Conquering Destiny 2's Warlord's Ruin: The Shadow of the Mountain Quest Guide

The Warlord's Ruin dungeon in Destiny 2 remains a fan-favorite even in 2025, boasting some of the most brilliantly designed encounters and atmospheric layouts in the franchise's history. Guardians diving into the Shadow of the Mountain quest quickly realize this isn't your average dungeon run—it's a full-blown expedition requiring multiple treks through treacherous terrain. While the initial completion feels like a triumph, the real journey begins when players discover they've barely scratched the surface of this epic undertaking. The quest transforms a single dungeon clear into a grueling scavenger hunt that tests patience and perseverance, making guardians question whether the payoff will be worth the grind.

The Relentless Quest Steps

This marathon begins straightforwardly enough: Guardians must first conquer the dungeon in the European Dead Zone. But that's just the opening act. The real slog kicks in with subsequent requirements that'll make you run this gauntlet repeatedly:

• 🦴 Collect a Corrupted Ahamkara Bone (first run reward)

• 🧪 Gather five Dark Ether Tinctures from Thieving Wretches

• ⚔️ Restore three sets of Hefnd's Bones across escalating difficulty tiers

Here's where many guardians hit a wall—the bones aren't just lying around. You'll need to dispel Taken Corruption from level-gated doors scattered through the dungeon. The kicker? Door levels unlock progressively as you advance through quest steps. This design choice forces multiple completions, turning what could've been a one-and-done into a serious time commitment.

People Also Ask: The Burning Questions

1. "How many runs does this quest actually require?"

Buckle up, champ—you're looking at minimum three full clears if you're efficient. But with bone doors requiring specific progression unlocks, most guardians end up running it 4-5 times.

1. "Can I cheese the level-gated doors?"

Absolutely! If you've got a buddy who's completed the quest, they can open higher-level doors for you. This shortcut can shave off entire runs if you coordinate properly.

1. "Is the dungeon exotic part of the reward?"

Nope, that's the real kick in the teeth—you get a random class exotic and standard dungeon loot, but the coveted exotic remains RNG-based from final boss drops.

The Bone Hunter's Field Guide

Locating all nine Bones of Hefnd requires eagle-eyed exploration. Here's the full breakdown:

Bone #	Level	Location Clues
1	1	Inside the first fort's main chamber
2	1	Maze area after prison cell puzzle
3	1	Cliffside tunnel post-second boss
4	2	Maze wall breach near puzzle end
5	2	Right cliff path after maze exit
6	2	Crouch-passage in trapped chest room
7	3	Upper tunnels behind barred chest
8	3	Cave indent near floating debris
9	3	Mountain ascent tunnel entrances

Item Farming: Know Your Targets

Not all drops are created equal. While progressing, you'll need to farm:

• Blighted Wishing Glass: Dropped exclusively by dungeon bosses 💀

• Dark Ether Tinctures: Hunt down those glowing Thieving Wretches (they're basically walking Screeb piñatas)

The real MVP move? Tag-team farming with friends. While one guardian handles mechanics, others can focus add-clear to spawn more Wretches. Efficiency is key when you're running this back-to-back.

The Final Stretch

After restoring all bones and gathering materials, guardians must return to Hefnd's Cairn—a solemn moment that finally progresses the quest to its Ikora conclusion. While the exotic reward isn't dungeon-specific, the real prize comes from mastering Warlord's Ruin inside and out. You'll emerge with enough loot to make Master Rahool blush and bragging rights as a true dungeon connoisseur.

Why This Quest Stands Out

Unlike Spire of the Watcher's Ares Desperado quest (which wrapped after one clear), Shadow of the Mountain forces guardians to really learn the dungeon's nooks and crannies. By the final run, you'll be parkouring through traps like a pro and melting bosses before they finish their monologues. It's brutal but brilliant design—Bungie's way of ensuring players fully experience their masterpiece.

🔥 Time to suit up, Guardian! 🔥

Don't let the grind intimidate you—grab your fireteam, stock up on raid banners, and turn Warlord's Ruin into your personal playground. The mountains are calling, and glory awaits those brave enough to answer. Eyes up!