Destiny: Rising features several competitive modes where you can test your skills against other Lightbringers. This guide walks you through accessing PvP content and breaks down each available mode.

How to Access PvP

All PvP modes in Destiny: Rising live in the Activities tab. Open your menu, navigate to Activities, select the mode you want, and queue up for matchmaking. Simple as that.

You won't have access to everything right away, though. Each PvP mode unlocks as you progress through the main campaign, so keep pushing through the story if you want to try all the competitive content.

Destiny Rising Activities Menu — Access all PvP modes through the Activities tab in Destiny: Rising

Available PvP Modes

Destiny: Rising currently offers three distinct ways to compete:

Shifting Gates
Shadowshaper Duels
Iron Bar

Each mode plays completely differently, from large-scale hybrid battles to strategic card games to territorial warfare.

Shifting Gates

Shifting Gates blends PvP and PvE into one chaotic competition. Six fireteams of three players each drop into the same match, all fighting to collect the most Data Points before time runs out.

You'll earn Data Points two ways. First, by killing regular enemies and Prime Anomalies scattered throughout the map. Prime Anomalies are high-value targets worth more points than standard enemies. Second, you can hunt down players from other fireteams and steal their collected points when you eliminate them.

Pro Tip

Finding the right balance between farming PvE enemies and hunting other players is what separates the top teams from everyone else in Shifting Gates.

This creates an interesting dynamic where teams have to decide how much time to spend farming PvE enemies versus hunting other players. Playing it safe and grinding enemies works, but aggressive teams can swoop in and take everything you've collected.

Destiny Rising Shifting Gates Mode — Shifting Gates combines PvP and PvE into an intense competition for Data Points

To unlock Shifting Gates, you need to complete the "Foresighted Research" sidequest and finish Chapter 1-2 of your Handbook. Both requirements must be met before the mode shows up in Activities.

Shadowshaper Duels

Shadowshaper Duels takes a sharp turn from traditional shooter gameplay. This is a card game built into Destiny: Rising where you construct a deck and battle opponents across four rounds of strategic card placement.

Each round, you place cards with the goal of ending up with a higher total attack number than your opponent. After four rounds, whoever scored higher wins the match. Building a strong deck and knowing when to play your best cards matters more than twitch reflexes here.

You unlock Shadowshaper Duels after completing Chapter 2-3 of your Handbook.

Note

Beyond competitive matches against other players, you can also challenge NPCs scattered around the game world to earn Lumia Leaves and new cards for your collection.

These PvE duelists appear as markers on your map, making them easy to track down. Beating them rewards you with Lumia Leaves and new cards for your collection. If you're serious about Shadowshaper Duels, track down these NPCs first to build up your deck before facing human opponents.

Destiny Rising Shadowshaper Duels Card Game — Shadowshaper Duels offers a strategic card game experience within Destiny: Rising

Iron Bar

Iron Bar is straight-up team PvP with no PvE elements mixed in. Two fireteams of six players face off in battles focused on territorial control.

Your team fights to capture and hold territories across the map while eliminating enemy Lightbringers. Controlling more territory pushes you toward victory, but you can't ignore the enemy team. Letting them roam freely means they'll just take back whatever you capture. Successful teams coordinate their pushes, defend key positions, and pick their fights carefully.

Warning

Iron Bar only runs from Friday through Sunday. Outside that weekend window, you won't find it in the Activities tab at all. Plan your play sessions accordingly if you want those rewards.

Speaking of rewards, Iron Bar drops random Rare Weapons and Bright Dust. The limited availability combined with quality loot makes this a priority for anyone looking to gear up on weekends.

Destiny Rising Iron Bar PvP Mode — Iron Bar delivers classic 6v6 territorial PvP action during weekends

Quick Reference

Mode	Type	Team Size	How to Unlock	When Available
Shifting Gates	PvP/PvE Hybrid	6 fireteams of 3	"Foresighted Research" sidequest + Handbook Chapter 1-2	Always
Shadowshaper Duels	Card Game	1v1	Handbook Chapter 2-3	Always
Iron Bar	Team PvP	2 fireteams of 6	Story progression	Fri-Sun only

Getting Started with PvP

Since every PvP mode requires story progression to unlock, your first priority should be pushing through the main campaign and Handbook chapters. This opens up competitive content faster and gives you time to learn the game's mechanics before facing other players.

Check the Activities tab after completing major story milestones. New modes appear there once you've met their unlock requirements.

Pro Tip

For Shadowshaper Duels, spend some time hunting down NPC duelists on your map before jumping into player matches. The extra cards and resources you collect will give you more options when building your competitive deck.

If Iron Bar rewards catch your eye, remember to block out some time during the weekend. The mode disappears Monday through Thursday, so you only have a three-day window each week to participate.