Destiny: Rising, like the PC and console versions, features multiple game modes, some of which are PvP focused. However, it’s safe to say the game has moved beyond the classic “deathmatch” format: PvP modes are incredibly fun and offer more variety than ever before. If you’re a beginner, understanding what they are and how they work can be confusing. Don’t worry—we’re here to help. Below, we’ll take a look at the basic PvP game modes in Destiny: Rising and explain how they work.

How to Unlock PvP in Destiny: Rising

To unlock PvP modes, you need to progress through the campaign missions, and as you do, you’ll unlock new ones. Each mode requires you to reach a different campaign level, which you can see in the table below. But first, a final reminder: almost every campaign stage requires you to download a 1.5-2 GB file, and to unlock all PvP modes, you’ll need to download around 20 GB—make sure you’re on a Wi-Fi connection.

Shifting Gates Mode

This is very similar to the “Gambit” mode in Destiny 2. You play in two teams of three players, and your goal is to store the most data within eight minutes. Data drops from PvE enemies you kill, and you have to pick them up and carry them to the transmission terminal. Prime Anomalies drop “data nucleus” and award more points, but players carrying them must survive for 60 seconds.

The locations of the transmission terminals you need to use (to store data) change regularly; you can see and mark them by opening your map. This mode features a single map, but it’s divided into different regions, which you can travel between using sync gates. Shifting Gates include weekly challenges and offers Pinnacle rewards, which can be claimed once for free upon successful completion. To reclaim these rewards later, you must spend Pinnacle Energy. Otherwise, you’ll only get standard rewards.

The most important advice we can give about this mode is to definitely not act alone. Work with your teammates and immediately mark the location of new transmission terminals on your map. If you can’t see where they are, you won’t be able to store the data you’ve collected. And if you fight alone, you’ll die quickly – enemies can be more dangerous than ever as they attack in groups.

Shadowshaper Duels

This mode is active for 12 hours every day and is quite different from the PvP mechanics you’re used to, as it’s designed like a tabletop card game. It’s exclusive to the mobile version and you can get rare weapons, among other things. It’s not for everyone, but the mechanics are quite simple. You try to destroy all enemy cards by paying attention to the power values ​​in the top left corner. You can earn new cards by completing different modes. For example, Pinnacle rewards sometimes include new and rare cards.

Iron Bar

This is the traditional PvP mode: adapted from the “Iron Banner” mode in Destiny 2 and only available during weekends, although this restriction may be lifted in the future. Iron Bar is a 6v6 control match – you try to control three different regions. The more kills you get, the more points you earn.

Unlike the others, this mode features multiple maps, and teamwork is more crucial than ever. To succeed, you must communicate, request assistance, and support your teammates. If you play like a “lone wolf,” you won’t be able to win a single match. For every match you win, you can get many rewards, including level 50 rare weapons. BlueStacks’ Smart Controls will be particularly useful in this mode: you can play with your keyboard and mouse for more comfortable controls without restricting your field of view.

Sparrow Racing

While not traditional PvP, this mode can be considered a PvP activity since you’re challenging other players. As you might have guessed from the name, you participate in races with other players – jump into your mount and try to finish the races first. It’s a fun mode, and we have no advice other than to keep practicing until you learn where to speed up and slow down.

Try all the PvP modes to take advantage of everything Destiny: Rising has to offer and earn rewards that will also be useful in other game modes. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to play Destiny: Rising on your computer with BlueStacks: you can control your character much more easily with your keyboard and mouse, ensuring an enjoyable experience.

Keep progressing in Destiny: Rising with our other in-depth guides:

• Destiny: Rising Character’s Guide – Get to Know about all the Lightbearers
• Destiny: Rising Rerolling Guide – Start your Adventures the Best Way Possible
• Destiny: Rising Progression Guide for New Players