Destiny 2 has just unveiled an exciting new addition to its universe: The Gryphon, a personal vehicle capable of firing weapons reminiscent of the Fallen Pikes and Cabal Interceptors.
With every update in Destiny 2, players eagerly anticipate fresh methods to navigate the expansive world. Last year’s Guardian Games introduced Skimmers, considerably enhancing movement dynamics and allowing players to fulfill their Cloud Strider aspirations.
Alongside the Gryphon, the game has launched Heavy Metal, a competitive PvP mode featuring two teams of three battling in mechanized warfare.
This guide will explore how to unlock the Gryphon vehicle and provide insights into mastering the Heavy Metal game mode.
Gryphon Acquisition Quest
Upon launching the game, players will be informed about Heavy Metal and the enticing rewards available through participation.
To start your quest for the Gryphon, head to the Tower and engage with Lord Shaxx, who will initiate a quest outlining the Heavy Metal event and its mechanics.
Progress through the quest objectives, which include playing Heavy Metal, utilizing reroll tokens, and following other clear-cut directives that do not require extensive explanation.
After completing the questline, you’re free to explore various aspects of the Destiny universe at your leisure.
Understanding Heavy Metal
Heavy Metal is a limited-time game mode available exclusively from May 9th, 2025, to July 15, 2025.
Although further updates from Bungie are uncertain, the current iteration of this game mode essentially blends Supremacy with the functionality of Fallen Brigs and Drake Tanks.
Both vehicles feature basic movement controls, primary and secondary firing options, and a dodge mechanism, though they differ slightly in handling and secondary fire characteristics.
Both vehicles launch a cannon projectile that travels straight. Their secondary fire consists of homing missiles with moderate tracking capabilities, necessitating a brief lock-on time.
Scoring against opponents grants a medal, increasing your score by one, while also replenishing health and recharging your secondary fire.
The player collecting the most medals on each team will glow and acquire the “Leader”buff, enhancing their dodge ability recharge rate and mobility.
The team that accumulates 50 points first secures victory.
Strategies for Success
Having engaged in numerous matches of Heavy Metal, I’ve compiled several key tips that could significantly increase your chances of winning:
- Lead your shots. Anticipate your opponent’s movements; adjust your aim to compensate for projectile travel time.
- Maintain unpredictability in movement. Utilize dodges strategically to confuse opponents, ideally stopping when they least expect it.
- Prioritize cover management. Since healing or dodging is restricted, finding robust cover is essential for survival.
- Teamwork is crucial. Combining forces yields a better chance of success—preferably a 2v1 scenario over trading 1v1 encounters.
- Conserve your secondary attack. Use it strategically to ensure maximum impact, as refreshing your charge relies on respawning or collecting medals.
- Claim your teammates’ medals. Picking up fallen allies’ medals denies enemy scoring opportunities.
- Ambush tactics are beneficial. A stealthy approach can drastically improve your engagement success rate against opponents.
- Know your vehicle’s handling. The Drake Tank is less maneuverable compared to the Brig, which can lead to flipping if not controlled carefully.
- Enjoy the agility of the Fallen Brig. While it compensates with speed, remember it presents a larger target to adversaries.
Event Card Overview
Within the quest tab, players will encounter the Event Card, detailing all unlockable rewards.
Initial challenges, which reset daily and weekly, allow players to earn tokens and event XP necessary for ranking up.
Daily challenges facilitate the completion of one tier, while weekly challenges can span two to three tiers.
The event card features 15 tiers for ranking up, providing access to upgrade materials, engrams, and reroll tokens, enabling players to refresh challenges that may not appeal to them.
At the culmination of the event card, players can unlock the Gryphon vehicle. If you’re eager to get it sooner, spending 100 Silver on each rank total to 1500 Silver can expedite the unlocking process.
Event Rewards Breakdown
Apart from the event track, players will also find Triumphs and a Seal linked to Heavy Metal events.Only four Triumphs are necessary to unlock the Seal, and additional Triumphs are anticipated to be revealed.
Players can also purchase items using tokens acquired from challenges.
Heavy Metal engrams can be obtained during this event containing notable weapons, such as the Palindrome (hand cannon), Cruoris FR4 (fusion rifle), Boondoggle Mk.55 (SMG), and the Lotus-Eater (rocket sidearm).
These weapons can typically be fetched through ritual activities, notably the Vanguard ops and Nightfalls, with Palindrome and Lotus-Eater featuring Adept versions.
For those who prefer not to grind Nightfalls, Heavy Metal engrams offer a suitable alternative, though Cruoris FR4 and Boondoggle Mk.55 may not meet high-performance standards.
Review: Is the Gryphon Worth Unlocking?
Absolutely, yes!
Though the Gryphon is slower compared to a Sparrow or Skimmer, it compensates for its speed with enhanced durability and built-in weaponry.
This vehicle requires a brief charge before reaching full speed, reminiscent of a Guardian’s take on the Cabal Interceptor.
The Gryphon’s secondary fire is particularly remarkable: it launches two tracking projectiles that, while dealing minimal damage, play a crucial role in applying elemental verbs depending on the Guardian’s equipped super.
Below is a summary of how the secondary fire performs with each damage type of super:
- Void: Inflicts Volatile effects on enemies.
- Solar: Causes burning but does not stack to create Ignitions, performs Burn x2 instead.
- Arc: Temporarily blinds and incapacitates foes.
- Stasis: Freezes enemies, leading to shattering upon sustaining damage.
- Strand: Suspends targets and has the potential to create a tangle.
This unique functionality opens up new possibilities for buildcrafting, making the Gryphon a noteworthy addition to your Destiny 2 experience.
