Destiny 2 Basilica Totem encounter, how to use Annihilator Totems and Deathsinger's Power
How to successfully complete the Basilica section of the King's Fall raid, managing the Aura of the Unraveler and Deathsinger's Power.
The Basilica, Annihilator Totems and Deathsinger's Power is where your two-team strategy will pay off the most in King's Fall.
Throughout this challenge in Destiny 2, you'll need to utilise your teamwork skills, so you can successfully clear the Totems and venture further in the King's Fall raid.
Remember to visit our King's Fall walkthrough to learn everything you need to know about this Destiny 2 raid.
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Annihilator Totems and Deathsinger's Power explained
Totems in Destiny 2 are similar to their D1 counterparts, but with small, significant, changes. You are aiming to light the runes which surround a portal directly ahead of you as you enter the room. Note that the event starts as soon as the first shot is fired, or after somebody collects one of two orbs that rest on the plates leading to the exits left and right.
As before, there are Annihilator Totems on the far left and far right of the room, and someone must stand near them at all times or they will quickly turn red and wipe out the party. There is also a poisonous miasma around each totem that will slowly drain the health of any guardian in the area.
There are two orbs of light, one each to the left and right. Holding these orbs will bestow either Brand of the Weaver or Brand of the Unraveler, and create a sphere of protection from the miasma, protecting anyone within from the health drain.
Any kills while holding one of these orbs will give the carrier stacks of Deathsinger’s Power. However, there is a countdown timer that accompanies each Brand. If it reaches 0, the carrier dies.
A pair of special Knights called Blightguards spawn on the balconies towards the front of the central room. They drop a glowing item that bestows Brand Stealer on whoever picks it up. This allows you to take the brand from your ally, and the timer begins again.
Finally, there is a circle on the floor in the central room. Players who have collected Deathsinger’s Power stand in this circle to deposit. These deposits are what light the runes that open the door.
The Season of the Deep is here alongside the Into the Depths quest. You can know go fishing too! Don't forget to keep an eye on the Lost Sector and King's Fall challenge rotation schedule!
How to clear the Totems
Totems are a carefully timed rotation. You will divide into two teams of three, and each team will start with the following roles:
- Stealer
- Holder
- Depositor
Depositors stand in the circle of the central room, clearing adds and offloading any Deathsinger’s power they have accumulated. Once they no longer have any Desthsingers power they rotate, and become Brand Stealers. Occasionally an Unstoppable Ogre will spawn, and it will be primarily the Depositors job to kill it.
Stealers stand on the two balconies at the front of the central room. They kill a wizard on their balcony, which then spawns the Blightguard. When the Blightguard dies, he drops the Brand Stealer orb. The Stealer takes this, joins the Holder at the Totem, and becomes the new Holder by stealing the Aura.
Holders will collect the orbs at the start of the encounter and stand under one of the two Annihilator Totems. Their job is to get as many kills as possible to collect Deathsinger’s Power, and keep the Stealers up to date on their countdown timers. Once the brand is stolen, they rotate and become Depositors.
Both sides will rotate constantly through these roles amongst their team of three. Once enough Deathsinger’s energy has been deposited the central door will open. Collect your loot, and head to the next encounter.
Keep reading for our guide on beating the Warpriest, the next encounter in King's Fall. You can also head back to the first page for the rest of our King's Fall raid guide.