In Destiny 2, raids have a reputation. They are lengthy, heavily reliant on mechanics, and filled with scenes where it seems like everyone else is already proficient. For far too long, I was excluded from raids because I thought that being a member of one required perfect aim, ideal equipment, and years of experience.
Written from the opposite side of that dread is this blog, Beginner’s Guide to Destiny 2 Raids. I’m explaining what raids are, how I prepared without worrying too much about every little detail, how I located beginner-friendly groups in the US, and the minor mental adjustments that allowed me to pass my first clear without seeming foolish.
What Are Destiny 2 Raids and Why Do They Feel So Intimidating?
Destiny 2 raids are six-player endgame activities built around mechanics, teamwork, and communication rather than raw gun skill. Unlike strikes or seasonal activities, raids don’t tell you where to go or what to do next. Your fireteam figures everything out together.
That lack of direction is exactly why raids feel overwhelming at first. They demand coordination, callouts, and patience. What I learned quickly, though, is that raids aren’t about being the best shooter in the room. They reward players who stay calm, listen well, and adapt when things go sideways.
Once I accepted that wipes are part of the learning curve, raids stopped feeling stressful and started feeling genuinely fun.
Am I Actually Ready for My First Raid as a Beginner?
Most new players assume they need perfect gear or max power before even thinking about raiding. That mindset kept me out longer than necessary. Raids require functional readiness, not perfection.
When I joined my first raid, I focused on three things:
- Staying close to the recommended Power Level
- Bringing one reliable boss damage weapon and one strong add-clear option
- Understanding basic raid roles, even if I wasn’t confident yet
If you can handle higher-difficulty Nightfalls, follow instructions, and speak up when you’re unsure, you’re ready. That’s the bar.
Gear and Power Preparation That Actually Matters
Power Level Expectations
Before joining a raid, I always check the recommended Power Level:
- Older raids like Vault of Glass or Deep Stone Crypt feel comfortable around 1600+ Power
- Newer raids usually expect 1945+ Power or higher
Being underleveled makes survival harder and slows learning, especially in US LFG groups that expect reasonable readiness.
Loadout Essentials I Rely On
I don’t chase perfect rolls before raiding. I prioritize reliability.
Add clear works best with high-ammo primaries like SMGs or Auto Rifles, or area-denial weapons such as Witherhoard. For majors and elites, Fusion Rifles or Shotguns provide consistent burst damage. For boss DPS, Rocket Launchers, Linear Fusion Rifles, or Sniper Rifles cover most encounters.
Survivability matters more than damage early on. I always push my Resilience as high as possible, aiming for Tier 10 to reduce incoming damage and survive mistakes.
Which Destiny 2 Raid Is Best for Beginners?
This question comes up constantly, and for good reason. Not all raids are beginner-friendly.
From experience, accessible raids share a few traits:
- Mechanics repeat across encounters
- Damage checks allow room for error
- Plenty of add-clear roles exist for new players
Vault of Glass is free-to-play and teaches fundamentals like plates and synchronized callouts. Deep Stone Crypt introduces clear roles with forgiving difficulty. Root of Nightmares offers a shorter experience with many beginner-friendly add-clear positions.
Your first clear matters more than speed or loot. Learning raid flow builds confidence faster than chasing perfect runs.
How I Find a Raid Group in the US Without Stress
Finding a group felt harder than the raid itself until I understood how US players use LFG.
Most groups look for three things: communication, honesty, and willingness to learn. When I see “KWTD,” I skip it. That tag means “Know What To Do,” and it’s rarely beginner-friendly.
Instead, I search for posts labeled “Teaching run,” “Beginner friendly,” or “Sherpa run.” I always introduce myself clearly and say I’m new but prepared. That honesty sets expectations and builds trust immediately.
Raid Roles and What Beginners Should Choose First
Raid roles sound complex, but most come down to responsibility level.
As a beginner, I stick to adding clear or light support duties like plates, buffs, or rotations. These roles let me contribute while observing how mechanics work. Over time, I learned advanced roles by watching teammates and asking questions between encounters.
Good raid leaders don’t expect beginners to know everything instantly. They expect effort and communication.
How I Prepare Mentally Before Entering a Raid
Preparation lowers anxiety more than skill ever will.
Before every raid, I watch a short overview video instead of a long walkthrough, test my mic, equip ammo finders and survivability mods, and block off enough time to avoid rushing.
Raids take hours, especially for beginners. Planning for that mentally makes the experience far smoother.
Step-by-Step: How I Completed My First Raid Successfully
I joined learning-focused groups and avoided speedrun culture early. During encounters, I listened before shooting and prioritized mechanics over damage. When I got lost, I spoke up immediately instead of staying silent.
Wipes taught timing, positioning, and rhythm. Finishing my first raid changed how I viewed endgame content entirely. Every raid after felt more approachable.
This approach forms the backbone of this Beginner’s Guide to Destiny 2 Raids, because success comes from systems, not ego.
Common Raid Mechanics You’ll See Repeatedly
Plates require standing on specific locations to trigger progress. Buffs and debuffs involve managing timed effects that grant abilities or punish mistakes. Dunking mechanics ask players to carry objects like orbs or cores to designated locations.
Once I recognized these patterns, new raids felt far less intimidating.
Common Beginner Mistakes I Learned to Avoid
The biggest mistake I made was pretending I understood mechanics when I didn’t. That always backfires. I also avoid talking over callouts, changing loadouts mid-encounter without asking, and letting frustration take over after wipes.
Raids reward patience. Skill follows naturally.
Why Raiding Is Worth It (Even If You’re Nervous)
Raids reshaped how I experienced Destiny 2. They taught teamwork, patience, and game knowledge that no other activity provides. For US players especially, raid communities shine through teaching runs, late-night clears, and clutch moments that stick with you long after the loot fades.
That’s why this Beginner’s Guide to Destiny 2 Raids exists—to make your first raid feel achievable, not intimidating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Destiny 2 raiding hard for beginners?
Raids feel difficult at first, but repetition and communication make them manageable quickly.
2. Do I need a mic?
Yes. Most US raid groups expect clear voice communication.
3. How long does a raid take?
Beginner raids usually last two to four hours.
4. Can solo players raid?
Yes. Solo players regularly use LFG tools to join teams successfully.
Final Thoughts for New Raiders
Raiding is where Destiny 2’s community shows its best side—especially in the US scene. Teaching runs, late-night clears, and clutch saves turn strangers into teammates faster than any other activity in the game.
You don’t earn your place in a raid by being perfect. You earn it by being honest, prepared, and willing to learn. Once you finish that first raid, you’ll realize the endgame was never locked behind skill—it was locked behind confidence.
Take the step. Your first clear is closer than you think.