the Exotic Weapon rotation, players must run the mission when it is active to secure the weapon. The mission itself is found in the Legends section of the Director.
Beyond obtaining it as a drop, Dead Man’s Tale is now also craftable. The first time players acquire a rotating exotic weapon each week, it will drop with Deepsight Resonance. Collecting five of these unlocks the weapon pattern, allowing Guardians to craft and fine-tune their own version at the Enclave.
Breaking Down the Presage Mission
Presage shares similarities with Season of the Hunt’s Harbinger, blending puzzle mechanics with platforming and intense combat encounters. Unlike timed missions such as Whisper of the Worm or Zero Hour, Presage allows players to explore at their own pace.
The mission has a recommended power level of 1800. While it was originally more difficult at launch, the current power cap makes it much more manageable. Solo completion is possible, but a full fireteam makes the mission significantly easier.
The mission takes place aboard a derelict ship, filled with eerie corridors, environmental hazards, and locked pathways. Key mechanics throughout the mission include:
-
Shooting vents to reveal hidden passageways.
-
Activating fuses and switches to open doors and access new areas.
-
Interacting with blue spore structures to receive the Egregore Link buff, which allows Guardians to pass through deadly walls.
Essential Tips for Navigating Presage
The layout of the Presage mission can be confusing, especially for first-time players. Here are some useful strategies to help navigate the ship:
-
If you find yourself stuck in a room or vent with no obvious exit, look up—hidden ledges and doorways are often positioned above you.
-
To activate the Egregore Link buff, all fireteam members must be within close proximity to the spores when they are shot. If the spores glow green, wait until they turn blue again before shooting to regain the buff.
-
Some switches needed for puzzle progression are in plain sight. If you hit a dead end, carefully examine the walls around you for switches or panels that may open new routes.
-
Take note of all locked doors you pass along the way. If a switch is activated and the path ahead isn’t obvious, it may have unlocked one of those doors.
-
Certain fuses trigger mechanisms on a timer. If nothing seems to change after shooting one, try again and search for newly accessible areas.
On a first attempt, expect the mission to take between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on familiarity with the mechanics. Since there are no checkpoints, ensure enough time is set aside to complete the mission in one sitting.
Presage Mission Walkthrough Highlights
The ship’s path is lengthy and maze-like, though largely linear. While a full step-by-step guide isn’t necessary, there are key moments where players commonly get stuck. Here are a few highlights to help navigate the mission efficiently:
-
In the opening sections, locate air vents and shoot them to create pathways forward.
-
When encountering Egregore spores, ensure that your team is within range before activating them.
-
Keep track of locked doors—many open through environmental interactions rather than straightforward switches.
-
The final boss battle is a test of endurance, requiring both crowd control and precision shooting. Prioritize staying mobile and using cover effectively.
With patience and strategy, Guardians can conquer Presage and claim Dead Man’s Tale, adding another powerful Exotic to their arsenal. Whether tackling the mission solo or with a fireteam, the eerie atmosphere and engaging mechanics make Presage one of Destiny 2’s most memorable PvE experiences.