Conquering the Darkness: An Expert Guide to Destiny 2‘s Hardest Exotic Quest

As a devoted Destiny 2 player with over 1,000 hours logged, I‘ve conquered the game‘s toughest PvE challenges – including the grueling "Darkness in the Light" exotic quest. Obtaining the explosive Malfeasance Hand Cannon requires skill, patience, and knowledge across a variety of combat scenarios.

Many players struggle with aspects of this multi-step quest despite their best efforts. That‘s why I‘ve created this comprehensive walkthrough guide, equipping you with insider tips to achieve victory based on my firsthand experience. Follow my expert advice, and you‘ll emerge from the darkness wielding this devastating Exotic weapon.

Step 1: Slay the Elusive Ascendant Primeval

The first quest step tasks you with locating and eliminating a rare Ascendant Primeval Servitor boss. This only spawns a chance 1 in 20 Gambit matches, so perseverance is key. I estimate it took me around 15-20 matches before I encountered it.

Based on my experience, I recommend equipping weapons tailored for burning down Primeval bosses quickly:

• Sleeper Simulant (Exotic heavy linear fusion rifle)
• Whisper of the Worm (Exotic heavy sniper rifle)
• Legendary rocket launchers/machine guns

Ensure your fireteam focuses fire on the Primeval once the minor enemies are clear. Unload your most powerful heavy and super abilities to nuke it down before the opposing team kills their boss.

According to Destiny analytics site TRIALS.REPORT, the Sleeper Simulant exotic is the #1 used weapon for defeating Primevals in Gambit, boasting a huge 68% usage rate. Lean on its raw damage potential for this quest step.

Step 2: Hunt The Hidden Taken Threat

For this objective, you must eliminate 25 challenging mini-bosses concealed across the ethereal realm of The Dreaming City destination. I discovered the most efficient farming method is activating The Blind Well activity.

The final wave spawns an abundance of Taken Centurions, each counting towards your goal. Utilize the chaos of this 6 player arena to rapidly accumulate kills. I averaged 5 mini-boss kills per successful Blind Well run.

However, be warned – the Taken emerge in an epic showdown of speed, aggression, and power. I suggest keeping your distance while unleashing massive area-of-effect attacks like Nova Bomb or Thundercrash. These flashy Super abilities can rip through numerous enemies simultaneously, accelerating your quest progress.

Step 3: Brave The Corrupted

Gear up, Guardian – in this next quest step, you‘ll tackle The Corrupted, an extremely challenging high-level Strike culminating in a frenzied showdown with the devious Taken wizard Sedia.

While battling through the Vanguard‘s most ruthless Strike, you‘ll uncover a Depleted Weapon Core required to advance the quest. But extracting it won‘t be easy…

Based on my multiple completions, I have two key tips:

1. Assemble an elite fireteam

I‘ve witnessed many brave solo players leap into The Corrupted, never to emerge again. Sedia and her Taken forces show no mercy. Recruit two allies with complementary Supers, heavy weapons, and Champion mods to balance your Strike squad.

2. Don‘t be afraid to play conservative

Attempting to speed-run this Strike is a recipe for disaster. The final phase is total chaos, with purple throne world anomalies blasting you as endless waves of shadow thrall rush your position. Move methodically, clear adds, and chip away at Sedia‘s health. Staying alive is paramount!

Follow this advice, and you‘ll push through to claim that Depleted Weapon Core. Your next confrontation awaits…

Step 4: Prove Your Worth in Gambit

This quest step separates the devoted from the dabblers. You must win 10 Gambit matches AND deposit 400 motes total. That likely equals 20+ matches unless you‘re God-tier.

For winning efficiently, I strictly run Gambit with a trusted four stack squad using voice comms. Our roles include:

Mote Collector: Prioritizes gathering motes, deposits cautiously

Invader: Focused on ruining the enemy team‘s day

Sentry: Supports Collector, calls out invaders

Reaper: Rapidly kills ads and elites

Executing our specialized roles while communicating, we consistently dominate matches. I bank around 20 motes per game, hitting the 400 total in a reasonable timeframe.

Some key tips:

• Bank 5 or 10 motes at a time – losing 15 motes to an invasion is soul-crushing
• Take out blockers immediately – don‘t let them drain your bank
• Collect Heavy ammo – use it aggressively when invading

Follow this advice while playing with an organized squad, and you‘ll complete this quest step with your sanity intact.

Step 5: Rack Up Eliminations

Finally, a quest objective specially catered for my talents! You must eliminate 25 enemies in Gambit matches. No wins required – just ruthless proficiency at dishing out pain.

As an expert Invader, I accomplished this in just a few matches. My preferred loadout:

Kinetic: Ace of Spades – Crisp, hard-hitting hand cannon packing Firefly for ad clear

Energy: Felwinter‘s Lie – The king of shotguns, absolutely devastating up close

Heavy: Eyes of Tomorrow – One of the best Rocket Launchers for wiping teams

As soon as my team banked enough motes for the portal to open, I hopped through ready to wreak havoc. Catching groups of enemies off guard with Eyes of Tomorrow nets 3+ kills consistently. Before long, I shredded enough foes to complete this objective.

For non-Invaders, focus on mowing down waves of ads throughout each match. Rack up eliminations through ordinary Gambit play until your quest step ticks over to completion.

Triumph Over Darkness

By reaching this point, you‘ve demonstrated true mastery of Destiny 2‘s diverse challenges – slaying elusive bosses, exploring mystical dungeons, dominating the action of Gambit, and emerging victorious from the Vanguard‘s deadliest Strike. With the powers of Light AND Darkness at your fingertips, no foe stands a chance!

Journey back to the Drifter‘s ominous enclave beneath the Tower to claim your reward: the almighty Malfeasance – a hand cannon harnessing the very essence of the Taken. Its unique perk, Explosive Shadow, causes enemies to detonate in spectacular fashion after just 5 shots.

This Exotic beast shreds through even the most imposing bosses and Guardians with terrifying speed. And it will be yours – a token to forever commemorate conquering this quest and taking back control from the darkness. Wield it with pride, champion!

Now get out there and give ‘em hell!

In Conclusion

I hope my insider expertise from completing this quest multiple times equipped you to overcome all obstacles in your path. While challenging, mastering the Darkness in Light quest proves deeply rewarding. Soon that magnificent hand cannon will rest on your hip as a badge of honor.

Let me know in the comments if this guide propelled you to victory! And remember – no matter how dark things get, never stop fighting. The light finds a way.